The truth is that, internally, we are all a bit petty.

We can all become jealous when there’s no reason to be, we can become easily irritated at little flaws and quirks that our partners can’t help. However, it’s the ability to keep these petty thoughts and feelings to yourself that makes the difference between a stable, healthy couple and a couple that is headed for disaster. Every couple fights, but what you fight about says a lot about the future of your relationship. When you start dating a real man, there are some things that you will no longer have to worry about.

1. His loyalty

A real man knows what he wants in a partner, and once he has found that special someone, he commits himself and his whole life to them. Your happiness becomes his happiness. He stays loyal to you because he understands that one true love is enough for a lifetime.

2. Not taking an interest in things you like

Your partner is probably not going to be interested in every hobby or interest of yours. Do you genuinely care about all his? Probably not. But some couples will argue and insist their partner should attend every movie, lecture, and conference together on either of their interests. A real man won’t force you to attend something you’d rather not go, he won’t get frustrated because you can’t go to an event with him, he’ll understand of why you can’t go. No need to start a war about it.

3. The restaurant/movie

When you enjoy each other’s company very much then whatever you decide to do will be fine.

4. Relationships from the past

You both had lives before meeting one another. Those lives may have involved other relationships. It will be nearly impossible to tell each other about your lives without at least mentioning the existence of past partners. It’s natural to feel a little jealous when this comes up, but to become angry about it is just petty. You will recognize the fact that you’re not the first person he’s dated.

5. Spending time with his friends

Your man is going to have some friends you’re not crazy about. You’re going to have some friends he’s not crazy about. To expect one another to become best friends with all your friends is unrealistic and setting yourselves up for some major fights. A real man will have more people in his life other than just you. I don’t mean this in a negative way. You should, of course, be a priority in his life, but he needs to have a life as well.

6. Talking about the future

In a lot of relationships nowadays talking about the future always causes a fight, that’s not a good sign. It just isn’t a good sign if one or both people don’t want to discuss the future, it usually means they don’t see a future with their current partner. But with a real man is independent and comfortable with living on his own. He is OK with leaving his family, his home, his comfort zone to go out into the world with you, wherever. Because he is ready for a new chapter in his life, and he wants you and your goals in it too.

7. Cleanliness

Every couple bickers about cleanliness. It’s inevitable that you’ll scold your man for dirty underwear that’s been left on the floor for a week. But healthy couples understand that the underwear doesn’t represent anything. Cleanliness really shouldn’t start a war of anger.

8. How he spends his downtime

Downtime is precious for men and should not be judged. So, what if your man wants to spend all his downtime playing video games? Is it how you’d spend yours? No. Well good because it isn’t yours it’s his. Strong couples who really love each other don’t judge one another for how they relax.

9. Having friends of the opposite sex

When you date a real man you will trust him, and his female friends shouldn’t be an issue. If his female friends do bother you, that’s either because you know he is not trustworthy, or you are deeply insecure.

10. Having different plans

You’re both busy adults. It can be very difficult to hop on the phone every time one of you is invited on a trip or a to a dinner or to a concert. You make plans on a night you didn’t realize your partner had something else planned for the two of you. A real man will understand that life happens and won’t get angry because you had to cancel plans with him because you had something else to do. There’s always next time.

11. His love and attention

When you start dating a real man you won’t have nag or fight for his love and attention. A real man lets you know that you can rely on him by being consistent in both his words and actions. He lets you know that he tries his best for you every time. He will not make promises that he knows he can’t keep or do things that he knows may sabotage the relationship. Because he wants to make sure that you feel safe and protected with him. There will be no mind games or manipulation in your relationship. A real man will be direct, to the point, and honest with you.

At the end of the day, whether you hate it or not, you’re going to argue with your significant other once in a while. However, there are just some petty arguments that are not worth wasting your time on. Life is long, after all, and you will have real things to fight about one day.