Have you ever wondered if that guy you’re seeing is as into you as you’re into him?
How can you tell if he’s ready to take things to the next level and really make you his one and only?
Reading the signs can be tricky, but there are subtle clues that suggest a man is staking his claim.
From small gestures like holding your hand in public to big steps like introducing you to his closest friends and family, a man who is ready to commit will find ways to show you how he feels.
Pay attention to the little things he does that suggest you’re the only girl for him.
What Does It Mean When a Man Says He Claims You?
When a man says he claims you, it means he’s ready to take your relationship to an exclusive and committed level.
He sees you as his partner and wants to make it publicly known that you’re together and off the market.
It’s an old-fashioned way of saying he wants you all to himself in a romantic relationship.
He’s not interested in playing the field anymore – he feels you’re the one for him.
Saying he claims you is his way of stating his intentions and conveying that he wants to move forward in a serious, monogamous relationship with you.
25 Signs a Guy is Claiming You
When a man wants to make you his girlfriend exclusively, he’ll show it in certain ways. You just have to pay attention to the signals.
Here are 25 subtle and not-so-subtle signs that a man is pursuing you as his one and only.
Keep an eye out for these clues that show he’s ready to commit.
1. He only has eyes for you.
When you’re out together in public, you’ll notice his gaze never strays. He focuses all his attention on you, making eye contact and ignoring any other women around.
This guy makes you feel like the most captivating woman in the room. His body language conveys he only has eyes for you. This singular focus on you shows he’s claimed you as his partner.
2. He contacts you constantly.
He goes out of his way to keep in touch throughout the day via text, phone calls, social media, and any other channels. He wants to know how your day is going and tell you about his. This consistent communication indicates you’re a priority in his life.
It shows he wants to develop emotional intimacy and strengthen your bond. Frequent contact demonstrates he’s ready to take the next step.
3. He includes you in future plans.
He talks about events coming up weeks or months from now and includes you in the plans. Whether it’s a friend’s wedding, a vacation, or a family event, he assumes you’ll be his date.
Making these future plans shows he sees you in his life long-term. He doesn’t hesitate to profess you as his plus-one. You’re the woman he wants by his side.
4. He’s always available for you.
When you call, text, or make requests for his time and attention, he always makes himself available. He prioritizes you over hobbies, friends, and other commitments.
Nothing is more important than being there when you need him. This sends the message that he’ll be a dedicated, devoted partner. You never have to compete for his time and affection.
5. He talks about exclusivity.
He brings up DTR (defining the relationship) and wants to know if you’re on the same page about being exclusive. He says you make him happy, and he doesn’t want to date around anymore.
Does he assure you that you’re the only woman he needs? These conversations about exclusivity show he sees you as his girlfriend and wants to formalize the commitment.
6. He touches you frequently.
When you’re together, he finds small ways to maintain physical contact. He puts his hand on your lower back as you walk, reaches for your hand while sitting next to you, or pulls you in for frequent hugs and cuddles.
This regular physical touch strengthens your emotional bond. But it’s also a subtle way to show others you’re together and send the message he’s really into you. The more a man desires physical closeness, the more he’s ready to commit.
7. He mentions long-term plans.
In casual conversation, he’ll make references to experiences you may share well into the future. Things like wanting to visit dream destinations together someday, hoping to share a home in the next few years, or imagining what your kids would look like.
Discussing long-term plans implies he sees you as a permanent fixture in his life. Making these references means he’s looking toward a future of commitment with you by his side.
8. He introduces you to his inner circle.
Another way of claiming you as his is by introducing you to his closest friends and family. By bringing you into his inner social circle, he’s indicating you’re someone very important to him.
This introduction is especially telling if he’s the type that usually keeps new relationships at a distance from loved ones. Making introductions shows he sees a real future between you. He’s ready to blend your lives together.
9. He leaves things at your place.
Has he begun to leave belongings like a toothbrush, his wristwatch, or spare clothes at your apartment? Looks like he’s “marking his territory” and showing he feels comfortable and at home with you.
Leaving his items behind means he believes he’ll be spending a lot more time there. It’s also his subtle way of merging your spaces and lives. He’s ready to get cozy and settle in.
10. He posts photos with you on social media.
While he may have been reluctant to make your relationship “Facebook official” at first, now he proudly shares cute pics and updates involving you.
Public displays on social media are his way of declaring you’re together. When a man shows you off to the world, it means he’s ready for everyone to know you’re his girl.
11. He shares vulnerabilities with you.
He opens up and shares deep emotions, insecurities, and intimate secrets. By exposing his vulnerabilities, he’s indicating a high level of trust, comfort, and intimacy with you.
A man won’t reveal his innermost feelings unless he wants to forge an unbreakable bond. Discussing his fears and weaknesses means he knows you’ll be supportive. It’s a signal to you that he’s claiming you as his “person” who he feels safe with.
12. He gets protective of you.
In social settings, he positions his body near yours and shows subtle signs of protectiveness. He wraps his arm around you, gently leads you through crowds, or ensures your jacket and belongings aren’t left unattended.
This protectiveness stems from a feeling of responsibility over your safety and well-being. He wants to take care of his woman.
13. He mentions your relationship to others.
In public or around family and friends, he’ll casually refer to you as his partner rather than just a date or the girl he’s seeing.
Saying things like “Why don’t you ask my girlfriend? She’s much better at explaining it than I am” shows pride and acknowledgment of a committed bond. He wants to broadcast your coupledom.
14. He talks about your future family.
Whether jokingly or seriously, he’ll mention what it will be like when you’re married with children. He imagines how many kids you’ll have, what you’ll name them, and who they’ll take after.
Fantasizing about a family together implies he’s planning for the long haul with you in his life permanently.
15. He leaves sweet notes for you.
You start finding little love notes left on your car, in your purse, or stuck to the bathroom mirror. The notes say things like “Have an amazing day!”, “I miss you already!” or “You’re beautiful.”
Taking the time to leave these thoughtful surprises shows he wants to make you feel adored. It’s his way of letting you know you’re always on his mind.
16. He calls you his girlfriend.
He affectionately refers to you as his girlfriend in conversation rather than “this girl I’m seeing.” Introducing you as his girlfriend officially confirms your status as his leading lady.
While it may seem like an obvious sign, this label indicates monogamy, commitment, and pride to call you his.
17. He makes sacrifices for you.
He goes out of his way to accommodate you, even if it means giving up something he wants. Maybe it’s declining a guys’ night out because he knows you’ve had a bad day and could use his company. Or skipping his workout to help you move apartments.
Making sacrifices shows your needs and happiness take priority.
18. He shares his interests with you.
He opens up and shares activities and hobbies he enjoys, inviting you to participate. He wants to include you in every aspect of his world.
Taking the time to explain things he’s passionate about proves he sees you sticking around. He envisions sharing his lifestyle.
19. He shares his passwords with you.
You have complete access to things like his phone passcode, computer password, and streaming service logins. Allowing you this type of private access shows he wants to remove barriers and have openness with you.
He doesn’t feel the need to hide anything. Sharing passwords is a symbolic gesture of trust, signifying you have an all-access pass to his inner world.
20. He makes an effort with your friend group.
Does he suggest group outings so your friends can get to know him? Does he make an effort to win over your bestie?
If so, he’s interested in befriending your inner circle and making a good impression. Integrating friend groups is a sign of a serious relationship. He wants your posse to like him and approve of him as your boyfriend.
21. He talks about traveling together.
He enthusiastically researches dream trips you’ve mentioned wanting to take someday. He gets excited when envisioning adventures abroad together, scoping out activities you’d enjoy as a couple.
Discussing future travels signifies he wants to share memorable life experiences with you. The world is his oyster, and he wants you by his side.
22. He sizes up other men around you.
When you’re out together, you notice him subtly sizing up other men who are around. If another man is talking to you, he’ll stand closer and scan the guy up and down. He may even initiate physical touch, like putting his arm around you.
These territorial behaviors stem from his desire to stake his claim and send the message you’re taken. Subtle jealousy is a sign he sees you as his prize to protect.
23. He steps up his style for you.
You notice he starts putting extra care into his physical appearance when he knows he’ll be seeing you. He may get a fresh haircut and beard trim, upgrade his wardrobe, or start working out more.
Making an effort to look his best in your presence is a sign that he wants to remain attractive to you. It also shows he values your opinion and wants you to find him desirable as your partner.
24. He integrates you into his routine.
You’ve become a regular fixture in his everyday routine. He expects you’ll hang out most nights of the week and spend weekends together. He factors you into his workout schedule, meal prep, and plans with friends.
Making you a consistent part of his regular habits and lifestyle shows he envisions a future of commitment with you incorporated into his world.
25. He says, “I love you.”
When he finally gathers the courage to utter those three big words, it’s clear evidence he has claimed you as the woman of his dreams.
Saying “I love you” for the first time is a huge relationship milestone. He trusts you with his heart. For a commitment phobe, this is major. He has officially declared you his soulmate.
What to Do If You See the Signs He Is Pursuing You
If you start to notice a man you’re dating exhibiting the signs he’s staking his claim on you, it’s an exciting time! Before you get carried away envisioning your happily-ever-after, use these tips to handle the situation wisely:
- Don’t assume anything or jump to conclusions. He may be showing signs of commitment, but until you have a direct conversation about being exclusive, it’s not official. Manage your expectations.
- Give positive feedback when he does romantic or thoughtful things for you. His efforts should be encouraged if you reciprocate his feelings.
- Initiate relationship talks if he seems reluctant. Some men need a nudge to have the “define the relationship” conversation.
- Be direct about your relationship values, needs, and desires. Make sure you’re both open, honest, and aligned.
- Take it slowly if you have any concerns or doubts. Don’t ignore red flags for the sake of a relationship.
- Keep dating other men until you’ve both agreed to be monogamous. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
- Enjoy this exciting time as your bond deepens! Soak up all the sweet attention.
When you see the signs a man is pursuing you, proceed with optimism but also wisdom. Make sure you’re on the same page before leaping into coupledom!
What to Do When a Man Wants You, But You’re Not Sure You Want Him
Things get tricky when a man is clearly declaring his interest in commitment, but you have doubts. You may care for him but aren’t positive he’s the right fit long-term. Or you may just not be ready for exclusivity.
Don’t ignore your gut feelings when a suitor is all-in, but you’re on the fence. Be honest about where you’re at and slow things down if needed. Open communication is key – don’t lead him on.
It’s better to pump the brakes than dive into a relationship you’ll later regret. Know your worth, and don’t settle out of pressure.
Final Thoughts
When a man claims you as his own, it’s a sign he’s ready to take the relationship to the next level. By paying attention to his actions more than his words, you’ll know if you’re the only woman for him. If you see the signs he’s claiming you, it likely means committed bliss is on the horizon!
