13 Things a Boyfriend Should Do If He Wants to Prove His Worth

A high-quality boyfriend should tick several boxes to set himself apart. Here are 13 things a boyfriend should do if he wants to prove his worth.

It’s easy to be a boyfriend. Being a high-quality boyfriend is something else entirely. If you’re looking to up your game, there are things a boyfriend should do to make him stand out from other guys.

13 things a boyfriend should do if he wants to stay in your life

What sets apart an average guy from a quality guy often comes down to the small details. However, these details have a huge impact on the person they’re dating!

It goes without saying that you should never settle for anything less than you deserve, and that means kicking to the curb any guy who disrespects you or doesn’t attempt to show you any form of understanding. I’m not saying that isn’t going to be hard if you really like the guy. Let’s be honest, sometimes infatuation gets in the way of clear thinking.

If you’re not sure whether the guy in your life is high quality or a little on the flaky side, check out this list of things a boyfriend should do. Next, compare your situation alongside.

#1 He sticks up for you. A loyal boyfriend will stick up for you when you’re around… and when you’re not. He will not let anyone diss his partner, and it means he’s willing to fight for you if necessary. Of course, you don’t want him to actually fight, but the willingness to do so is nice! [Read: 25 signs and qualities that make a great boyfriend]

#2 He remains faithful to you. Temptation is around every corner, and the internet has made it easier than ever before for someone who wants to cheat. Being totally loyal is one of the things a boyfriend should do without question. If you’re exclusive, he should not be talking to other people – flirting, or anything else. Total faithfulness or nothing at all!

#3 He takes the time to listen to you. Far too many guys don’t actually listen. It’s frustrating when you’re explaining something or perhaps even tell him how you’re feeling and he’s on his phone, obviously distracted, or simply not taking in the words you’re saying.

Listening is one of the things a boyfriend should do without question. This will help him to understand you and your needs far better as a result. [Read: 23 must-know relationship tips and advice for women]

#4 He never laughs at you with menace. There is a big difference between someone laughing with you and someone laughing at you. A high-quality guy never laughs at you with any menace. Sure, he might tease you in a fun way, but that’s all. Relationships are about laughing together and teasing one another in a fun way. If he ever laughs and makes you feel like he’s pointing the finger or making fun of you in a way which isn’t particularly lighthearted, that’s not a good sign.

#5 He apologizes when he needs to. A good boyfriend will have no problem apologizing when he messes up. Let’s be honest, everyone messes up occasionally, and he’s probably going to at some point. If he is man enough to say “I’m sorry” and mean it, then he’s a good one.

#6 He doesn’t wait for you to text first all the time. There is nothing more frustrating than a guy who never texts you first. You’re left doing all the running, wondering whether he actually likes you or not.

One of the things a boyfriend should do is share equal workload when it comes to communication! Of course, that doesn’t mean you should always leave it to him either. It’s a two way street!

#7 He shows you off to his friends and family. You should never be hidden away, and a good boyfriend will want to show you off to his nearest and dearest. Sure, it might be that you don’t meet his folks straightaway, but you should certainly be meeting his friends pretty soon after you’ve become exclusive. [Read: These are the 16 types of guys you never want to date]

#8 He doesn’t leave you wondering where you stand. One of the things a boyfriend should do is always make it clear to his partner where they stand. Never allow a guy to play games or make you question your place in his life.

If you’re not sure if you’re important to him and he makes no effort to reassure you that you are, it’s time to question whether you want him in your life at all. You deserve better than a guy who leaves you questioning your importance.

#9 He’s supportive of you and your interests. A good boyfriend will support your needs, your interests, and your future aims. He will never comment negatively about them or discourage you. His aim is to build you up and encourage you to keep striving.

#10 He understands you have your own life too. It’s healthy to have your own interests and your own circle of friends outside of a relationship, and the same goes for him. A good quality boyfriend will understand this and encourage you to spend time with your friends and doing the things you love. Of course, do the same for him. [Read: 15 traits of the perfect boyfriend material guy]

#11 He respects your boundaries. When you set boundaries within the relationship, whether emotionally, with your time, or sexually, he respects and understands these boundaries. One of the things a boyfriend should do at all times is realize that boundaries are there for a reason, and, without question, he should stick to them.

#12 He makes time for you. If your boyfriend is one of those guys who is all about his friends, giving you a lower priority ranking in his life, wave goodbye. A good quality boyfriend makes time for you. Sure, he spends time with family and friends too, but you’re just as important. There is a fair balance. [Read: How much time should couples spend together?]

#13 He controls the green eyed monster. Everyone gets jealous occasionally, but he doesn’t allow the green eyed monster to run riot and cause you to feel annoyed, upset or uncomfortable. He feels secure enough in the relationship to avoid feeling jealous.

How many of these points does your boyfriend show or have? Remember, we’re all human. We all mess up occasionally and say or do things we don’t mean. If it’s just one time, let it go. However, if it’s happening repeatedly, this is something you should address and think about whether you want to continue onward. [Read: 22 early warning signs of a terrible boyfriend]

A good quality boyfriend is not going to make you wonder whether or not you’re important. He’s never going to place you in a position where you feel unwanted or uncared for. Instead, he will show you that you’re important to him as often as he can.

This means you should show the same level of respect and do the same things for him. Relationships are two-way streets. If you want this relationship to grow and build over time, show the same respect and care back to him. By doing this, you’ll encourage him to treat you like the biggest prize he’s ever won in life. Then, your relationship will go from strength to strength.

[Read: The new boyfriend guide: All the dos and don’ts a girl should keep in mind]

There are many things a boyfriend should do to make his partner feel safe and secure in the relationship. While he might not get it right all the time, reward him for his efforts.