While we don’t like to take sides, we DO have a special little place in our hearts for sensitive guys. Check out the ways their boyfriend game is on point.

Sensitive guys get a bad rap.

Think back to when you were younger. Were you attracted to the sensitive, quiet guy? Or were you more likely to go for the outgoing, charismatic type? Sensitive guys were probably those guys you were friends with…the ones you could lean on and pour your heart out too, but were more often than not relinquished to the “friend zone” during those formative dating years.

Having lived and learned you probably now know that those “sensitive” types you may have rejected when you were younger are actually the kind of guys you should be dating. Why? Because as you’ve matured, you’ve also realized that sensitive guys are usually much nicer and easier to get along with.

Relationships can be complex. Good communication is necessary for a happy, healthy, long-lasting relationship. If you stop communicating, hold grudges, place blame, keep score, or try to constantly one-up each other it can become problematic—which is why sensitivity is a crucial trait in a partner. Men who aren’t sensitive can be difficult to get along with if they cannot express their feelings in a manner that is not overly aggressive or confrontational. The sensitive man isn’t a yeller or a name-caller; he’d rather reach a compromise to end an argument than “win” or “be right.”

And, it’s not to say that an insensitive man doesn’t have a sensitive side. He’s probably capable; it’s just that he may not have been taught how to be sensitive. Maybe growing up, he wasn’t taught to understand his own feelings or those of others. Maybe he didn’t have a great role model for how strong yet sensitive men behave in the world, or in relationships.

A man who is sensitive conveys certain calmness—he’s confident in his skin—and has been taught to understand and value his feelings as well as the feelings of others. The sensitive man exudes a quiet self-assurance and knows that the old saying that men who cry or show vulnerability are weak is simply untrue. Unlike the overly testosterone fueled, ego-driven, “guys guy,” he’s not out to prove just how masculine he is, which is why the sensitive man should be the gold standard among men you meet and consider dating.

Why? Because a sensitive guy is the guy who truly cares about your feelings and those of others, and he would feel badly if those feelings were hurt by his actions or words. When you date a sensitive man, you’ll recognize certain characteristics. Below are a few of the signs you’ve snagged yourself a sensitive man:

On a date, he asks you questions about yourself and is truly interested in getting to know you.

He’s a good listener and will later reference things you’ve said in previous conversations.

He has strong morals and principles.

He doesn’t have a big ego or need to be the center of attention.

He fits in easily with groups.

He’ll want to know more about you, what your favorite book is or your favorite vacation spot—he’ll want to know what makes you tick.

He will show his love and appreciation for you, encourage you, give you space when needed, and bring the occasional thoughtful, romantic gift.

He’s a team player in every aspect of his life: friends, family, work and relationships.

When it comes to making plans he balances what he wants to do with what you want to do.

It’s a magical combination when you find a man that encompasses both sensitivity and strength. So, if you’re looking for the man who makes a great boyfriend, husband, or father, take a deeper look at how the men you date express themselves.

Look for the signs that you’ve snagged the unicorn of men: the modern man who embraces both sensitivity and strength. It might require a change on your part as well. You may need to reach out or reciprocate more, be a little less critical, and a bit more appreciative, but in the end you’ll likely learn that sensitive men make the best boyfriends and are more likely to go the distance.