21 Signs a Man Is in Love With You
When you’re in love, every interaction can feel like a very complicated game where you haven’t been told the rules.
As modern dating puts yet even more hurdles in our path, we can all be found searching for those concrete signs a man is in love with you — as proof that it’s not all just in our imagination.
Since most modern men have traded in love letters for texting and dramatic declarations for social media likes, it can feel impossible to gauge a man’s true feelings for you. Thankfully though, there is some scientific evidence and facts here to make us feel better. As even if it’s only subtle hints, given that men are typically socialized not to share deep emotions, boys can’t keep all their emotions under wraps.
So, no matter what stage of your love affair you’re in, there are a number of signs that someone is in love with you, and we can help you spot them!
How do you tell if he's falling for you?
Since love isn’t an exact science, it can be difficult to put an exact hypothesis on how you know if someone is in love with you.
Instead falling in love can lead to a whole host of other questions. How long does it take to fall in love? What’s the difference between loving someone and being in love? How do you know if a guy is secretly falling in love with me?
Since most modern men have traded in love letters for texting and dramatic declarations for social media likes, it can feel impossible to gauge a man’s true feelings for you. Thankfully though, there is some scientific evidence and facts here to make us feel better. As even if it’s only subtle hints, boys can’t keep all their emotions under wraps.
3 hidden signs a man is falling in love with you
What are some signs that he is falling in love with you?
In the early days of a romantic relationship, it can be a real whirlwind of emotions, as you’re both swept up by the excitement of it all.
As time moves on and feelings start to deepen, we can all be found questioning our partner's true emotions, and if they feel as deeply for us as we do for them. Even though you could just ask them how they’re feeling, this can feel like you’re spoiling the fun…
So instead, we’d like to cast you as the Sherlock Holmes of love, equipped with your magnifying glass, peering into the subtle clues that spell L-O-V-E.
Psychology signs a man is in love
1. Prioritizes your well-being
When a man is in love, he will naturally prioritize your needs. This might involve tapping into your love language to show his affection or all the small things that he does to showcase his feelings for you.
While these might be subtle indicators at first, when added up, they become obvious signs that he is invested in you emotionally.
2. Emotional connection
While there is much discussion about the differentiation between love and lust, the key thing to note is their emotional interest in you.
If your man is investing a lot of time in getting to know you on a deeper level, it’s a telltale sign that he’s interested in you beyond just a physical attraction or desire.
3. Inclusion in future plans
When a man starts to use the ‘we’ word when talking about the future, it’s an undeniable sign that they see you as part of their life long-term.
While it might not seem like a big deal at first, it could be a subtle way for a man to say that he loves you, without having to say the words!
4. Healthy jealousy
Jealousy in a relationship can be a positive sign, even though it may not seem like it at first.
Studies show that emotional or reactive jealousy in a romantic relationship is a positive sign in one’s love life. While it may look like insecurities on the surface (and this could be part of it), it can also be interpreted as a sign of love as they clearly don’t want to lose you.
5. Ability to compromise
Admitting that you’re in the wrong is a key part of any healthy relationship.
Whether amongst close friends or in your relationship, it’s good to be able to take a step back and see the wider perspective when you encounter hurdles or disagreements. For example, you might not want to give up your own wants but can understand why you should for the greater good of the relationship.
If a man is willing to make compromises and sacrifices for the relationship’s benefit, it’s a very good sign that he’s emotionally invested in the long run.
6. Willingness to be vulnerable
In the name of true love, both partners have to be willing to be vulnerable and open with one another.
A man in love is more likely to show vulnerability, sharing fears, doubts, and insecurities with you. This openness is a sign of trust and a desire for a loving relationship and could be a sign that your partner is truly in love with you.
7. Makes time for you
When you’re dating someone disinterested in you, it might seem like there’s always an excuse not to hang out with you.
However, when a man is in love with you, they will always make an effort to fit you into their free time. Even though you can’t expect them to stop everything for you, if they’re willing to make time for you — it’s a very good sign that they might be deep in their feelings!
8. Consistency
When a man is in love, the time for mixed signals has (usually) passed, and they might show signs that they are generally more locked into a future together.
They are consistent in their behaviors toward you, and their dependability makes you feel like you can rely on them. This kind of loyalty and consistency is a sure sign that they really love you and are serious about pursuing a long-term relationship.
9. Acceptance of flaws
Love goes beyond trivial things or ‘icks’. No one is perfect and when a man is truly in love, this is very apparent.
Even though when you’re dating around you might think about your ‘type on paper’ or what you want from a partner, these things become more trivial when you’re truly in love. If your man loves you, they are more likely to be fully accepting of your flaws and quirks, as they love you for being your authentic self.
Physical signs a man is in love
1. Eye contact
The phrase ‘he just can’t keep his eyes off you’ may seem cliche, but there is actually some weight in these romantic ideals.
Studies have revealed that eye gaze behavior is a significant indicator when it comes to one’s intentions and interests — particularly in the realm of love.
While some might attribute increased eye contact to purely a sign of physical attraction, it also acts as a good indicator of a man’s romantic feelings toward you. For example, if your partner refuses to keep eye contact with you — it’s a sign of disinterest or disengagement.
2. Mirroring
When men fall in love, they might start to subconsciously copy or mimic your behaviors in a phenomenon known as mirroring.
As humans, mirroring is often utilized to make their partner feel more comfortable or at ease. If your partner loves you, they will naturally mimic you, signifying empathy and an overall desire to be in sync with you.
A famous example is that when you yawn, if he loves you or has strong feelings for you, he’s more likely to replicate that behavior —- it’s the little things!
3. Nerves
Butterflies are normal when you’re in the early stages of dating, and may not seem like a big deal.
However, if your partner is head over heels in love with you, they’re likely still going to be a bit nervous around you — as you might literally make their heart race!
4. Open body language
Open body language is a strong indicator of interest, and if someone is in love with you, there are a number of clear signs displayed through their body language alone.
For example, their body will be facing you, arms unfolded, and receptive to what you have to say. When you’re talking to them, they will naturally lean into what you have to say, indicating their desire to know you on a deeper level.
While it may differ depending on personal experience, these body language tells are always a very good sign!
5. Proximity
When you’re spending time with your partner, you might start to notice their desire to be close to you at all times.
This might be through physical touch, by holding your hand or having their arm around you, or just their natural gravitation toward you (even if you’re not alone!) These actions go beyond sexual desires and are a great sign that a man might be falling in love with you.
6. Smiling
Love is an amazing feeling, so of course he’s going to be smiling about it!
When you’re in love, your body naturally releases endorphins and hormones such as serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine. So if your partner feels like he’s found the one, he’s naturally going to be in a good mood!
7. Protective gestures
When a man is in love, he might naturally adopt the ‘hero instinct’ and feel compelled to protect the person that he cares about.
Common examples of this include walking on the ‘roadside’ when you’re walking down the street or displaying other sweet quirks in their desire to keep you safe.
8. Attention
No matter the setting, or if he’s around his closest friends, his attention is on you.
This can be shown through eye contact, body language, and the desire to prioritize you in the conversation. Instead of chatting to his best friend and leaving you out of the conversation, he will naturally include you and make you his priority.
This is a sure sign that he sees you as part of his life and that you’re the first person he looks to in group settings!
9. Pupil dilation
Studies show that the releases of love hormones (most notably dopamine) have a significant impact on pupil size.
So while you shouldn’t be in there measuring their pupil size when they look at you (!!), it could be a subtle sign of their romantic feelings toward you.
How do you know if a man loves you?
When you start to fall in love with someone, it can suddenly magnify your greatest insecurities until you’re suddenly plagued with the question — “Is he falling in love with me too?”
With the fears of unrequited love plaguing your thoughts, we all become detectives of love, searching for any hint or sign that your feelings might be reciprocated. Even though there are an array of signs in a man’s behaviors that can help indicate his true feelings, it shouldn’t be relied on for all the answers.
While this guessing game can be particularly thrilling when you’re crushing on someone for the first time or are in the early stages of romantic love, it can lose its charm when you’re in a committed relationship.
Therefore, there comes a time when you have to be vulnerable and open up about how you feel, so you can ensure that you’re both on the same page. Even though we all want to act ‘cool’ or ‘aloof’, making space for an open, honest conversation about how you feel can help you protect your feelings.
So, when this time comes, stop searching for signs, hang up your Sherlock Holmes hat, and be prepared to let your feelings out into the open.
We’re rooting for you!
*Therapist review note: Here at Paired we embrace and affirm diversity and inclusion. The above article refers to men and boys, and we are using that term inclusively for all those who identify.
