Picture this: you're lying in bed on a Sunday morning, and he's making plans for a holiday next Christmas. Or maybe he's just casually mentioned wanting to meet your gran. Suddenly, you're wondering if these little moments mean what you think they mean.
Whilst every bloke is different, there are some fairly reliable signs that he's thinking about putting a ring on it.
Here's what to look out for when you're trying to work out if he's in it for the long haul.
Signs He Intends To Marry You
1. He talks about the future - with you in it
When a man's serious about marriage, his language changes completely. Instead of "I might travel to Thailand next year," it becomes "We should definitely do that Thai cooking course." He's not just planning his future anymore; he's planning your future together.
Pay attention to how naturally he slots you into his long-term plans. Does he assume you'll be his plus-one to his mate's wedding in eight months' time? When he talks about moving house, does he say "we" without even thinking about it? This isn't just wishful thinking on his part - it's his brain already operating like you're a permanent team.
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2. Money talk becomes normal
Blokes can be weirdly secretive about money, but when marriage is on his mind, those walls come down. He'll start mentioning his salary, his debts, or how much he's managed to save. He might even ask about your financial situation without it feeling like a job interview.
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This transparency isn't nosiness - it's practical. He's thinking about joint bank accounts, mortgages, and whether you can afford the wedding you both want. If he's suddenly comfortable discussing his pension contributions, that's a man thinking about shared finances.
3. You're properly part of the family
There's meeting the parents, and then there's being invited to cousin Sarah's baby shower. When he starts including you in family events that even he finds slightly tedious, you know you've made it. His mum starts asking your opinion on Christmas dinner plans, and his sister assumes you'll be at the family barbecue.
The real tell? When family members start treating you like you're already married. They're not stupid - they can see which way the wind's blowing, often before you can.
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4. Your relationship becomes his priority
A marriage-minded man doesn't just fit you into his life; he reshapes his life around the relationship. This doesn't mean he becomes clingy or loses his mates, but he consistently chooses "us" when it matters.
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He'll turn down lads' trips if they clash with important moments in your life. He remembers your work presentation and checks how it went. When his boss offers overtime on your birthday, he politely declines. It's not grand gestures - it's the steady, reliable way he puts the relationship first.
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5. Arguments feel different
Here's something interesting: the way he handles conflict completely shifts when he's thinking long-term. Instead of trying to win arguments, he tries to solve them. He stops keeping score and starts looking for compromises that work for both of you.
You'll notice he apologises more readily and means it. He brings up issues before they become massive rows. Most tellingly, even during heated moments, he never threatens to leave or suggests you're incompatible. He argues like someone who's planning to work things out.
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6. He invests in your dreams
When a man sees you as his future wife, your success becomes his success. He genuinely celebrates your achievements and supports your ambitions, even when they're inconvenient for him.
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He'll encourage you to apply for that promotion, even if it means less time together. He listens when you talk about your goals and remembers the details later. He might even make sacrifices to help you achieve what you want, because he sees it as an investment in your shared future.
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7. Marriage stops being theoretical
The conversation shifts from "Do you ever want to get married?" to "What kind of wedding would you want?" He starts mentioning marriage in casual conversation, not as a scary concept but as an obvious next step.
He might ask about your views on prenups, or mention how lovely his friend's wedding was. He's not just testing the waters anymore - he's actively planning his approach to the topic.
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8. He's doing his homework
Modern men don't just rock up with any old ring and hope for the best. If he's serious, he's become a detective. He's asking your friends subtle questions about your style preferences. He might start noticing what jewellery you wear or casually ask about ring sizes.
Some women catch their partners browsing engagement ring websites, or notice they've suddenly become very interested in their Instagram posts featuring jewellery. He's not just daydreaming - he's planning.
9. Big life decisions involve you
Whether it's accepting a job offer, buying a car, or choosing where to live, he naturally includes you in major decisions. Not because he needs permission, but because he can't imagine making important choices without considering how they affect you.
He might turn down a brilliant job opportunity because it would mean moving away from you, or he chooses a flat based on your commute as much as his own. Your opinion carries real weight in his life choices.
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10. He wants your people to like him
A man who's planning to propose doesn't just want to get along with your family and friends - he actively works to win them over. He remembers your dad's interests and asks thoughtful questions. He brings your mum flowers, not because he's trying to impress you, but because he genuinely wants her approval.
He makes an effort with your mates, even the ones who aren't naturally his cup of tea. He knows these people will be in his life for the long haul, so he invests in those relationships too.
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11. He creates shared experiences
Marriage-minded men become brilliant at creating memories together. He plans special trips, suggests new traditions, and finds ways to make ordinary moments feel significant.
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Maybe he insists on taking photos together more often, or he starts a tradition of trying a new restaurant every month. He's not just enjoying the present - he's consciously building a shared history that will matter in years to come.
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12. Your daily life matters to him
He remembers that you've got a dentist appointment on Tuesday and asks how it went. He knows your work schedule better than some of your colleagues do. He cares about the mundane details of your day because he sees himself being part of those days forever.
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This isn't just being a good boyfriend - it's the behaviour of someone who's genuinely invested in your everyday happiness and wellbeing.
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What It All Means
The difference between dating and marriage-minded behaviour is really about mindset. A man who's just enjoying your company lives in the present. A man who wants to marry you is already living in your shared future.
Some blokes move faster than others, and that's perfectly normal. Cultural background, previous relationships, and personal circumstances all affect timing. The key is consistency in his behaviour and attitude, not speed.
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A Word of Caution
Watch out for mixed signals - saying he wants marriage but avoiding serious conversations about it, or making future plans but panicking when you mention timelines. Actions should match words, and if they don't, it's worth having an honest conversation.
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Also remember that feeling pressured into marriage isn't the same as naturally progressing towards it. The right relationship should feel like you're both moving in the same direction at a comfortable pace.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, you know your relationship better than anyone else. If these signs feel genuine and consistent with how he treats you generally, you're probably onto something good. If they feel forced or performative, trust that instinct too.
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Every couple's journey is different, but love that's heading towards marriage has a particular feeling to it - steady, secure, and full of possibility. When you're with the right person, the signs aren't usually subtle. They're written all over his face every time he looks at you and sees his future wife.
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The most important thing? If you're wondering whether he's serious about marriage, you can always ask. The best marriages start with honest conversations, and if he's the right man for you, he'll appreciate your directness. After all, good communication is the foundation of every strong marriage - you might as well start practising now.