In the early stages of dating, it can be quite difficult to assess the other person’s intentions. Does he really mean his declarations of love? Or is he one of those people who doesn’t admit to being seriously interested? As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words: These 10 signs will tell you he’d like a real relationship with you.

You’ve been dating for a while now, and you’re wondering if it’s more than a fling. Is he talking about marriage and kids? If declarations of love and plans for the future are pouring in, especially early in the dating phase, chances are you’re not the first to hear these words. If he sees you as his future partner, you’ll notice it primarily in his behavior. There are signs and actions that indicate that he (whether consciously or subconsciously) wants something serious with you.

He takes time and effort to see you

No matter how busy a person may be, if they’re truly serious about you, they’ll want to be with you. Of course, you don’t have to be together 24/7. But a meal, a walk, or Netflix & Chill every now and then should definitely be possible. 

He keeps his promises

During the getting-to-know-you phase, promises are made quickly: “We absolutely have to try the entrecôte at my favorite restaurant.” If he actually follows through on his promises, you can rest assured. If they’re just empty words, he’s just trying to fool you.

He introduces you to his friends and family

If he takes you to meet his loved ones, it’s a huge sign of commitment. He’s investing in your future together—after all, you don’t introduce every conquest to your parents . This shows that there’s room for you in his life. However, if the family greets you with, “Ah, you’re the new girl,” you might not want to get your hopes up too much. 

He makes plans for the future

When dating, we tend to keep our future plans to ourselves to avoid disappointment. If he starts planning bigger things with you, he’s probably serious. Why else would he waste his time? It doesn’t have to be a shared apartment right away. Maybe he’s planning a weekend trip or a special date with you.

He sees the real you (and appreciates it)

Let’s be honest: When dating, we invest a lot of time and energy into looking good and looking even better. We present ourselves as our best selves, gloss over the issues in our lives, and talk about the great things we’ve accomplished. We don’t reveal insecurities and problems right away. If you let your guard down and he’s there for you even in difficult situations, he shows that your well-being is important to him. 

He apologizes

After he leaves the dishes behind again, you finally gather your courage and confront him. If he listens and apologizes, that’s a good sign—he’s a keeper. However, if he looks for  excuses  or plays the victim (keyword: gaslighting ), you should be cautious. He’s obviously not interested in changing his behavior.

He asks you questions

At first, we constantly ask each other questions and want to know everything about the other person. If he’s serious about you, his thirst for knowledge will remain insatiable, and he’ll want to know how you’re feeling, how your day was, and what’s on your mind.

He listens to you

All eyes on you: When you talk, his attention is fully on you. He looks you in the eyes and listens attentively. He remembers the details if you’re important to him and knows exactly what’s going on inside you.

It is not just about one thing

Especially in the early stages, physical intimacy is a huge part of a relationship. However, it shouldn’t just revolve around one thing. This might sound lame, but have you ever just spent the night talking? Did you fall asleep together before you could start the next morning?

You have a good gut feeling

Your intuition is a good guide. Of course, you won’t always understand your partner’s behavior and can misinterpret it. But if your gut feeling tells you that he’s serious and your relationship feels good, you can trust yourself a little more.