PDF download Download Article
Reading the signals that mean he wants to wife you
PDF download Download Article

You’ve met a guy, but you want to know if he’s the guy. Is he the one? The last one, we mean, who’ll get down on one knee and pop the big question? You can’t help but wonder, so we’re here to help clear things up with 35 major signs that he’ll marry you someday. Does anyone else hear wedding bells?

1

He talks about your future together.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When he talks about what’s next, does he mention your name? When you’re thinking about marrying someone, you tend to talk about what’s next in a way that includes your spouse-to-be.[1] Things like, “I think we should move to LA,” or, “I want us to get a dog sometime.” He wouldn’t be talking like that if he didn’t plan to spend much, much more time with you.
  2. Advertisement
3

He puts effort into the little things.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Here’s a new term for you: “companionate love.” Where romantic love is all about passion, companionate love is more about comfort and caring, and is a must for any prospective marriage.[2] Part of that companionate love is small gestures that make your day a little brighter: bringing you flowers, making you coffee in the morning, keeping quiet when you need to concentrate. A guy who pays attention to those little details is one who’s likely in a race to the altar.
  2. Advertisement
5

He works to solve relationship problems.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Every relationship hits a speed bump now and again. That’s just how things are. But a guy who wants to be with you forever will make sure to solve relationship problems with a level head, respectful tone, clear communication, and the aim to make your relationship even stronger.[3] That way, when he pops the big question, he knows you’ll be able to overcome anything marriage throws at you.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 448 wikiHow readers to tell us the most important sign that a relationship has long term potential, and 54% said handling conflict in a healthy way. [Take Poll] So if you’re able to accomplish this early on, that might be a sign that you two could find lasting love.
  2. Advertisement
6

He talks about you to his friends.

PDF download Download Article
7

You’ve met his family.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Usually, when you meet a guy’s parents, he’s saying, “Mom, Dad, I hope you like her as much as I do, because you’re going to be seeing a lot of her.” And it’s true; our family’s opinions of our significant others play a big role in the success of our relationships.[4] Him taking you to a holiday dinner means he’s confident that they’ll approve. And once they do, everyone will be hearing wedding bells.
  2. Advertisement
9

He starts to use the word “when.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you first started dating, he may have said things like, “If you ever want to go to…” or “If we’re still together when…” But nowadays, that “if” has turned into “when”—“When we move in together…” or, “When we get a dog…” It’s a good sign that, in his mind, the two of you are a sure thing, and he’s counting on being together for a long time. Which, it just so happens, is also the case for married couples.
  2. Advertisement
11

His parents are married.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Research shows that people who come from “traditional” households (those with married parents) are more likely to see marriage positively and look for it themselves.[6] If his parents are still together, that’s a green light. But if not, that’s also not a red light! Ask him how he feels about marriage, or if he’d ever want to get married to find out for sure.
    • You might say, “I’m not trying to suggest anything, but I’m curious: what are your thoughts on marriage?”
  2. Advertisement
12

Your intimacy is still intense.

PDF download Download Article
  1. While sex means different things to different people, it’s a large part of many marriages. Not only that, but passion fades for most couples 2 years into a relationship.[7] Ask yourself: has your sex life maintained its spark? Do you feel more comfortable and attracted to him than ever, and is he as wild about you as ever? If so, marriage may be in the cards.[8]
13

You take vacations together.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sure, a vacation is all about unwinding and spending quality time together, but for some couples, long periods of quality time results in very little unwinding. If you can go on a road trip, long plane ride, or a retreat to a remote cabin with just the two of you and come out more in love than when you went in, then you’re golden, and he’ll see that, too.
  2. Advertisement
15

He tells you all his secrets.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Imagine, hypothetically, that you knew someone would hate your guts tomorrow. Would you tell them your deepest, darkest secret today? We’d hope not. It’s the same for your relationship. He tells you those secrets because he plans to be on your good side for a long, long time, and trust you to keep those secrets. Maybe even till death do you part, when you take those secrets to the grave.
  2. Advertisement
16

You confide in him.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When he shares his own secrets, it’s a sign that he trusts you. But when you trust him enough to tell him your secrets, too, studies show that that actively makes him feel closer to you.[9] We’re not saying to reel him in by drip-feeding him confidential personal info. Rather, if he’s receptive, engaged, and supportive when you confide in him, then you can rest easy that he trusts you the same way you trust him, which is a good sign of a lasting relationship.
17

He adjusts his habits to yours.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Everyone has needs, habits, and little routines. In a loving, committed relationship, partners understand each other’s habits, and learn how to accommodate those needs and habits into their own life. For example, he knows you’re exhausted after work, so he cooks dinner.[10] It’s one way of saying, “Hey, I love you and I want to make this relationship sustainable in the long run, so I’ll work with you to make us both happy.”
  2. Advertisement
18

He’s vulnerable around you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It’s an unfortunate fact that many men have problems opening up emotionally and asking others for help.[11] So when he confides in you, gets soft around you, or even cries in front of you, don’t take that lightly. It means he trusts and feels safe enough around you to show you his tender side, which is a huge step forward in any relationship.
19

He wants to live together.

PDF download Download Article
  1. In a recent study, 66% of people who lived together before marriage said they did so as a way to prepare for marriage.[12] When you’re married, you’ll most likely be living together anyway, so you may as well put in some practice, right? If he’s talked about sharing a roof, you may be on the road to the altar.
    • That said, many others opt to wait until after they’re married to move in, which is totally cool, too.
  2. Advertisement
20

He always wants to know more about you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. The first 2 years of a relationship are often the most passionate, but once those first two years wear off, many relationships get stagnant.[13] But if he’s serious about settling down with you, then he knows that every day is an opportunity to learn more about you, and more about the two of you as a couple. He’ll ask you personal questions and be curious about your experiences, because he knows that the two of you are a journey of discovery that’ll last a lifetime.
21

He prioritizes you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Don’t get us wrong; everyone needs a life outside their relationship. But if your guy is worth his weight in gold, then he’ll always come running when you’re stuck with a flat on the side of the road, or going through a rough patch with a friend, even if it means skipping that pickup game with his pals. He knows you’re worth it, and he wants you to know that, too.
  2. Advertisement
22

He shares his things with you.

PDF download Download Article
23

He wants to be physically close to you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You probably didn’t need a scientific study to tell you this, but we’ve got the data. Research shows that partners who want to be physically close to each other are more emotionally attached.[14] So watch for the telltale signs: holding hands, linking arms, hugs from behind. They’re all blazing green flags that tell you his love is the real deal.
  2. Advertisement
25

He asks about wedding-related details.

PDF download Download Article
29

He wants to pool finances.

PDF download Download Article
30

He uses the word “we.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pay attention to how he talks around his friends. “We’re getting into a new TV show.” “We’re thinking about taking a vacation.” “We’re not super big on hockey.” Somewhere along the line, “I” turned into “we.” It means he thinks of the two of you as a unit, and feels comfortable saying so. That’s a great sign that your relationship is strong, and maybe even marriage material.
31

He’s suddenly money-wise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Big weddings aren’t cheap, and many people hold off on marriage until they feel they’re in a better financial position.[18] If he’s been frugal lately, or pouring more money into a savings account, the reason could be that he’s saving up for a big day, and your life beyond that big day.
  2. Advertisement
32

He dotes on you more than usual.

PDF download Download Article
33

He plans his life around yours.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When he’s planning a future with you, he’ll take your own needs and concerns into consideration. Like, if he’s talking about a move, he’ll ask you where you’d want to live or if you’d feel comfortable with that lifestyle change. If he’s looking for a job, he might pick one that lets him spend more time with you in the evenings. It’s these little logistical things that show you that he cares, and that he wants your future together to be happy and comfortable.
  2. Advertisement
34

He’s been talking to your parents.

PDF download Download Article
  1. There are plenty of unremarkable reasons he might be calling your mom and dad, but there are also plenty of very remarkable ones, too. Asking for approval is the one that comes to mind, but maybe he’s also asking about your ideal wedding, or if your folks want to pitch into the cost. If they’ve been talking and you’re out of the loop, you might have a big, pleasant surprise coming your way.

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Signs He Wants a Serious Relationship with YouDoes He Want a Serious Relationship? Use This Guide to Find Out
Do Guys Know when They've Met the OneHow Do Guys Know when They've Met the One?
Signs He Will Eventually Commit12 Signs He'll Eventually Commit to a Relationship with You
Know if Your Boyfriend Is Serious About YouKnow if Your Boyfriend Is Serious About You
Signs He Doesn't Want Anyone Else to Have You Tell if He Wants to Date You Exclusively
Signs a Man Loves You Deeply25 Ways To Know a Man Loves You Even if He Doesn’t Say It
See if He's the OneSee if He's the One
Signs He Sees You As Someone Special Tell if a Guy Views You as Someone Special
Know That Your Boyfriend Really Loves YouDoes My Boyfriend Love Me? 17 Surefire Signs
Signs He Wants You to Be His Girlfriend SoonSigns He Wants You to Be His Girlfriend Soon
Know if a Girl Is Serious About You12 Expert-Backed Signs That a Girl Is Serious About You
Psychology Signs a Man Is in Love20+ Signs a Man Is in Love
Know if a Guy Is Worth DatingKnow if a Guy Is Worth Dating
Get Your Long Term Boyfriend to Propose YouGet Your Long Term Boyfriend to Propose You
Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about marriage signs, check out our in-depth interview with Luis Congdon.

About This Article

John Keegan
Reviewed by:
Dating Coach
This article was reviewed by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 37,368 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 5
Updated: January 7, 2025
Views: 37,368
Categories: Dating
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 37,368 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement