Want a peek into your new boyfriend’s mind? Just browse his Twitter timeline!

A guy’s Twitter stream gives you clues about his hobbies, how he relates to his friends, and what wanders across his mind when he’s supposed to be working. Want to know how he spent last weekend? No need to casually ask around — his updates tell you where he went, what he did and how he liked it.

Skim his Twitter history for character insights. Twitter is where folks connect with their friends, allowing you learn a lot about a possible date or a new boyfriend. A guy might tone down his potty humor or his guttermouth while at a classy restaurant with you, but you’ll see his true colors from the links he shares, the jokes he makes and the comments he retweets. Another guy might be playing it cool when you’re together, but his friends’ comments might make it clear he’s more than a little interested in you!

Twitter can also be a great way to check for major dealbreakers early on. How does he talk to his friends? Is he constantly tweeting about how wasted or hungover he is? Is he always trying to be the alpha male? A guy who’s bashing his boss or his roommate on Twitter will likely be bashing his ex-girlfriend, too. Don’t let an “I hate work” tweet ruin a budding relationship, but do keep in mind that a guy who uses Twitter to vent could use it to complain about you in the future.

Offline, asking many questions about where your boyfriend is going or what he’s doing can make it look like you’re checking up on him. Guys don’t want to feel like they’re on a leash! But Twitter allows him to casually tell you how he’s spending his days, without you having to ask a single thing. Chatting with him on Twitter about what he’s doing when he’s not with you can make you seem interested, not clingy or nosy.

Let your guy impress you with clever tweets or mentions of what he’s working on now. Guys who are funny and warm in 140 characters are often even better in person!