Love is a tricky game, and choosing the right partner can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield. But did you know that psychology can give us a helping hand?
According to psychological research, there are certain types of men who make the best life partners. It’s not about the most handsome or richest guys, but about specific character traits and behaviours.
As Tina Fey, founder of Love Connection blog and a seasoned relationship expert, I’ve delved into this research and identified eight types of men who make the best partners in life.
In this article, I’ll share these types with you, so you can recognize a keeper when you see one.
Let’s get started.
1) The emotionally intelligent man
When it comes to long-lasting relationships, emotional intelligence is key.
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to understand, use, and manage our emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Think about it. It’s what helps a person to be self-aware, manage their emotions, be empathetic towards their partner’s feelings and navigate conflicts in a mature way.
According to psychology, men who are emotionally intelligent tend to make the best life partners. They’re capable of building strong, balanced relationships because they understand not only their emotions but also their partner’s.
So ladies, if you come across a man who is in touch with his feelings and shows understanding towards yours, it might be worth giving him a second glance. After all, EQ is often more important than IQ in successful relationships.
2) The man with a sense of humor
Life is a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs. But having a partner who can make you laugh even in tough times? That’s priceless.
Psychology suggests that men with a good sense of humor make excellent life partners. Laughter has been proven to reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost our immune system.
I’ve always believed in the power of laughter in relationships. After all, as the great Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.”
If you find a guy who can tickle your funny bone, hold onto him. His ability to bring joy and laughter into your life can turn ordinary moments into memorable ones. Not to mention, shared laughter creates a strong bond between couples and helps keep the spark alive.
3) The man who values independence
In a healthy relationship, it’s important that both partners maintain their individuality. This means having time and space for personal growth and development, apart from the relationship.
Psychology suggests that men who understand and value this concept of independence are some of the best life partners. They respect your personal space, support your ambitions and understand that you are an individual first, and a partner second.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeply into the importance of maintaining independence in a relationship. I’ve seen countless relationships flourish when both partners understand the value of personal growth and space.
If you find a man who encourages your passions, supports your career, and understands your need for “me time”, consider yourself lucky. These men know the importance of balance in a relationship and make wonderful life partners.
4) The man who isn’t afraid to show vulnerability
This one might seem counterintuitive, but let me tell you why it’s important.
In a society that often equates masculinity with strength and stoicism, a man who shows vulnerability is a breath of fresh air. Vulnerability requires courage and authenticity, two qualities that are key to a healthy and fulfilling relationship.
Psychological studies suggest that men who aren’t afraid to be open about their feelings, fears, and insecurities make some of the best life partners. They’re not only emotionally honest; they also create a safe space for their partners to share their own vulnerabilities.
A man who can tear up during a sad movie or admit when he’s scared shows a level of emotional maturity that’s highly desirable in a life partner. It tells you that he values emotional connection and authenticity over societal norms.
5) The man who respects you
This one sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised at how many people settle for less.
Respect is the foundation of any relationship. This includes respecting your thoughts, your feelings, your decisions, and most importantly, you as a person.
A man who respects you will value your opinions, listen to your thoughts, and consider your feelings before making decisions that affect both of you. He understands that a relationship is a partnership and that it requires mutual respect to thrive.
I’ve seen plenty of relationships in my time – both personal and professional. And I can tell you this: without respect, love doesn’t stand a chance.
6) The man who’s not “Mr. Perfect”
Here’s a raw, honest truth: Mr. Perfect doesn’t exist. And you know what? That’s okay.
Men are human, too. They make mistakes, they have flaws, and they have their own insecurities. Expecting them to be perfect is not only unrealistic; it’s also unfair.
Psychology suggests that the best life partners are those who aren’t trying to be “Mr. Perfect.” Instead, they’re real, they’re flawed, and they’re beautifully human.
These are the men who’ll make mistakes and admit to them. They’ll have bad days and won’t be afraid to show it. They may not always know the right thing to say or do, but they’ll try their best because they care about you and the relationship.
It’s not about finding a man without flaws but finding a man whose flaws you can love and accept.
Because at the end of the day, true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about loving each other in our rawest, most vulnerable moments. And a man who can do that? He’s worth more than any “Mr. Perfect” could ever be.
7) The man who grows with you
Life is a journey, and having a partner who’s willing to grow and evolve with you can make that journey incredibly fulfilling.
Psychology supports this, suggesting that men who are open to personal growth and are willing to learn and evolve make the best life partners.
These men understand that change is the only constant in life. They’re not afraid of challenges or hardships; instead, they see them as opportunities to grow and learn. They believe in self-improvement and are always striving to be better, not just for themselves but for the relationship too.
As the renowned writer, Anais Nin once said, “We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another.”
I couldn’t agree more. In my own relationship, I’ve seen how our ability to grow together has strengthened our bond and deepened our love for each other.
8) The man who loves you for you
This is perhaps the most important point, and it’s raw and honest: the best life partner is the one who loves you for who you truly are.
He doesn’t want to change you. He doesn’t want you to fit into a certain mold or meet some societal standard of perfection. No, he loves you – quirks, flaws, weird habits, and all.
Psychology echoes this sentiment, suggesting that men who accept and love their partners unconditionally make the best life partners.
These men understand that at the end of the day, it’s not about finding someone who ticks all the boxes. It’s about finding someone whose soul resonates with theirs. Someone they can connect with on a deeper level.
If there’s a man who loves your laugh, your mind, your heart, your strength, your weaknesses – essentially, if he loves all of you – then he’s worth holding onto.
Because there’s nothing more beautiful than being loved for who you truly are. And a man who can do that? He’s more than just a good life partner; he’s a blessing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a life partner is a big decision, and it’s essential to make a choice that feels right for you. Remember, the best partner isn’t necessarily the one who’s perfect, but the one who’s perfect for you.
These eight types of men, according to psychology, make some of the best life partners. But at the end of the day, it’s about finding someone who respects you, grows with you, and loves you for who you truly are.
For more insights on building healthy and fulfilling relationships, check out my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It’s packed with practical advice on maintaining independence, fostering emotional connection, and overcoming codependency in relationships.
Here’s to finding love that’s not just about shared interests but shared growth and mutual respect. Because that’s what real love is all about.
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