Love can be a tricky thing to navigate. It’s not always as dramatic as the movies make it out to be – sometimes, the signs are subtle, almost imperceptible.
Being in love often leads to certain behaviors that might not seem significant on their own, but when put together, can paint a pretty clear picture. As a relationship expert and the founder of the Love Connection blog, I’ve seen these patterns time and again.
If a man is truly in love with you, he’ll usually display these subtle 8 behaviors. Keep an eye out for them, they might just help you understand his feelings better.
Love isn’t about grand gestures or expensive gifts; it’s about those little things that show he cares.
Let’s get started.
1) He makes time for you
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, time is our most precious commodity. And when a man is truly in love, he will make it a priority to spend his time with you.
It’s not about grand gestures or planned-out dates, it’s about the seemingly insignificant moments. They might be as simple as grabbing a cup of coffee together in the morning, or binge-watching your favorite series on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
These moments show that he values your company and wants to be with you, even when there’s no particular reason or event.
This behavior is a clear sign of his affection towards you. It shows that he’s willing to put aside his own personal interests and commitments to make room for you in his life.
It’s all about balance. He should also respect your time and understand that you too have your own commitments and interests. Love is about sharing time, not monopolizing it.
2) He listens to you
Listening, truly listening, is one of the most powerful forms of respect and love a person can give. It shows that your opinions matter to him, and he values what you have to say.
I remember a quote from the brilliant poet Maya Angelou, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” And being listened to, genuinely and attentively, makes one feel truly valued and appreciated.
When a man loves you, he won’t just listen to your words, but he’ll also pay attention to your emotions and non-verbal cues. He’ll show interest in your stories, ask follow-up questions, and remember what you’ve shared with him.
This doesn’t mean he will agree with everything you say or do. But even in disagreements, he will strive to understand your viewpoint and respect your feelings.
If he’s actively listening to you and showing genuine interest in what you have to say, take it as another subtle sign that he’s truly in love with you.
3) He supports your dreams
A man in love doesn’t just care about the present; he cares about your future too. He wants to see you reach your full potential and will support your dreams, even if they don’t align with his.
In my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I talk about the importance of maintaining individuality even in a relationship. Your dreams and aspirations are a big part of who you are, and a loving partner will understand and support that.
He’ll encourage you, provide constructive feedback when needed, and celebrate your victories. Even when the path gets difficult, he’ll be there by your side, cheering you on.
Supporting each other should be mutual. As much as he supports your dreams, make sure you’re there for him too. Love is about growing together while also helping each other grow individually.
4) He isn’t afraid to argue with you
Now, this might sound counterintuitive at first. After all, aren’t arguments a sign of discord and not love? Well, not always.
Healthy disagreements are a sign of a mature and balanced relationship. It means he respects you enough to express his feelings and opinions, even when they differ from yours.
If a man is truly in love with you, he won’t just agree with everything you say to keep the peace. He’ll challenge your ideas and engage in constructive arguments. These discussions can often lead to deeper understanding and mutual growth.
It’s not about winning or losing an argument; it’s about having open communication and respecting each other’s perspectives.
Don’t fret if he isn’t always on the same page as you. As long as the disagreements are respectful and lead to productive conversations, it’s just another subtle sign of his love for you.
5) He notices the little things
Love is in the details, and when a man truly loves you, he pays attention to those small things that make you, you.
Maybe it’s the way your eyes light up when you talk about your favorite book, or how you like your coffee just a certain way. These seemingly insignificant details are like treasures to him because they’re pieces of your unique personality.
I remember when I first noticed this behavior in my own relationship. My partner would remember my obscure favorite dessert and surprise me with it after a long day, or he’d point out a song that reminded him of a story I’d told him ages ago. It was these little gestures that showed me how much he truly cared.
If your man makes note of your quirks, habits, and preferences, and uses this knowledge to make you smile or feel loved, consider it as yet another subtle sign of his deep affection for you.
6) He’s not afraid to show vulnerability
Real love isn’t always picture perfect. It’s raw, it’s real, and it requires a level of vulnerability that can be downright scary.
When a man is genuinely in love with you, he’ll let his guard down. He’ll share his fears, his dreams, his past mistakes. He’ll let you see him at his weakest and trust that you won’t judge him for it.
This kind of emotional openness doesn’t come easily to everyone. Society often expects men to be strong and stoic. But in a loving relationship, there’s room for all emotions, not just the comfortable ones.
If he’s willing to be vulnerable with you and shows you his true self, flaws and all, take it as a profound sign of his love. It means he trusts you and wants to build a deep emotional connection with you.
7) He respects your boundaries
Respect is a fundamental cornerstone of any healthy relationship, and this includes respecting each other’s boundaries.
When a man truly loves you, he will understand and respect your boundaries, both physical and emotional. He won’t push you into anything you’re uncomfortable with and will always seek your consent.
I’m reminded of the profound words by Mahatma Gandhi, “Respect is love in action.” When someone respects your boundaries, it’s their way of showing they care about your feelings and well-being.
In my own relationships, I’ve always appreciated when my partner asked before making decisions that involved me or respected my need for personal space after a long day. It showed me that he valued my comfort and happiness.
8) He includes you in his future plans
When a man is truly in love, he can’t imagine his future without you in it.
He’ll talk about his future goals and dreams, and more often than not, you’re a key part of them. Whether it’s planning a vacation next year or discussing long-term life goals, he sees you as an integral part of his life moving forward.
This doesn’t mean he’ll rush into things or push the relationship faster than it needs to go. Instead, it simply means that when he thinks about his future, he envisions you in it.
This level of commitment can be both exhilarating and a little terrifying. But it’s one of the most raw and honest signs of deep love. If he’s including you in his future plans, it shows that he wants to build a long-lasting relationship with you.
Conclusion
Love can be complex and multifaceted, often showing itself in the subtlest of behaviors. If your man is showing these signs, chances are, he’s truly in love with you.
But remember, every person expresses love differently, and these are just some of the many ways someone can show their deep affection for you.
For more insights into understanding and fostering healthy relationships, be sure to check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
In the end, trust your instincts and your heart. They’re usually pretty good at recognizing true love when they see it.
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