Ever notice how we’re quick to list what we don’t want in a partner but freeze when asked what actually makes a good man? I sure did.
Hi, I’m Claire Delli Santi, and for years, my dating life was a parade of “almost-rights” and “definitely-not-hims.” Then, during one unforgettable conversation with a stranger in line at a bakery, I realized I’d been looking for all the wrong things.
That stranger? A dad buying pastries for his kids—a small moment that made me rethink everything about qualities of a good man. I’ll share the whole story later, but let’s first explore what truly counts.
And, if you’re curious about sparking that irresistible pull, check out our article on making a man start the chase.
Key Nuggets
- Respect isn’t optional: A good man values others’ dignity, showing respect to everyone.
- Kindness beats perfection: Genuine kindness and consistent effort outweigh any superficial qualities or temporary charms.
- Gratitude reveals character: A grateful man sees life as a gift, cherishing relationships over materialism.
- My personal take: Qualities of a good man are like an old vinyl record—authentic, timeless, and irreplaceable.
A Man’s Best Qualities
1. He respects everyone.
Showing respect for others is one of the most important qualities a man can have. No matter whether he knows them or not, a perfect man shows respect towards everyone. Respecting women is an essential part of course.
2. Being kind to others is his priority.
One of the most important things in a relationship is kindness, and an ideal guy will go out of his way to spread joy whenever he can. He won’t expect anything in exchange for his kindness.
3. It is important to him to be close to his parents.
A man who is “perfect” is usually close to his parents (as long as they are good people who did not subject them to trauma as a child), since they understand that they raised them the best way they could and will therefore want to stay in touch and honor them.
4. He’s Self-Confident and feels at ease with himself.
A man who knows himself and is comfortable in his own skin will never need to look elsewhere for approval. If someone is uncomfortable with themselves, they seek approval and come off as needy or damaged. Rather, men who love themselves and understand themselves are able to openly love without being needy.
5. His positive attitude makes him stand out.
While we all have our ups and downs, if you’re looking for a good man, you should ensure that he has an overall positive outlook on life.
6. Responsibility.
A perfect partner is responsible for themselves, the actions they take, and does not need to rely on anyone else. Being responsible is incredibly attractive.
7. He is grateful for what he has.
Happy and positive people are always grateful for the people around them. A partner who realizes that life is a gift wakes up every day appreciating everything others do for them.
8. He works hard to achieve his goals.
Drive, determination, and hard work are important qualities in a partner, as they show that they take responsibility for themselves, as well as their actions, as they also show that they are willing to work hard to make the relationship successful.
9. He has nice friends around him.
We are shaped by the people we surround ourselves with, so if a guy is surrounded by kind, caring friends then he will likely be the same.
10. He is good with kids.
No matter if you will have children in the future or you already have children, it will obviously be important for you that a guy is good with children. Even if you do not intend to have children, someone who is good with children shows that they have patience and kindness.
11. Supportive of others.
Every now and then, especially when undergoing difficult times, we need support, so the perfect guy will be supportive of you. They’ll support you, not tear you down.
12. He has never cheated on anyone.
A person who has never cheated means they are committed to only one person at a time and have no unfaithful traits, which means that if you get into a relationship with them, you can feel secure.
My Personal Take
My personal take on the qualities of a good man starts in the least romantic place possible—a bakery. I was waiting in line, half-distracted by my phone, when I noticed the guy ahead of me juggling a tray of pastries and his toddler’s backpack. “Morning chaos?” I joked. He grinned and said, “Always. But worth it when you see their smiles.”
That small interaction hit me like a ton of bricks. Here was someone fully present, handling life’s little messes with grace and humor. He wasn’t trying to impress anyone; he was just… good. It made me rethink my checklist for a partner. Charm and ambition? Sure, great. But kindness, consistency, and the ability to find joy in small things? That’s the gold standard.
I’ll be honest—figuring this out wasn’t the end of my story. Learning how to navigate relationships without settling for less was a game-changer, and that’s where Matthew Coast’s Forever Woman guide comes in. His famous 4-word text isn’t just clever—it’s transformational. If you’re serious about results without the hassle of one-on-one coaching, this is the guide I always recommend. Sometimes, the right tools make all the difference.
More Top Qualities to Look For
13. He is truthful.
When you’re in a relationship with someone who’s honest, they won’t ever lie to you or hide things from you. Honesty is crucial to a successful relationship.
14. He is devoted to those he loves.
It’s important to find someone who’s already committed to other people in their life, such as family and friends, if you’re looking for commitment. You can expect them to commit to you as well.
15. He does his best to make you happy.
Partnering with someone who is always striving to make you happy is something you should aim for on a long-term basis because they will always put effort into bringing a smile to your face.
16. He shows you that you can rely on him.
Trustworthy people do not need to tell you that they are trustworthy; instead, they will demonstrate it. The ideal partner will never cancel plans, will never be dishonest, and will always be transparent with you.
17. He is good at handling conflict.
Someone with anger issues or a poor way of dealing with conflict is the last thing you want in a relationship. Conflict does happen between couples, so you should be with someone who handles it well.
18. He is accepting toward everyone.
If you want to be in a relationship with someone who is open to the world and other people, always look for someone who accepts people for who they are, regardless of race, religion, gender, or background.
19. He won’t try to change you.
Your ideal partner loves you for who you are, accepts you for who you are, and doesn’t criticize or change you.
20. He is respectful of your work.
It is important that the man you choose respects the work you do and appreciates how dedicated you are to it.
21. He’s Not controlling you.
Regardless of what he thinks about you, the perfect guy knows you’re your own individual, so he won’t try to control you or impose his will on your relationship.
22. He’s got a mature attitude.
There’s nothing worse than when a guy acts like a man-child, so the perfect partner is someone mature and mature in behavior.
You may also be interested in: When a man is ignoring your texts, send him this sneaky ‘Attention Message’ before it’s too late
23. He’s Fun.
Laughter is crucial to maintaining happiness between two people. Find a guy who makes you laugh and has a similar sense of humor to you.
24. He has high moral standards.
People who live a conscientious life are usually people who have strong morals to live by. Those who live a conscientious life are usually people worth spending time with.
25. His future goals are similar to yours.
If you are seeking a long-term relationship, make sure you choose a partner whose goals align with yours. This will lead to a long-term, happy relationship.
26. He’s Good at communicating.
One of the most important factors of a successful relationship is communication, and the perfect guy will be able to communicate clearly and confidently with you and others.
27. He isn’t jealous.
You will want a guy who won’t get jealous when you are hanging with your male friends, as jealousy is one of the main reasons for relationships ending.
28. He wants to be close to your friends.
Someone who makes an effort to become friends with your friends is the perfect person to date, because they not only want to be liked and accepted by your friends, but it also shows you that they are interested in a long-term relationship with you.
29. He treats your family as if they were his own.
If someone takes the same interest in your family as he does in his own, then you’re likely to want to spend a long time with him. Your ideal partner loves your family and wants to be a part of it.
30. He helps you reach your goals.
He will support and help you in any way possible to accomplish your goals, because he wants you to have everything you desire.
31. His affection is undeniable.
In order for a relationship to succeed in the long run, love and affection must be shown frequently, so be on the lookout for a man who consistently shows them.
FAQs
What Are The Qualities Of A Good Man For Marriage?
I hope that this article has provided women with a long list of qualities they can use to find a man that is ideal for a long-term relationship or marriage. Men who demonstrate they are kind, committed, honest, and respectful are the perfect guys women should be looking for.
What Is The Most Attractive Age For Men?
A woman might be attracted to a man in his late 20s or 40s, depending on what age they find attractive. Think about all those yummy 50+ men out there who age like fine wine and are only getting better as time goes by.
What are The Qualities of a Good Man?
The character of a good man is kindness, caring, and commitment. Generally, a man knows himself, feels comfortable in his own skin, and wants to inspire or uplift a woman to feel confident about herself.
What Is The Best Man To Marry?
An ideal man will care for you, respect you, and want to show you every day how much you mean to him. Because this depends on what characteristics a woman finds most attractive. The perfect man does not want to cause you pain and wants to share the beauty of life with you.
In a relationship, what are your deal breakers?
Any man who disrespects anyone or thinks he’s above anyone is a no from me. A man acting like a child or not being open to life are also huge turn-offs. Although different women have different deal breakers, knowing what yours are can help you notice any red flags of these issues when dating someone.
Conclusion
I hope this article has been helpful in shedding some light on the kinds of men you should be looking for, and the qualities of a good man. Did you enjoy this article? If you did, please let us know in the comments and share it with others.
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