Love is a feeling; knowing you've picked a good partner is a pattern recognition problem. Eight behavioural signs that separate the truly good partners from the ones who just feel good in the moment.

1. He treats people who can't do anything for him with respect. Waiters, parking attendants, strangers on the phone. This is how he treats you when you've been together ten years.
2. He apologises without defensiveness when he's wrong. The ability to say "I was wrong" without adding "but you…" is rare and valuable.
3. He's curious about your inner life, not just your surface. Asks about what you're thinking, feeling, worrying about. Remembers the answers.
4. He supports your growth, even when it's inconvenient. Takes over more at home so you can pursue something; celebrates your wins as genuinely as his own.
5. He handles stress without taking it out on you. Hard days happen; he processes rather than unloads.
6. He's consistent across contexts. Same person with his friends, his family, your family, and you alone. No hidden self.
7. His values align with his actions. He says family matters, and he shows up for family. He says he values you, and his calendar reflects it.
8. You feel more yourself around him, not less. The Michelangelo effect — partners who bring out your best self are the ones worth building a life with.

Eight signs. Present in your partner? You've found one of the good ones. Watch the pattern across years, not the promise across weeks.