Love is a roller coaster of emotions that often leaves us questioning how we can be sure our partner really loves us. Finding true love is a complex process, one that takes patience and understanding of ourselves and our partners. We all want to feel like our partner truly loves us and will always consider our feelings in their decisions, yet it can be difficult trying to figure out whether they really do care. We want to know if they’re just after a casual fling or if they’re serious about making a true, lasting connection with us. Thankfully, there are ways to identify signs of true love and ensure that your relationship stands the test of time.
Here are 12 behaviors
Expresses love often, in their words and actions
When a man is deeply in love, he often expresses his emotions through both words and actions. He might tell you how much he loves you and care for you regularly, but he also shows it through his active involvement in your life – from the small daily tasks to the larger moments. He will make time for you, honor commitments he has made to you, listen attentively when you speak, be honest and trustworthy even when times are tough or difficult, compromise, and put your needs ahead of his own. This heartfelt devotion can often be seen in intimate gestures like offering compliments, cuddling, holding hands, and many other actions that will make you feel special and loved.
Respects you, your boundaries, and your opinions
A man in love will respect you, your boundaries, and your opinions. He won’t pressure you into doing something that you don’t want to do or coerce you into changing your values or beliefs. He will always give you the space and support to be who you are and make decisions for yourself. He will not only listen when you talk but also try to understand where you’re coming from. He’ll stand up for what is right even if it means disagreeing with you. All these acts of respect indicate that he knows and appreciates the person that is special to him and loves them deeply.
Honors the commitments he makes to you
He will always be there if he said he would, whether it is for an important date or just a simple meeting. He won’t make any promises that he can’t keep and isn’t afraid to let you know when something unexpected comes up. You can trust him to do what he says and confidently depend on his honesty and consistency, which allows you to build a strong foundation of trust with him. The fact that he is reliable, trustworthy, and never lets you down shows how deeply he cares about you.
Is honest and trustworthy in even the smallest of things
He won’t lie to you or hide any information that is important, no matter how insignificant it may seem. When he makes a mistake, he will own up to it and acknowledge his wrongs instead of trying to cover them up. You can always trust him to tell you the truth and rely on his word for what is right. This kind of integrity reveals his dedication to your relationship and emphasizes the importance of having an honest foundation on which to build your connection.
Compromises when necessary
A man in love is willing to compromise when necessary. He recognizes that disagreements are inevitable, but also acknowledges that there must be harmony and balance within the relationship for it to last. He doesn’t hold onto grudges and realizes that sometimes it’s best to let things go instead of dwelling on them. When given a choice between his needs and yours, he will take your needs into consideration first and strive to make a mutually beneficial decision. His willingness to compromise shows how much he cares about your relationship and how important he believes it is.
Celebrates successes and helps through hard times
A man takes joy in your accomplishments and always encourages you to keep reaching for the stars. He is there to pick you up when you fall, offering support and understanding during your toughest days. He listens without judgment, providing comfort and reminding you that he’s there every step of the way. When hardships arise, instead of shying away from them, he faces them head-on with courage and strength—because that’s what a partnership is all about. His dedication to your relationship will make all of the moments, both good and bad, easier to get through together.
Always make time for you
A man in love always makes time for you. He knows that it’s important to set aside quality time to spend together, where you can really connect and strengthen your bond. He puts effort into planning meaningful activities, whether it’s a romantic dinner or a walk on the beach—and never resorts to going through the motions or opting out simply because he has other things to do. His dedication and commitment are undeniable, making each moment special and proving his love for you every day.
Listens intently when you talk
A man in love listens intently when you talk. He takes time to really understand what you have to say, never jumping in with his own opinion or losing focus of your conversation. Instead, he shows genuine interest and listens carefully to whatever it is that’s on your mind. He takes moments of silence without judgment, giving you space to take a deep breath and collect your thoughts if necessary. With the utmost respect, he provides feedback when asked for it but more importantly, he makes sure to just be present—listening and offering his full attention at all times.
Supports your dreams and goals
Your man always supports your dreams and goals. He believes in you, no matter what they may be, and encourages you to pursue them wholeheartedly. When faced with an obstacle or challenge, he never doubts you and instead searches for ways to overcome these issues together, looking for resources and offering assistance whenever possible. He provides emotional support, giving you the confidence needed to persevere and achieve whatever it is that you have set out to do. His enthusiasm for your success is contagious, inspiring you to reach ever greater heights.
Puts your needs first before his own
He is unselfish and compassionate, always willing to go out of his way to make sure you’re taken care of and happy. He never expects anything in return and instead, finds joy in giving to you and finding ways to make your life easier. While this type of self-sacrificing behavior might be seen as a form of martyrdom at times, he takes pleasure in being able to provide for you—always looking out for what’s best for both of you.
Openly communicates with respect and understanding
A man in love openly communicates with respect and understanding. He listens intently to what you have to say, no matter how hard it is for him to hear, providing feedback that shows compassion and empathy. Discussions never devolve into arguments, as he makes sure that both sides are heard and considered before any decisions are made. He validates your feelings, takes responsibility for his actions, and strives to find solutions that benefit the relationship most—not just himself. No topic is off limits, with his honesty always being tempered by kindness and consideration.
Shows genuine affection without expecting anything in return
A man in love shows genuine affection without expecting anything in return. He gives freely of his time, attention, and love, showing you that he cares deeply for you with no strings attached. He will go out of his way to do something special just for you, whether it’s cooking a meal or taking you on a surprise date. His affections come from a place of true kindness and there is no hidden agenda behind them—just pure, unconditional love.
Does Your Man Show Genuine Affection?
Does your man show some of these behaviors? If so, cherish and appreciate the love he shows you. Let him know that it is noticed and appreciated. And if not, take the time to express what kind of behavior would make you feel valued and loved in the relationship. Encourage open communication so that both parties can reach a mutual understanding of what they need from one another.
