He's Your Biggest Fan: 12 Signs You're Dating A Good Man

A good man is hard to find -- at least from what I've heard.

In my experience, there are a fair share of guys who are indeed good -- just not when it comes to relationships.

I'm friends with some of these guys. And more often than not, the reason they're not in relationships is either because they're not ready for one (and are loving the bachelor life) or are just plain immature.

But while I'm friends with these immature dudes (immaturity is much less of an issue in a friendship than a relationship, after all), I'm also friends with guys are damn good partners.

I spoke to this group of committed gentlemen, and we worked together to compile the qualities one should look for in a good man. Or -- if you're already in a relationship -- qualities your man should already have.

1. He's your biggest fan.

A good man either equals or surpasses your mother when it comes to being in your corner. He'll not only encourage you in your goals and work with you to meet them, but he'll also share your successes as if they were his own.

When my girlfriend was promoted at her job, I was arguably more excited than she was. In fact, I threw a party for her. On the other hand, her mom (aka, my competition when it comes to being her biggest supporter) threw a family dinner at a hot restaurant in town. Even though I wanted to, I couldn't bring myself to ask my girlfriend which event she liked more. For my own sake, I'm going to assume it's mine.

2. He can admit when he's wrong.

Call it privilege or stubbornness: No man wants to admit he's wrong, even when he knows it. But a stand-up guy will put his pride aside and admit he's wrong. He doesn't want any turbulence. He understands his pride isn't worth an evening of silence between you two.

3. He cares about your friends.

A good guy understands that your friends are just as important as your family. He makes an honest effort to get to know them on a personal level.

There will be friends he likes more than others, of course, but he'll still ask about all of them. He wants to know if your best friend has broken up with her boyfriend; he'll want to know about your brother's new puppy.

He'll follow your closest pals on social media, and he's confident enough in your relationship to encourage you to see them more.

4. He treats others with respect.

If he shows respect, his parents raised him well. A good guy treats others with respect and kindness, even if he privately doesn't like certain people.

A guy who isn't worth your time will be rude and silent. He won't want to be around people who aren't in his circle. To see what kind of man he is, have him meet your family. And that brings us to the next point...

5. He's in your family's good graces.

A good guy makes an effort to impress your family. He is a tad nervous to meet them; he wants to make the best impression possible.

Since I knew my girlfriend's mother and grandmother didn't like tattoos, I made sure I purchased a long-sleeve cardigan to cover them up when I met them for the first time over Easter. I was also super polite and brought flowers. You've only got one shot at a first impression, and I was going to do everything I could to make them like me. (Hopefully they do.)

6. He treats you as his equal.

Though this should go without saying, no good man believes himself to be better than his partner. A good man treats his partner as his equal. This means he splits the housework, is comfortable with your career success and salary and otherwise dismisses dated gender norms.

7. He does things you like -- even if he hates them.

A good man is willing to go out of his comfort zone to make his partner happy. For instance, my girlfriend is vegan and loves going to the local market downtown. I hate doing this (aggressive hipsters run amok there), but do I do it? Of course I do. Because she's cute and worth it.

8. He's not jealous, but he's protective.

A little bit of jealousy is OK (it shows that he really likes you, after all), but too much isn't. A good man never turns violent or prevents you from going out with your friends or family.

A good man shows is protective but not controlling.

9. He'll take your side -- even when you're wrong.

So you had an argument with a co-worker and acted out of anger. However wrong you may be, he's going to side with you -- or, at the very least, he'll say he understands where you're coming from. He does this even if he knows, deep down, that you're wrong.

10. He wants you to succeed.

If he wants you to succeed, he wants the best for you, and he's also thinking of a future with you. He's not threatened by a woman who out-earns him. (Every man should be like this).

Of course, these are only our thoughts. Ultimately, you're the judge. You determine whether the man you're dating is ultimately good or bad for you.

The one thing I know is that every woman deserves a guy who treats her better than award shows treat celebrity presenters. (I mean, have you seen those gift baskets they get?)