By Funke Babs Kufeji
Dating in today’s world feels like scrolling through Netflix — endless titles, questionable plots, unnecessary sequels, and the occasional surprisingly good series you didn’t see coming. Between the soft boys, gym bros, crypto philosophers, “I’m not ready for labels” experts, and the serial ghosters who vanish like they’re auditioning for a magic show, it’s easy to believe the good ones are locked in a vault somewhere.
But here’s the thing: hope is not lost.
Good men still exist — men with sense, men with emotional Wi-Fi strong enough to hold a real connection, men who won’t leave you decoding mixed signals like you’re solving a national puzzle.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what to look out for, here’s a lighthearted guide to eight men who are genuinely worth your time.
1. The Emotionally Literate Man
He has feelings, and he’s not scared of them. He won’t turn emotional conversations into debates or run when things get serious. He listens, expresses himself clearly, apologises like an adult, and knows how to resolve conflicts rather than resort to dramatic exits. A man who can communicate? In this economy? A treasure. Protect him at all costs.
2. The Ambitious Dreamer
Not the “I have big plans” guy with no real evidence. The actual dreamer is the man with vision, direction, and follow-through. He’s building something: his career, his future, his identity. He’s not intimidated by your goals either; he’s inspired by them. With him, there’s movement, energy, and a sense that tomorrow holds promise. That kind of ambition is attractive.
3. The Gentle Alpha
Forget the loud, chest-thumping, ego-driven “alpha male” archetype. The gentle alpha is confident, not controlling; strong, not intimidating; assertive, not aggressive. He leads with respect, has emotional range, and knows that power lies in how he treats people, not in performing masculinity. He’s the man who opens doors and minds. Soft but not weak. Firm but not harsh. A balanced king.
4. The Funny One (Who’s Actually Funny)
Not the class clown who jokes through emotional moments. No. The man who is genuinely funny — the type who can turn an ordinary night into something memorable. He makes you laugh with, not at you. He brings lightness when life gets heavy. And he can take a joke too, which is an underrated art. A shared laugh is bonding; a shared sense of humour is chemistry.
5. The Supportive Partner
This one? A blessing. He celebrates your wins like he had a hand in them. He’s secure in himself, so he doesn’t shrink when you shine. He shows up — emotionally, mentally, practically. He wants to see you grow, and he’s not threatened by the pace of your rise. He roots for you loudly and privately. He’s your hype man, your soft-life co-pilot, the man who makes partnership feel like teamwork.
6. The Financially Responsible Guy
Not the flashy spender who performs wealth on Instagram. The responsible one. He has his bills in order, plans long-term, and understands budgeting without treating it like suffering. He’s not afraid of enjoyment; he just knows how to balance it. And in a world where financial chaos is often glamorised, a man with good money sense is stability.
7. The Curious Mind
He reads. He learns. He asks questions. He wants to understand the world and the people in it. Conversations with him don’t feel like interviews; they feel like exploration. He listens to your thoughts, remembers the tiny details, and engages you intellectually without competing with you. He’s the man who will pause a movie to discuss a theme — or let you rant about that documentary you loved.
8. The Kind Man
Not the performative “nice guy” who keeps score. True kindness — the quiet, consistent type that shows up in everyday moments. He treats waiters, security guards, cleaners, and strangers with respect. He’s compassionate without making it a spectacle. And kindness, real kindness, reveals character more than anything else.
