If you are in a relationship with a man who does not express his feelings openly, you should try to recognize the signs he loves you without saying it. Understanding relationships can be tricky. Sometimes, one partner in a relationship may not be communicative enough, making it difficult to understand their feelings.
The reason behind him not expressing his heartfelt feelings for you could be his apprehension about your reaction, fear of rejection, or just his introverted nature. No matter the reason, if you feel your partner does not express his love, read this post to understand the subtle signs that indicate he loves you. Noticing these signs can strengthen your emotional bond and improve your relationship. Love isn’t always shown through words, actions often reveal true feelings (1).
Key Pointers
- He may not be verbally expressive about his feelings, but holding your hand signifies his love.
- He not only cares for you but always makes you his priority.
- In his presence, you will feel valued.
- If you notice more of these signs, you may confirm that he loves you.
Signs He Loves You Without Saying It
Your guy may not openly confess his love for you. But look out for these signs to know if he truly loves you.
1. He holds your hand
Holding a hand is a way of showing affection (2). It shows his loving and caring nature if he is not shy to hold your hand while crossing a busy thoroughfare or taking a casual stroll.
2. He trusts you
Trust is the founding block of any relationship (3). If he shares his personal life with you and confides in you, it means that he trusts you and values you as a companion.
3. He takes your help to make big decisions
Does he involve you or seek your advice while making important decisions in his life? If yes, it means he values your opinion. For instance, if he’s considering a new job or making a significant purchase like a car or a house and seeks your advice, it shows he trusts your judgment.
4. He smiles more often when he’s with you
It’s true that guys get all giddy about the girl they are in love with. When a guy truly loves a girl, he finds it tough not to give a warm smile when she is around him.
5. He mirrors your actions
When a person likes you, they unconsciously imitate your gestures, mannerisms, and speech patterns. The next time you talk to your guy, observe if he mirrors your actions and gestures. If yes, be sure he is in love with you. For instance, if you cross your legs while sitting and he follows you soon after, or if he begins using the same words or phrases you typically say, it’s a clear sign he’s mirroring you, which shows his emotional attachment and interest.
6. He is shy and nervous around you
When a guy has strong feelings for you, it will be difficult for him to stay calm and collected around you. This is one of the signs he loves you secretly. Be attentive to his body language. You may see him running his fingers through his hair or blushing when you compliment him. These are obvious signs that he loves you.
7. He gives you forehead kisses
If he gives you affectionate kisses on the forehead, it is a sign that he is in love with you (5).
8. He tells his friends about you
If he has introduced you to his friends and speaks highly of you, it is quite likely he likes you more than usual. And if you are friends with his friends and they like you as well, it means that you’re special to him.
9. He cares for you
If he truly loves you, he won’t shy away from adoring you and giving you ample attention. He is loyal and makes compromises for you. He is caring and looks after your every need. For example, when you are unwell, he consistently checks on you, bringing medicine, warm drinks, or just offering to stay with you for comfort. Even when he’s busy, he takes the time to send you kind messages, reminding you of his care and love.
10. He helps you improve
A guy who loves you will help you become the best version of yourself. He will give you positive affirmations daily and make you believe in your abilities. For example, if you’re unsure about a career choice and he motivates you to go for it, reminding you of your talents and abilities, or if he gives helpful advice to improve in a hobby or skill, it shows he cares about your growth and wants to see you succeed.
11. He gives you gifts now and then
If your guy often showers you with endearing small gifts, such as a box of chocolates or jewelry, it’s because he wants to make you happy.
12. He keeps you entertained
For your relationship to blossom, you need to share a good sense of humor. Does he do things to make you laugh and keep you in good spirits? You can safely say he loves you and likes to see you happy.
13. He introduces you to his family
A guy wouldn’t introduce you unless you’re special to him. Taking you to meet his family is a big step for any guy, and if he does it, you can be sure that he is proud and devoted to you and wants everyone to know about you both.
14. He makes you his priority
When you need anything, he drops everything to be with you. He is there for you whenever you need a shoulder to lean on, and he is thoughtful enough to keep his promises. These are tell-tale signs he loves you. For instance, when you’re feeling down after a tough week, he cancels his plans with friends to come over and cheer you up.
15. He is honest
Your guy is always transparent about his feelings. He is faithful, never hides anything from you, and has told you every little detail about him. He freely expresses his thoughts and constantly reminds you how much you mean to him.
16. He listens to you
He listens to all your bragging. He cares about what you say, and he doesn’t interrupt you when you are talking. His devotedness towards you is evident when you can tell him anything and everything, and he will be all ears. When you share your dreams and aspirations, whether they’re big or small, he listens carefully, offering encouragement and never dismissing your ideas. Even when you’re venting about something that’s bothering you, he patiently allows you to express yourself, taking the time to ensure you feel heard and understood, without rushing to offer solutions.
17. He compliments you
You will feel the genuineness and honesty that lies beneath his generous compliments. No matter whether you’re dressed up or in your casual pajamas, he will still compliment you and make you feel better about yourself.
18. He misses you when you are not around
Whether you are in another city for work or just away with your family for the weekend, he will tell you how much he misses you and how he wishes you two were together.
Katie Cook, a writer, talks about a similar experience of when she started dating her boyfriend. She says, “That year, my family spent the summer in France. Kevin started emailing me regularly and saying things like ‘I miss you’ or ‘I wish you were here with me.’ I remember living for his emails that summer (and chocolate croissants) and realizing that these emails were secretly saying that HE LIKED ME (i)!”
19. He respects you
Even if you both do not agree on everything, he never dismisses your sincere opinion as unworthy. He is understanding and respectful towards you and values your friendship. For example, if you’re discussing a sensitive topic like family matters, and even though he doesn’t share your viewpoint, he listens carefully and says, “I can see why that means a lot to you,” showing that he respects your perspective, even when it’s different from his own.
20. He communicates whenever necessary
If he reaches out to you even after a messy fight, it means that he cares for you. He will take out the time to communicate and solve the problem and be mature enough to handle it properly.
21. He has a keen interest in things you like
He is supportive of all your passionate interests and hobbies. He asks about your interests and even tries them out to spend time with you.
22. He makes you feel special
He accepts you as you are and makes you feel better about yourself. He looks past your imperfections and appreciates everything about you. He tells you things that make you the most desirable because he wants you to feel attractive. For instance, if you’re feeling insecure about your appearance or a mistake you’ve made, and he comforts you by saying, “I think you’re perfect just the way you are,” it shows he truly values you and wants you to feel confident. His sacrificial nature makes him go out of his way to make you feel loved and celebrated.
23. He is protective of you
Your guy will always make you feel safe and protect you in case of eventualities. He stands up for you and assures you he will always be by your side. If you’re out late and he insists on walking you home to make sure you’re safe, or if someone treats you poorly and he stands up for you, saying, “That’s not right, I won’t let anyone treat you like that,” it shows that he is protective and genuinely cares about your safety and respect.
24. He loves spending time with you
If he regularly makes romantic plans, hangs out with you, and doesn’t miss out on any chance to be with you, he is in love with you.
25. He respects the boundaries
He gives you your space. He appreciates you as an individual with your needs and respects your time and space. For instance, if you’re going through a hectic week and need some alone time, he shows understanding and doesn’t try to make plans, saying, “I know you’re busy, don’t worry, take all the time you need, and I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
26. He doesn’t reduce your worth to a physical aspect
He comes over and lifts your mood with cuddles when you are low and does not take advantage of you to satiate only his amorous desires.
27. He is sensitive to your feelings
If your guy wants to make you happy, it’s because he genuinely loves seeing you jovial. He finds happiness in your happiness and shares your sorrow when you go through it.
28. He is your confidant
Your partner will also be your best friend. You can share anything with him, and he won’t be judgmental. He is the first person to know when something good or bad happens in your life.
29. He is proud of your achievements
He is your biggest supporter and critic. He sticks with you in your ups and downs and always takes pride in your accomplishments. For instance, if you receive a promotion, he cheers you on, saying, “I’m so proud of you, you’ve worked so hard for this,” and when you encounter difficulties, he’s by your side, saying, “I know you can handle this, I believe in you.”
30. He displays subtle signs of jealousy
It is often idealized as a sign of passion and emotional investment in romantic relationships (6). You can understand that he’s a bit jealous when you speak sweetly or flirtily with other men. He acts possessive around other guys and tries to outshine others in an attempt to impress you.
31. He shows his vulnerable side
People open up about their vulnerabilities only before the ones they trust and connect emotionally. It shows that they feel safe with you and are not worried about being judged.
32. He talks about the future
If he shares his future plans with you, it may mean he is thinking of the prospects of a long-term relationship with you. For instance, if he mentions future plans like, “It would be amazing for us to go on that trip next summer,” or “I can see us settling in that city someday.”
What To Do If You Like Him Too?
If a guy shows signs that he loves you and you feel the same way, here are some steps you can take.
- Share your feelings: If you haven’t done so already, let him know that you share the same emotions. Whether through heartfelt words, meaningful gestures, or actions that demonstrate your care, express your affection in a way that feels true to both of you.
- Nurture the relationship: Spend quality time together and continue building a deep emotional connection. Open up about your thoughts, dreams, and emotions to strengthen your bond.
- Enjoy the moments together: Treasure the love you share and build lasting memories by enjoying each other’s company. Whether you’re sharing joyful moments or offering comfort in difficult times, value the relationship and let it develop naturally. Appreciate the small gestures that deepen your connection, and keep fostering the bond with patience and love.
- Move at a comfortable pace: While discovering that you both have feelings for each other is exciting, letting the relationship unfold gradually is essential. Take the time to truly understand each other, building trust and connection without feeling pressured to move too quickly. Let things evolve naturally, allowing space for both of you to grow individually and together.
- Have an honest conversation about your relationship: It is crucial to have an open discussion about the current state of your relationship. Share your expectations and set clear boundaries. This open communication will help you better understand each other’s desires and needs, minimize misunderstandings, and ensure that both of you are aligned on the future of your relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes a person shy away from expressing their love verbally?
People might hesitate to express their love verbally for various reasons. These reasons include the fear of rejection, lack of confidence, cultural or societal norms, negative past experiences, and personal communication style.
2. Can a person’s actions speak louder than words when it comes to love?
Actions can express love more powerfully than words, demonstrating a person’s commitment and dedication to the relationship. When someone constantly shows up, listens, and supports their partner, their love feels more genuine and trustworthy. Actions can also reinforce spoken words, creating a powerful and reassuring sense of security in the relationship.
3. What role do body language and non-verbal cues play in conveying love?
Non-verbal cues and body language can play a crucial role in conveying love. Physical touch, eye contact, and facial expressions can communicate affection, infatuation, and intimacy that words may not be able to capture. Additionally, body language can reflect one’s comfort level and trust in a relationship, indicating a strong connection, admiration, and mutual attraction.
Your love life may become disappointing and difficult if your partner does not open up his heart to you. However, some men are shyer than others regarding conveying their emotions. Nevertheless, learning to recognize the signs a man may show when he loves you can help you feel secure and loved. If you notice these signs and are confident that he loves you, do not hesitate to confess your feelings to him. Being able to read the body language of men in love can give you a better idea of how they are feeling. Further, if you master the art of deciphering the subtle signs that he has feelings for you, you can have a happy and satisfying relationship.
Infographic: Signs He Loves You Without Saying It
Guys are more emotional and sensitive than how they are typically perceived. When they fall in love, they tend to behave differently around that person in a cuter and more understanding way. So your partner may not say it much, but if he displays the signs mentioned in the infographic, he definitely loves you.
Illustration: Surefire Signs He Loves You Without Saying It
Do you wonder if he loves you? Are you confused about his feelings towards you because he doesn’t say much? Learn the 12 signs that show he loves you without saying it.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Love story;http://www.hopeengaged.com/p/love-story.html
References
- Expressing Love Beyond Words: 10 Heartfelt Gestures for Your Partner
https://extension.usu.edu/hru/blog/10-ways-to-express-your-love-to-your-significant-other - The science of holding hands
https://bcmj.org/blog/science-holding-hands - Cultivating Trust: 8 Essential Components for Relationship Success
https://extension.usu.edu/hru/blog/building-trust-in-relationships-guide-to-lasting-connection - Chrystyna D. Kouros; et.al.; (2019); Couples’ Perceptions of Each Other’s Daily Affect: Empathic Accuracy, Assumed Similarity, and Indirect Accuracy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6512343/ - Neurophysiology of Philematology and Some Infectious Disease
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=94457#:~:text=A%20forehead%20kiss%20is%20another - Loving the Green-Eyed Monster: Development and Exploration of the Jealousy is Good Scale
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12147-015-9141-6
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Rodolfo Parlati
Read full bio of Ratika Pai
Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman