From a young age, women often rank loyalty as a higher priority than men do.
And I can back this up.
In fact, a Portuguese study on romantic relationships, as perceived by teenagers, found this to be true.
“It stands out that loyalty is only identified by female adolescents, while male adolescents emphasize sexual intimacy and sexual intercourse,” researchers said.
In light of this—the fact that from a young age, a whole lot of men are feeling this way—how do you know you have found a man who will prioritize loyalty?
Well, psychologists and scientists have a number of things to say about it.
And fortunately for you, I have taken out all the grunt work!
I’ve pored over peer-reviewed research from everywhere from the United Kingdom to Greece, research that covers everyone from teens in love to long-term married couples, to figure out the reassuring signs of loyalty.
So, settle in with a hot cup of tea, and let’s figure out whether your man is a faithful kind of guy.
Starting with: a conviction in the future.
1) They believe in the future of your relationship together
A Greek study on the strategies people use to improve their relationships defined loyalty as an “assurance factor”.
This essentially “involved convincing the partner that one was committed to the relationship, is faithful, and the relationship has a future.”
If you have found someone who is genuinely committed to you, they are likely to enthusiastically engage in discussions about your future together.
This might be in the form of planning trips away, writing out future goals or to do lists, or even contemplating the names of children you will raise together (that is, if things are 100% headed in that direction).
As the study infers, it is more than just being faithful—it’s him making sure you know it in a practical and tangible sense. And that’s a lovely thing to think about.
This is a man whose major goal is to make you feel secure by telling the world that he’s firmly by your side.
In other words, he’s probably a loyal one.
2) They don’t act on their attractions to other people
It’s a fact that we still find other people attractive, even when we’re in a committed relationship. It’s human nature.
But what it all comes down to is what we do with that attraction.
Scientific research on monogamy in The Archives of Sexual Behavior “may indicate that individuals who are highly committed to their relationships do not expect to experience extradyadic attraction.”
Extradyadic is basically a big, scientific word for infidelity outside of the relationship. (I will admit, I had no idea what that meant before combing through this research!)
Maybe you’re with someone who is often the object of many people’s affection. Maybe they are a real looker, or they have that undeniable aura of magnetism and charm.
But what does he do with all that heat? Well, he gracefully, kindly, and firmly shuts it all down.
It’s not about pretending that other appealing people don’t exist, and that they aren’t appealing—that simply isn’t realistic.
It’s more so a conscious decision to stay true to the one he has chosen. And that’s you.
This kind of commitment speaks volumes about self-control and a sincere dedication to building your life together.
This is loyalty in action—it’s a deliberate choice.
3) They have never been unfaithful in the past
Ever heard that phrase: “once a cheater, always a cheater?” Well, it turns out that psychologically speaking, there’s some truth behind it.
A study in the International Journal of Science and Research Archive found that “if an individual has practiced infidelity once during their committed relationship, they are more likely to engage in it again.”
It’s in this way that your man’s past behavior might just hold the key to unearthing whether he will stay faithful in the long run.
If your guy has never strayed in the past, it’s a strong sign he won’t in the future.
This is because his past relationships and the way he speaks of his ex-partners offers an up-close view of his character, values, and approach to commitment.
So, if this is something you’re curious about, don’t be afraid to (gently) prompt him about it.
4) They hold deep levels of trust in you
Does your man hold a deep, unshakeable kind of trust in you?
Well, it just so happens that this holds the power to make or break your bond.
A study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships found that “greater trust” predicted an increase in a “partners’ fidelity”, which they referred to as an “optimistic fidelity expectations” in a partnership.
Now, if your man is already showcasing this level of trust in you, get ready because you might have just stumbled upon one hell of a faithful guy!
When he trusts you on this profound level, it offers a kind of openness and vulnerability which forms a sturdy foundation for fidelity, and in turn, a long-lasting partnership.
This is because deep trust allows ample room for both partners to grow on their own while maintaining a strong connection—something we have evolved to do as human beings.
In other words, if he trusts you, you can go ahead and trust him right back.
5) They openly disapprove of infidelity
The same study found that an open “disapproval of infidelity” predicted a greater chance of loyalty.
So, if you have noticed that your partner expresses an overt disdain for cheating, it shows he has a solid moral compass on him.
Of course, this is not always the case—and if he has become overly obsessed with making this fact known, then it might be a shaky cover-up. In this sense, it’s super important to trust your gut!
Outside of this, a very open and proactive stance on loyalty is indicative that he’s likely to steer clear of situations that could lead to cheating—and it’s likely that you have scored yourself a guy who is in it for the long haul.
Final thoughts
When it comes to relationships, decoding the tell-tale indicators of loyalty doesn’t need to be unnecessarily difficult.
In short, the right guy for you will be not only visualizing but actively planning the future of your relationship together.
His trust in you is deep—brimming with unwavering confidence in both you and your connection.
This man also not only disapproves of unfaithfulness, he also would never, ever get caught up in it.
I hope this is something that reassures you and settles your mind, some. Now, go ahead, and make the most of that loyal and long-term love you’ve got!
If Your Soul Took Animal Form, What Would It Be?
Every wild soul archetype reflects a different way of sensing, choosing, and moving through life.
This 9-question quiz reveals the power animal that mirrors your energy right now and what it says about your natural rhythm.
✨ Instant results. Guided by shaman Rudá Iandê’s teachings.
