Love isn’t just about words—it’s about actions.
No matter how sweet the promises or how romantic the gestures, if your partner isn’t willing to step up in key ways, their love may not be as deep as you think
As Tina Fey, the founder of the Love Connection blog and a relationship expert, I’ve seen it all. And let me tell you, there are 8 things a partner who truly loves you will do without hesitation.
This article you are about to read is an eye-opener. It’s a roadmap to understanding love and its true manifestations.
1) They aren’t willing to communicate
Open communication is the lifeblood of any healthy relationship.
Without it, misunderstandings can quickly spiral out of control, leading to unnecessary arguments and hurt feelings.
The willingness to communicate openly and honestly shows a level of respect and care that is necessary for love to flourish.
As Tina Fey, I have witnessed countless relationships where a lack of communication led to their downfall. I’ve seen how a partner who genuinely loves you will take the time to:
- Discuss issues
- Listen to your concerns
- Work towards a solution
If your partner avoids difficult conversations or brushes off your attempts at dialogue, it may be a red flag. Love requires openness, attentiveness, and a willingness to navigate tough conversations together.
2) They don’t make sacrifices
In any relationship, sacrifices are inevitable. It could be as simple as giving up some personal time to support your partner or as significant as moving cities for their career.
Love involves compromising and making sacrifices because you care about the other person’s happiness.
In my years as Tina Fey, a relationship expert, I’ve seen that those who genuinely love their partners are willing to make sacrifices for them. They don’t see it as a chore or an imposition but rather as a way to express their love and support.
Love is about giving, not just taking. It’s about being there for each other, even when it’s not convenient or easy.
3) They don’t respect your boundaries
Everyone has boundaries. They serve as a personal guideline of what we consider acceptable or not in how others treat us. It’s a topic I delve into in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
In the book, I discuss how respecting your partner’s boundaries is a clear sign of love and respect.
When a person loves you, they respect your physical, emotional, and mental boundaries. They understand that no means no, and they don’t push you to do things you’re uncomfortable with.
If your partner frequently crosses your boundaries and disregards your feelings, it’s a red flag. It shows that they care more about their needs and desires than about your comfort and happiness.
A partner who loves you will respect your boundaries because they value your wellbeing and autonomy.
4) They don’t fight with you
This might seem counterintuitive, but hear me out.
Disagreements in a relationship are not only inevitable but also healthy. It means you both have your own opinions and are comfortable enough to express them.
What truly matters is not the absence of arguments, but how they’re handled. A partner who genuinely loves you will fight fair, without resorting to low blows or bringing up past mistakes.
I’ve often seen that couples who never fight aren’t necessarily the happiest. They might be avoiding confrontation or suppressing their true feelings, which can lead to resentment over time.
5) They don’t invest in your growth
One of the most beautiful aspects of love is its ability to inspire growth. When someone genuinely loves you, they want to see you evolve, succeed and become the best version of yourself.
In my own personal journey as Tina Fey, I’ve realized that a loving partner supports your dreams and encourages your personal growth. They’ll be there:
- Cheering you on
- Offering constructive criticism
- Helping you rise when you stumble
Love is about growth and evolution, and a partner who loves you will always be your biggest cheerleader.
6) They don’t apologize when they’re wrong
We’re all human, and we all make mistakes. But the true test of character—and love—is in acknowledging when we’re wrong and offering a sincere apology.
Love is humbling. It makes us put our pride aside and say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong.” It’s about owning up to our mistakes and making a genuine effort to make amends.
At the heart of love is humility and the willingness to grow from our missteps.
7) They don’t celebrate your successes
Throughout my career, I’ve seen how partners who genuinely love each other take pride in one another’s achievements.
They don’t just acknowledge successes—they celebrate them wholeheartedly, sharing in the joy as if it were their own victory.
And when things don’t go as planned, they’re the first to offer support, encouragement, and a reminder that failure is just a stepping stone.
A truly loving partner finds genuine happiness in your accomplishments because, to them, your success feels like a shared triumph.
8) They don’t make you feel loved
This may sound simple, but it’s the most important point. If your partner genuinely loves you, you should feel loved. Not just through their words but through their actions, their care, and their consistency.
Love isn’t about grand gestures or extravagant gifts; it’s about making the other person feel valued, cherished, and secure.
If you often feel unloved in the relationship, it’s a raw and honest indication that something may be wrong. When love is genuine, it’s not just said; it is felt.
Conclusion
Love is a beautiful emotion, but it’s also complex and sometimes hard to decipher. However, actions often speak louder than words.
It might sound harsh and difficult to accept, but if your partner isn’t willing to do these 8 things, it’s likely they don’t genuinely love you.
Yet, deep down, you know that a loving relationship should make you feel valued, respected, and cherished. If you’re not feeling this way, it might be time to reassess.
For more insights on love and relationships, I invite you to check out my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. I delve deeper into understanding love, attachment, and how to cultivate healthy relationships.
Always remember: you deserve love that adds value to your life and respects your worth. Don’t settle for less.
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