Relationship success is based on two individuals standing in coupledom free of outside influence. My listeners and readers are often challenged by meeting new people who have a “pack mentality” when it comes to relationships. If the new person does not fit in with the “pack” (parents, friends, coworkers, etc.) or abide by its rules, the outsider is often quickly dumped — meaning, potentially great relationships are not even given a chance to grow. Below are 10 ways to tell if he is his own guy: 1. He’s fine socializing on his own A man who is able to be out on the town without anyone else is his own guy. If you find that every movie, dinner, getaway weekend, office party or sporting event is all about how many friends he can throw into the mix, be warned — he definitely needs relationship buffers so that he does not have to focus too much attention on you. 2. He exhibits healthy family separation Definitely go for a guy who’s got a great relationship with his family