Men vs Boys
When it comes to the world of dating, understanding the difference between dating boys and real men is crucial. This is not about age, but about maturity and mentality.
It’s about recognizing the difference between those who are looking for a casual fling and those who are ready for a committed relationship.
A boy often sees dating as an adventure, a chance to have fun and experience something new. He might be inconsistent in his emotions, unsure of what he wants, and might not prioritize your needs or feelings. This can sometimes lead to heartache and confusion as you try to navigate the ups and downs of the relationship.
On the other hand, a real man knows what he wants. He is ready to commit and put effort into maintaining a healthy relationship. A real man respects you, values your opinions, and treats you with kindness and consideration. He communicates openly about his feelings and is not afraid to show vulnerability. He will make you feel secure and loved, not just desired.
While dating a boy might seem exciting at first, it often lacks depth and can leave you feeling unsatisfied in the long run. Dating a real man, however, can be a fulfilling experience that nurtures your personal growth and leaves you feeling appreciated and respected.
Each one of us, men and women are evolving, growing, and trying to do our best in this journey called life. Each one of us will have moments of “boy”, but the “man” will recognize it almost immediately and remedy the issue – that is the difference. We are all a work in progress. So listen ladies…
A boy behaves like a frat boy. He knows his way around a beer keg all too well, even though he is no longer college-age. He loves to party. He behaves like an out-of-control adolescent around his friends and loves playing practical jokes on people…well, sounds familiar.
A man knows how to have a good time and be social, but is often busy making strides in his career and building his life.
A man looks for a woman with intelligence, who is supportive, grounded, and encompasses a shared set of values when choosing a partner.
A boy cares mostly only for girls who are hot, wild, and exciting.
Men will own up to their mistakes
A boy will make excuses for them.
Men will do whatever it takes to provide.
A boy will make excuses as to why he can’t provide.
A boy brings out the worst version in you.
A man makes you a better version of yourself.
A man knows when to invest in a woman and jump in with two feet.
A boy is always “testing” – he doesn’t fully commit because he never knows if he is quite ready. But the truth is, because he is a boy, regardless of who he meets, he will never be ready due to the stage of life he is in.
A boy is either living with his parents or dependent upon them financially to live on “his own”. A boy expects someone else to keep the living space clean, and tend to other traditional “women’s jobs”, and as a result may not live in a clean space. Upon entering into a relationship, a boy will expect without conversation for his partner to fulfill these roles.
A man lives on his own, cares for himself – laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc – and recognizes that he should be able to as he is an adult. Upon entering into a relationship, he doesn’t delegate what once were traditionally “women’s jobs” to his partner, but rather shares equal responsibility or has a conversation to determine how the couple will approach each other.
A boy plays games because he doesn’t know what he wants and loves the adrenaline rush of the chase. A boy will lose interest after it is clear the one he was pursuing is fully interested and wishes to be involved.
A man doesn’t play games. Mind games. Hide and seek games. A man after making his interest known, is not interested in the cat and mouse, and is looking for a clear sign that the woman is both available and interested.
A boy will avoid uncomfortable conversations at all costs. This may manifest itself in lying, joking, avoidance, or passive aggressiveness. A boy doesn’t know what he wants and will communicate inconsistently his goals. One week it will be this, the next something else as a way to not be able to be pinned down (subconsciously or consciously).
A man will be clear about his intentions: where he envisions his life heading, his goals, what he needs, and what he is capable of. A man will also have the courage and respect for the person he is involved with, as well as his colleagues at work and his family, to have uncomfortable conversations. While he may not be able to predict the outcome of the conversation, he realizes that the only way to build healthy relationships is through honesty and truth.
A boy is looking for eye candy, a girl who will look good on his arm and get the approval of his buddies. Since there are many beautiful women in the world, a boy’s interest can easily be satiated momentarily quite quickly as they prefer not to complicate their lives with getting to know the person behind the facade.
A man is looking for substance. While he will want to be stimulated initially by what he sees, he will stick around for intelligence and a woman who is secure within herself as he is looking for a partner, not a playmate puppet.
A boy lives purely in the present and for his own short-term fulfillment. A boy lacks patience, discipline and self-control all in the pursuit of a good time.
A man has plans for the future. A man is financially secure and working towards or has achieved long-worked for goals. A man can live in the present, but in so doing, aligns his behaviors to his future aspirations.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone matures at their own pace and has their own unique journey. Sometimes, people need time to grow into their best selves. So don’t be discouraged if you’re dating someone who still has some growing up to do. Be patient, supportive, and remember that true love is about accepting someone as they are while inspiring them to be the best they can be.
