Dating and courtship can be a confusing undertaking—especially in this modern day. Throw in dating apps and changing communication standards, and it can feel impossible to find the one. Once you do find a man you like, you may be skeptical of his true intentions. Look out for these signs that a man is truly in love as you vet a potential partner.
No “Mixed Signals”
If you’re seeing a man and he never leaves you questioning your position in his life, you’ve likely found someone worth keeping around. Mixed signals can mean a variety of things, but it’s definitely not promising for a long-term partnership. If you’re always getting a message back and you are receiving clear signs that a man likes you, he might just be in love.
He Appreciates Your Point of View
A man who is in love won’t be threatened if you have a different viewpoint from his. He will respect that you are an individual with your own set of beliefs and will lead with curiosity. This doesn’t mean you won’t have the occasional debate, but hopefully he will be receptive to your opinions and even gain a different perspective through your conversations.
You’re a Priority
If a man wants to make time for you, he will. Sure, the occasional scheduling conflict is inevitable, but that’s different from constantly taking a backseat to every other engagement in his life. If a man is carving out time for you, he probably has strong feelings for you.
He Listens to You
Sometimes all you need is someone to let you ramble on about your day. If you have a man who eagerly listens as you share all the funny office drama and lament about the woes of your latest trip to the DMV, you might have a keeper. A man in love is willing to let his girlfriend talk his ear off.
You Discuss the Future
After dating and getting to know each other for a while, you may just start to discuss marriage and even babies. This is as good a sign as any that he is smitten with you. A lot of men have a more guarded approach to these topics, so it means a lot if he’s broaching the subject.
He Respects You
Respect is an absolute must in any healthy, stable relationship. You should accept nothing less from any potential suitors. If you are feeling even an ounce of disrespect from a man, it might be time to reevaluate whether you really want him in your life. A man in love will make you feel that he regards you with great respect.
He’s Not Afraid to Display His Emotions
For many men, it can be difficult to connect with their emotions. While it’s more encouraged now for men to express themselves, there is still a lingering shame surrounding this for many. If your boyfriend isn’t afraid to display his emotions to you, he likely truly trusts and loves you.
Direct Communication
If a man loves you, there is no need to beat around the bush. There is no ambiguity about how he feels for you, what his intentions for the future are, or when you will see him next. He will be intentional about keeping an open line of communication because he genuinely wants to be around you.
He Checks in With You
In the early stages of dating, you may have a tendency to overthink every little interaction with your potential partner. If you’re constantly disappointed by his lack of communication, that’s not a good sign. A man who is interested will make it a point to stay in touch.
You Always Have the Next Plan Set
There is a natural push and pull that comes with courtship. Playing a bit coy is okay, but if you find yourself unsure about when or if you’ll see your date again each time you part ways, that isn’t a great sign. On the other hand, if you almost always have your next meeting planned, he might just be in love.
Affection Flows
If your man isn’t afraid to show his undying affection for you all the time, you may just be with the one. It’s so important to have a partner who is willing to make it known that he cares. Bragging about you, holding your hand in public, and always reassuring you when you have doubts are all amazing indicators that you’ve found a solid match.
Never Misses a Check In
As much as you might want to, you can’t always be with your new partner. In times when you can’t see each other in person, it can be great to set up regular phone or FaceTime dates. If your man is always showing up to check in with you in this way, you might have a winner.
You’re in the Loop
While you don’t need a full itinerary of what your potential partner is up to day-to-day, it’s nice to be in the loop. You should be aware of major trips and changes to his normal routine—especially if they impact a time when you’re supposed to be together. A man who loves you will be more than willing to accommodate that.
Honesty Comes Easily
Lies, even small ones, can lead to the downfall of a relationship. Your potential partner should be more than willing to be completely open with you, just as you are with him. Bonds are built on trust, and trust is built on consistently telling the truth. This is a simple request for a man who is committed and in love.
He’s Eager to Experience New Things Together
This world is ripe with amazing new experiences—restaurants to try, places to travel, museums to explore. If you are the first person your partner wants to share these experiences with, you might be with the love of your life. Your partner should not only be someone to marry but also someone with whom you can get the most out of this beautiful life.
