Love

This Is What It Feels Like When You Date A Man, Not A Boy

Photo: Getty Images via Canva
happy couple on beach

By Natalie Trznadel

We have all heard those common pieces of advice about who to date.

Date the boy who treats you right. Date the boy who makes you laugh.

But no one tells us what we really need to remember: Date a man, not a boy.

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Date a man, not a boy.

A man understands the value of a good woman. He knows that feeling inadequate for you doesn’t mean that he has to leave.

Instead, it means that he has to step up his game and become a better partner.

A real man understands that once he finds a woman who is a keeper, he has to become the best version of himself to match her.

And a real man won’t make you feel bad about yourself for your personal growth.

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Date a man, not a boy.

A man knows that trust and reliability are more attractive than good looks.

He knows that being there for you — both emotionally and physically — is essential to a long, healthy relationship.

Feeling safe with you is his number-one priority.

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Date a man, not a boy.

A boy will tell you that he wants to be free to explore the world, but a man will tell you that he wants to explore the world alongside you.

He knows that his relationship won’t stop him from living his dreams.

Instead, he will have someone to share his best moments with.

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Date a man, not a boy.

A man wants a stable, long-lasting relationship.

He no longer plays games — he wants a life with you.

A man will never leave you wondering what your relationship status is. Every day, you will know that he loves you.

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Date a man, not a boy.

A man will never make you question whether he is truly interested in you.

Remember: If someone acts as if they are not interested in you, they are not. There is nothing more to it.

A man will never make you chase him. Instead, he will do whatever it takes to be with you. He will also never play hard to get.

So instead of dating boys, let’s choose men — kind, devoted, loyal, and caring ones.

Let’s choose partners who treat us the right way. Let’s stop choosing looks over personality.

We are women, not girls, so let’s stop dating boys and start dating men.

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Natalie Trznadel is a photographer, traveler, and writer and editor for Unwritten. Her work has appeared on Thought Catalog, Unwritten, and YourTango, focusing on lifestyle and relationship topics.

This article was originally published at Unwritten. Reprinted with permission from the author.