Signs that a Guy is in Love with You

Knowing when to say those three little words is a big deal in any relationship, but even if your man hasn’t uttered them yet it doesn’t mean he’s not feeling it. Let’s look at the things that suggest he could be in love with you.

Recognising Love at First Sight

A lot of what we’ll discuss in this guide applies to existing relationships, whether you’ve been together for a few weeks or many months. But what if you’ve only just had your first date and find yourself thinking about him and wondering if he feels the same way?

What is love at first sight and what does it feel like?

Love at first sight is the strong connection you feel with someone following the briefest of glances. It’s a common trope in films, TV shows, and music, and you don’t have to go far to find someone who claims to have loved their partner from the moment they saw them.

So, is it real? Well, according to the often-quoted “Triangle Theory of Love” from eminent psychologist Robert Sternberg, love requires intimacy, passion, and commitment. You can feel passion at first glance and even intimacy following a first meeting, but commitment takes time.

It’s more like lust at first sight, but love and lust are closely related, and both are a big deal.

How can you tell if a guy is in love at first sight?

You will usually have an inclination based on the way he looks at you—the curious, keen smile, the constant attention. But he may be playing it coy, in which case you should look for out-of-the-corner glances and awkward body language.

Understanding the Non-Verbal Signs

All people are different when it comes to non-verbal signs. Everything from their age and upbringing to their confidence levels will dictate the visible signs that someone is in love with you. The most common include:

Constant eye contact

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and when a man is besotted he’ll struggle not to stare at you in wonderment. If you catch him looking at you with a dreamy smile, he’s probably caught the love bug. Making full-on, unguarded eye contact with you is another sign that a guy really likes you.

Leaning in

If a man is falling in love with you, he may show it by trying to get close, whether it’s by whispering in your ear or simply leaning in.

He is very affectionate, even in public

If he can’t keep his hands off you (in an affectionate rather than lustful way) he could be a keeper. When he showers you with kisses, plays with your hair, and hugs you on a whim he is truly smitten.

If he’s happy to act this way in full view of strangers, he clearly only has eyes for you. PDA is a great sign, even though it’s not always welcome.

He wants to spend time with you

This is an obvious one, but one of the main signs a man is in love with you is that he wants to spend time with you. As much time as possible. He feels safe and happy with you. He needs to see you and will try to make time for you whenever he can.

Uncovering Hidden Love Language

Some of the hidden signs that a man is in love with you include regular compliments and constant communication. But, of course, he could also just be telling you what you want to hear. So, pay attention to sincerity, make sure he is actually listening when you talk, and look out for the following:

He remembers the name of your first pet

When a man has a real interest in you and what makes you tick, his feelings go far beyond the physical. If he’s able to recall little details about your life it means he has been paying attention rather than feigning interest to win you over.

Of course, it doesn’t have to be your pet’s name. It can also be your favourite book or TV show—anything that shows he was listening and remembers.

He opens up to you

It may be a cliché, but men tend not to be as open with their emotions as women. If your man lets his guard down enough to share his innermost fears, it shows he’s prepared to be vulnerable around you. If he asks for your advice, he clearly values ​​your opinion.

His gifts are personal

Men are hardly renowned for their present-buying abilities, so if he goes out of his way to treat you with heartfelt gifts it shows you’re high on his list of priorities. A copy of your favourite childhood book or a scarf that matches your eyes means so much more than chocolates and flowers.

He cancels nights out with friends for you

Pal time is seriously precious, so if he would rather spend it with you you’ve got one seriously soppy guy on your hands. He’s likely to get a ribbing from his friends for being so henpecked, but he won’t care as long as you’re together. Aww!

The Power of Jealousy

Jealously is rarely a good thing, and in extreme cases, it is a massive red flag. But it’s also a natural human emotion. We all feel it, especially during the early days of a relationship.

It could be one of the signs a guy is “claiming” you and will not treat you well. But it could also be a sign that they actually like you and want something more long-term.

Look out for clear jealousy that’s not shrouded in distrust. So, it’s a good sign if he’s curious about your male friends, but it’s not a good sign if he refuses to let you see them and you’re constantly fielding accusations of cheating. It’s good if he’s protective of you, but not if he’s literally pushing people away or stalking your exes on social media.

Does He Make Plans for the Future with You?

If he’s happy to make plans with you for several months down the line, he clearly thinks your relationship has legs, and if he quizzes you about where you’d like to settle down and how many children you want, he probably sees you as marriage material.

You should also pay attention to how he acts around your family and his own.

Men tend to compartmentalise, so if he wants you to be involved in all boxes it sounds like he’s serious about your relationship. If he’s inviting you to his mum’s, introducing you to all his friends, and asking to tag along when you meet with yours, it must be love.

Understanding His Friends’ Behaviour

If a man loves you, there’s a good chance his friends will know. He’s probably not going to open up to them, but they’ll know by the way he talks about you.

He will also want you to meet them at some point and will be anxious for you to like him. You’re important to him and his friends are important to him, so it’s natural to bring those worlds together.

Pay attention to how his friends react. Do they joke around and make it clear he always talks about you, even though he’s typically a quiet and reserved person? Or do they act like they’ve never heard about you? Needless to say, the former is a good sign, while the latter is not.

Conclusion

There are a few key takeaways here:

• Lust is a powerful emotion and can be felt even at a glance
• If a man feels strongly about you, those feelings of lust can turn into love
• They will make their feelings clear with verbal and non-verbal cues
• How they act around friends and family is also key

If all of the signs are positive, it’s time to get it over with and tell them how you feel! Being in love with a partner and knowing they feel the same way is one of the best feelings in the world, you just need to take the plunge and be the first one to utter those three words.

FAQ

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