A man ready for marriage discusses issues in the long term, including you in his future goals -- for example, by asking "Do you think I should apply for that job?" or "Should I make an offer on that condo?" If your man suggests living together, he may be viewing you as marriage material, clinical psychiatrist Paul Dobransky tells Cosmopolitan magazine, in the article "10 Signs He Wants to Marry You." More subtle clues may include comments such as "This would be a good neighborhood to raise kids" or "Those new minivans come fully loaded."

A marriage-minded man often focuses his priorities on establishing financial security prior to marriage in provision for a family. Your boyfriend may suggest opening a joint bank account, which may indicate potential partnering in matrimony, asserts Dobransky. Demonstrating frugality or curbing large purchases may be a clue that he is saving for an engagement ring.

An impending proposal may be apparent if he is behaving differently -- for example, acting uncharacteristically giddy and more excited. He may engage in repetitive body movements, such as readjusting his clothes, that diffuse his nervous energy. A sudden demonstration of behavior similar to your initial courtship period -- such as holding hands or massaging your neck while working -- may be indicative of an imminent proposal. If he has changed his vocabulary from "I" to "We," this may be a clue to his marriage intentions.

Behavioral scientist Christie Hartman writes that an interested man truly "opens his life up to you," introducing you to family and friends, in her article "Signs a Man is Interested in You (Part 2)," published on her website. If he wants to marry you, he will likely communicate that you are his top priority -- for example, by exclaiming "I want to spend every possible moment with you." Another clue of proposal potential is referring to you as "the only one" or "special," suggests Dobransky.