There’s a vast difference between someone just being nice to you and someone who actually thinks highly of you.
The difference lies in the details. It’s one thing to compliment you on a job well done but it’s entirely another to truly believe that you are capable of excellence.
Engaging with people who hold us in high regard, boosts our self-esteem and encourages positive growth. And psychology helps us identify these individuals through subtle signs they exhibit.
These signs will help you discern admiration from mere politeness.
Let’s get started.
1) They go the extra mile for you
There’s a unique difference between someone who merely tolerates you and someone who truly values you.
And psychology helps us spot that difference.
When someone thinks highly of you, they are more likely to go out of their way to help you. It could be as simple as offering a ride home, or as grand as sacrificing their valuable time to assist you in reaching your goals.
This behavior is more than just common courtesy. It’s an expression of their genuine admiration for you. They see your worth and are willing to inconvenience themselves to support you.
2) They truly listen to you
In my experience, a clear indicator of someone’s admiration for you is their willingness to truly listen to you.
Just last week, I was talking to my friend Martha about a problem I was facing. Now, Martha is someone who I consider as a person who thinks highly of me. And she proved it yet again by the way she listened to me.
Unlike others who would just nod along, Martha showed a genuine interest in understanding my issue. She put her phone away, maintained eye contact, and asked relevant questions. She didn’t interrupt or try to impose her views on me. Instead, she let me express myself fully.
It’s this level of attentiveness and respect that separates mere politeness from genuine appreciation. When someone values your thoughts and opinions enough to give you their undivided attention, it’s safe to say they think very highly of you.
3) They remember the little details
Did you know that memory is deeply connected to emotion? It’s true. Studies have shown that we are more likely to remember things that evoke strong emotional responses.
So when someone remembers the small details about you – like your favorite book, or the name of your childhood pet – it’s a solid sign they value you. Their brain has associated you with strong, positive emotions, leading them to remember even the minutiae about you.
People who think highly of you will store away these tidbits, not just because they care, but because to them, you are important. And everything associated with you becomes worth remembering. They’ll recall your likes, dislikes, passions, and even your quirks.
4) They respect your boundaries
Everyone has their own personal space and emotional boundaries. And when someone consistently respects those boundaries, it’s a strong sign they think highly of you.
Respecting boundaries means understanding and honoring your decisions and personal choices without trying to sway or question them. It’s about letting you be yourself, and not forcing their own beliefs or preferences onto you.
If someone is continuously mindful of your comfort zones and doesn’t try to push them without your consent, it shows a deep level of respect and admiration. They see you as an individual with your own needs and rights, and they value you enough to uphold them.
If someone in your life is always careful to respect your boundaries, there’s a good chance they think very highly of you.
5) They celebrate your victories
Life is a journey filled with ups and downs. And when someone is there to cheer for you during your highs, it certainly leaves a warm feeling in your heart.
There’s something truly special about having someone by your side who not only shares your happiness but multiplies it. They don’t just congratulate you; they celebrate with you. Your victory becomes their joy, and your happiness, their happiness.
This is more than just being supportive; it’s about being genuinely happy for your success. It’s a sign of admiration and respect.
When you notice someone consistently celebrating your victories, big or small, consider it a heartfelt sign that they think very highly of you. Such people are rare gems who see your worth and want to see you flourish.
6) They defend you in your absence
I remember a time when a work colleague was spreading rumors about me. It was a difficult period, filled with self-doubt and anxiety. But then, something unexpected happened. Another colleague, John, stood up for me when I wasn’t around to defend myself.
He didn’t let the rumour mill run wild; instead, he quashed it then and there, voicing his belief in my integrity. He could have stayed silent, but he chose to stand up for me.
When someone defends you in your absence, it speaks volumes about their respect for you. It shows they hold you in high esteem and are willing to put themselves on the line for you. They don’t just respect you; they believe in you.
7) They value your time and opinions
Time is one of our most valuable resources, and when someone respects yours, it’s a clear sign they think highly of you.
This respect can manifest in various ways – from punctuality in meetings to valuing your input during discussions. They won’t keep you waiting unnecessarily, and they’ll make sure your voice is heard.
Furthermore, they’ll value your opinions. Even if they disagree, they’ll listen and consider your point of view because they respect your thought process.
8) They are genuinely happy for your accomplishments
When someone is genuinely happy for your accomplishments, without a shred of envy or resentment, it’s the ultimate sign that they think very highly of you.
It’s easy to be supportive when times are tough, but celebrating someone else’s success, especially when things may not be going well for them, is a true testament to their character. It shows they value your happiness over their own insecurities.
People who think highly of you will be your cheerleaders in life. They will celebrate your wins as if they were their own and stand by you through thick and thin.
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