Here's the scenario: things are going great with you and your man. You've both said, "I love you," and no one ran for the hills. You've both also broached the topic of marriage with the agreement in eventually tying the knot. From everything you know, he's a keeper, and you can see yourself building a life with him and raising a family.

On the other hand, there may be a lingering voice or feeling warning you away. It could be nerves, or there could be something genuinely wrong that you can't quite put your finger on. Before things move along, you should look for these signs to make sure he's truly ready for marriage.

He's no longer into the nightlife

Unless he works in the nightlife industry, your man should be home more than he is out at night. And if he's still going out to the bars and clubs every week, it's a sign that he's not ready for marriage and the practical realities of raising a family. However, if your man has started to share with you and others how the nightlife scene bores them and insists on staying home with you instead, chances are he's ready to settle down.

He's interested in kids

If your partner is talking about kids, take that as a good sign that he's ready to raise a family. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the signs may not be that obvious. If he's does things such as catches an attitude when your nieces or nephews come to visit, that could spell trouble. From the beginning, make sure you're very clear about your intentions to have a family and take the signs he sends very seriously, both direct and indirect, about his intentions as well.

He's financially stable

He may not be on the cover of Forbes, but he has a regular job and a solid work history. He is actively paying off debts and saving for the future. Perhaps most importantly, he's honest with you about his finances. You know how much he earns and what his balance sheet looks like. You're not walking into any hidden debt surprises and have enough information where you can develop a weekly budget together.

If this is not the case, think long and hard before saying yes to an engagement proposal. Money is a leading cause of divorce, and if you're arguing about money or having serious questions about your partner's spending now, that does not bode well for your future.

He's making plans for your shared future

Have you noticed your man looking at real estate listings? Or perhaps he's asked you about shared bank accounts or family phone plans? A man who's making plans with you in mind is a man ready to leave his bachelor days behind. On the other hand, if he's making plans without you or shuts down any talk of your future together, chances are he's not ready yet. And it may be time to move on to a man who is.

Evaluate your partner's readiness to settle down sooner rather than later. You don't want that feeling to linger after he drops to one knee or, worse, after you say, "I do." Hopefully, when you've given your partner's behavior some thought and finances a review, you'll find that he genuinely is marriage material, and you can blissfully concentrate on your wedding plans.

Marriage