Love doesn’t always have to be obvious or grandiose; sometimes, real, deep love can be shown in little ways.
Active listening
When a man listens to you, he remembers the things you’ve told him: maybe minor details from weeks ago, like what flavor of ice cream you like or something you casually mentioned about your dream job. This means he cares enough about you to learn more about what you think and feel. He wants to get to know you inside and out.
Emotional safety
You never feel like you have to pretend or be someone you’re not around him. He allows you to be your raw, messy self around him and doesn’t judge you or make you feel insecure about the things you say or do.
He gives you a safe space to be you 100%, and that is something you’ll rarely find in other people.
Future inclusion
Anytime he talks about his future or makes plans, you’re involved. Whether it’s next weekend or 5 years from now, he sees you in his life.
He speaks this way because he knows you two are going to be tied together no matter what happens.
Protective instincts
He looks out for you and wants what is best for you. He wants to protect you as if you were his. Whether that means trying to prevent you from overworking yourself or picking you up when you fall, he’s got you.
Respectful disagreement
A man who loves you isn’t afraid to disagree with you, but he does it with respect. He will never try to embarrass you or make you feel inferior when you are wrong about something.
He values your relationship with him more than being right, and he will go to great lengths to see your side of the story.
Prioritized time
Life will get busy, but he will always find time for you. You will never feel like an “option” or someone that he only has time for when it’s convenient. This means he will go out of his way to spend time with you, even if it’s just watching Netflix or eating dinner together.
Shared growth
He cheers you on when you reach your goals and doesn’t feel threatened by your success. He also pushes you when you’re slacking and want to reach higher goals. Those who truly love their partners want the best for their partners and encourage them to be their best selves.
Non-verbal cues
You know he loves you when he finds himself lost in thought, watching you, or smiling at you from across the room when you don’t think he’s looking. He loves being around you so much that he doesn’t know what to do with himself sometimes and accidentally gives you small moments of physical contact to cope.
Vulnerable sharing
He is not afraid to open up to you about his insecurities and fears. Most men have been told to be strong males their whole life. So when he lets his guard down and tells you about the things he struggles with, he’s giving you access to his heart and soul.
Consistent presence
He loves you enough to show up, not just when the moments are grand, but when you need a friend to sit through a boring Netflix documentary with. He will be there through your bad days and your good ones. You can always depend on him to show up whenever you need him.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.