30 Signs He Loves You & Things to Look out For

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Figuring out someone’s feelings can be both exciting and a little confusing, especially when his actions make you wonder what’s really going on. Sometimes it’s the tiny moments that speak the loudest… the way he checks in, pays attention, or remembers things you barely mentioned.
Other times, it’s the comfort you feel when you’re around him, like everything slows down in the best way. If you’re trying to understand the subtle signs he loves you, it helps to notice how he shows care, consistency, and genuine interest.
Love doesn’t always arrive with grand declarations; more often, it grows quietly through everyday gestures that reveal what’s in his heart.
How does a man act when he’s falling in love?
Usually, when a man falls in love, one of the signs he loves you is that he is jittery and anxious when you talk to him.
When a guy stutters and has trouble speaking to you, but doesn’t seem to have the same issue with everyone else, it’s a good sign that he may be into you.
The reason why he is stuttering is that there are hundreds of thoughts entering his mind, and he is very careful about what he says in an effort not to embarrass himself.
On the other side of the coin, he probably hates you with a passion and is doing his best not to show it. He knows that fighting with a woman is distasteful, so take note. It’s your previous interactions that will tell if you’re his biggest crush or the pain he can’t get rid of.
Not only this, but he also begins to focus a lot on you.
Whenever you feel bothered by the nudging questions, such as ‘Is he in love with me?’ or ‘Does he really love me?’, try to analyze whether he pays attention to what you say or what you do.
Whether you two are in deep conversation over a glass of wine at a fancy restaurant or just shooting the breeze over coffee at Starbucks, he is totally into whatever you are talking about.
He’s looking at you (and not scouting the room, checking out other women), asking you questions, and, most importantly, remembering what you are saying. (He’ll ask you about it in later conversations.) When men are in love, they listen!
30 signs he loves you & things to look out for
He could be your best friend, a friend of a friend you’ve started hanging out with, a guy you’ve started dating, or a common friend who is suddenly taking a good amount of interest in being around you. How to tell if he loves you?
Be it your partner or just a friend. If he is not saying it out loud, the following are 30 signs he loves you:
1. He starts changing
A change isn’t always a bad thing, so if you start seeing changes in your guy, don’t be worried. It’s only fair that you might start thinking, ‘Does he want a relationship?’
But the change is because he is scared of his feelings for you.
These are the signs he loves you but is afraid of rejection.
The change becomes more pronounced when he is around other women; you will notice that he treats you differently than he does other women.
This is one of the most common signs he wants to say I love you. You will see that his charm, as well as his nervousness, is all directed towards you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He behaves differently around you compared to others.
- He seems nervous, cautious, or extra aware of his actions.
- His charm and attention are directed mainly toward you.
2. He wants to get out of the friend zone
If you are good friends and you have started noticing changes in his behavior towards you, there is a chance that he wants to be more than just friends.
If he has started a level of harmless flirting with you, winking at you, asking you out for subtle dates, it’s pretty clear that he wants you to be his girlfriend.
Grady Shumway, LMHC, says,
If you share his feelings, consider having an open and honest conversation to express your own thoughts and address any fears. Taking things slowly and ensuring clear communication can help both of you transition smoothly from friendship to a potential romantic relationship.
If he gets nervous around you, it is again one of the signs he loves you but is scared. He fears that his proposal will change the friendship you guys have.
He wants a relationship but is scared of messing up the perfect bond that you already have.
Here’s what to look out for:
- His flirting becomes more intentional.
- He initiates one-on-one plans that feel like dates.
- He seems afraid of losing the friendship while wanting more.
3. Cracks jokes about liking you
You may see many signs that he wants to say ‘I love you,’ but is scared. His fear is valid as he likes you but is scared of rejection.
This fear of rejection will prompt him to test the waters from time to time. You will find him joking about how much he likes you. However, he isn’t just kidding. He does like you, but is checking your reaction!
A meta-analysis of 43 samples shows positive humor strongly enhances relationship satisfaction, while most negative humor reduces it. Instrumental humor has no effect. Self-reported humor shows small links, but partner-perceived and relational humor demonstrate medium to large associations with satisfaction.
Women love a man who can make them laugh, so if a man is suddenly exercising his funny bones around you, then it’s one of the sure-shot signs he loves you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He “jokes” about liking you while watching your reaction.
- He becomes extra funny or playful around you.
- His jokes hint at real feelings beneath the humor.
4. Starts acting jealous
Signs a guy likes you but is scared aren’t hard to tell. They are pretty helpful as well because then you know how to make him say “I love you” or tell him that you aren’t interested at all.
Jealousy is also one of the early signs that he loves you.
It’s also one of the most common signs that give him away. Acting jealous is one of the significant signs that he loves you but is scared to admit. Because of this, he will become irritable when other men talk to you or flirt with you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He gets irritated or quiet when other men talk to you.
- He notices quickly when someone else shows interest in you.
- His mood shifts when you mention other guys.
5. Starts staring constantly
How to know if and when a man loves you?
Well, that’s easy. Look at the signs he loves you, but is scared to make a move. If you notice him staring at you for a long time, most of the time, when you are not looking, it is a huge sign.
Women have the power to judge a stare, so observe his staring, and you will know whether he likes you or he is just a creep.
Here’s what to look out for:
- You catch him looking at you when you’re not looking.
- His stare feels warm, curious, or admiring—not creepy.
- He pays attention to your expressions and reactions.
6. Leans on you after a breakup
Having failed once can be one of the many signs he is afraid to fall for you, or maybe he’s falling for you but scared to admit it.
If that’s the case and you’re aware of his past, be lenient with the guy. If you like him, make things easier for him. Give him signals that he can approach you, and that there is nothing to be scared of.
He has loved and lost before, so approaching women becomes tough when a man loves you but is afraid of losing you. He will ask you out the minute he knows that you will not turn him down.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He becomes more emotionally open with you.
- He seeks comfort or reassurance from you.
- He shows signs of wanting to try again but fears getting hurt.
7. Compliments more than usual
How does a man act when he’s falling in love? For starters, he finds ways to compliment you.
It’s very unusual for a guy to compliment unless he is really into you. So this is a massive sign that he likes you.
If you are getting compliments from him out of nowhere, then be sure that the guy is falling for you. He keeps throwing the ball in your court; he wants to see your reaction to his attention.
Keep a close eye on all those compliments, because they could be a sign that he wants a relationship with you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- His compliments feel sincere and personal.
- He comments on both your appearance and personality.
- He observes little details and praises them.
8. His friends know
If you want to know whether the guy is falling for you or not, observe how his friends act around you. If they are acting all funny and goofy around you, it’s a huge sign that he has told them about his feelings for you.
So, girls, the signs are all there! You just need to look closely and figure out how to get him to say it out loud!
Here’s what to look out for:
- His friends act playfully or teasingly around you.
- They treat you like someone special to them.
- They give knowing looks or subtle hints.
9. You are always on his mind, and he tells you so
He sends you silly memes, texts you just to say he’s thinking about you, and emails you photos of your last weekend together.
He might miss an important point during a meeting at work because he is preoccupied with thoughts about you.
If a man loves you, you are ever-present in his head, even when you aren’t physically with him.
Yes, these are the obvious signs he loves you.
Grady Shumway adds,
If you reciprocate his feelings, let him know how much you appreciate his gestures and share your own thoughts and feelings with him. It’s important to balance showing affection and maintaining personal space to ensure a healthy relationship.
Communicating openly about your mutual expectations can help strengthen your bond and foster a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He sends random texts, memes, or updates.
- He mentions thinking about you during his day.
- He remembers small details from your conversations.
10. He will never refuse to do you favors
Unless you’re his boss or something to that effect, a guy who will do whatever it takes to help you is clearly in love with you.
Men are simple creatures, but when they fall in love, they do crazier things than women do. Because, unlike women, men are expected to be in control, they take pride in that.
Only love will let him give up that pride and allow a woman to take control over his entire being.
If they are just shy or too afraid of rejection to express their feelings, then they will be content to spend time with you simply. Doing favors for you will allow them to be close to you, and hope that you notice them, then make the first move.
If you don’t feel anything for that man, stop seeing him.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He offers help before you even ask.
- He prioritizes your needs without complaining.
- He uses acts of service as a way to be close to you.
11. He will understand things about your past
Not everything about your past is a bad thing. For example, having a child is a blessing, but for a man, the possibility of marrying someone carrying excess baggage is hard to swallow. But if he can look past things like that to be with you, then he really loves you.
But you wouldn’t know anything about that unless you had a heart-to-heart talk with him. But how would you know if he understands your past if you are not in that kind of commitment?
If you are comfortable enough with a person, then you can be honest with them about your past. If they, in turn, are honest with you, then you can see what they truly feel.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He listens without judgment.
- He accepts your experiences and what shaped you.
- He shares his own past in return to build trust.
12. Respect
When a man loves you, he will respect you. He will respect you as a person, your decisions, your choices, your lifestyle, your beliefs, and your faith. He will never force you to do his bidding or to follow his dreams and desires.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He values your boundaries and decisions.
- He supports your choices even when he disagrees.
- He never belittles, pressures, or controls you.
Research across three studies shows that status-based and inclusion-based respect strongly relate to romantic commitment. These links are largely mediated by satisfaction, with disrespect lowering satisfaction and commitment. Findings highlight how different forms of respect shape relationship stability and the willingness of partners to stay committed.
13. Knight in shining armor
How do you know he loves you? It is not that hard. When a man is in love, he will go all Jackie Chan on anyone who can pose any threat to the love of his life. He will go to the ends of the earth to protect and look after his loved ones.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He becomes protective in a caring—not controlling—way.
- He steps in when you genuinely need help.
- He worries about your safety and well-being.
14. His pride in you
A man in love is always proud of the love of his life.
One of the less commonly known signs of true love from a man is that he loves to show her off to his family and friends. He will talk about your success and admire you all day long, and even then, it wouldn’t be enough. Signs of true love from a man are as clear as crystal.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He talks about you proudly to friends and family.
- He celebrates your achievements without insecurity.
- He wants others to know how special you are to him.
15. He is kind and humble
He will remain compassionate towards you. His ego will not be his most prized possession; his love for you will surpass all. He will apologize even when you are at fault, so that you can calm down. He will love you truly, undisputedly, irrevocably.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He apologizes easily to keep the peace.
- He puts your feelings above his ego.
- He shows consistent compassion toward you.
16. Supportive
The signs he loves you are not that hard to find; even a blind person can see two people in love. The only problem is that, as we are in a relationship, we are blind to the fact. A man in love will give you his undivided attention and 100% support.
No matter what you do or the decisions you take. Even if he disagrees with them, and if you fail, he will be there to pick up the pieces.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He listens without distraction.
- He encourages your goals and dreams.
- He stays by your side even when things get tough.
17. Inclusion
One of the signs of true love from a man is that he will make you his priority. You will always be a part of his major life decisions, even if they are small, compared to the daily choices of where to eat, shop, and go. He will make you feel that he hears your voice and your opinion.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He includes you in decisions big and small.
- He asks for your input because it matters to him.
- He makes you feel like part of his life—not an afterthought.
18. A giver rather than a taker
Signs of love always include a person who gives more than they intend to take.
A giver is someone who focuses on what they can do for their partner rather than focusing on how much their partner can do for them. If both people involved think in the same manner, the relationship will bloom like nothing else.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He prioritizes what makes you feel loved.
- He rarely keeps track of the score in the relationship.
- He gives time, effort, and emotional support freely.
19. You have always known
A part of you knows. It has always been known. Whether you choose to believe that part or not, that is another story. You know if your partner loves you. You know if he is sincere, and you know if you can see a future together or not.
Signs a man loves you are not that hard to think up; as a man, though, is careful with his emotions, they tend to reveal their feelings through actions, unconsciously.
Here’s what to look out for:
- His actions align with someone who genuinely cares.
- You feel safe, seen, and valued with him.
- Your instincts quietly tell you his feelings are real.
20. He is attentive
One of the signs a man is falling in love with a woman is when he becomes very attentive. He will begin to notice even the slightest of details. He will also remember things that you just said in passing. The center of his focus will undoubtedly become you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He remembers even the tiniest things you share.
- He notices when something feels “off” with you.
- He pays attention in ways others don’t.
21. All the walls come down
This is probably the very first sign of true love from a man. Naturally, at the start of the relationship, he would only like to show his best side. However, as his feelings begin to grow, he will want to share a more genuine relationship with you.
This means he will probably open up more and stop trying to conceal his flaws.
He would want you to know the real him, someone who is probably not perfect, but he would also want to share that side of himself.
Moreover, he would not want to hide anything from you. He would trust you with anything and everything that holds importance for him. When a man bares himself emotionally, inside out, it’s one of the signs he loves you.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He opens up emotionally without holding back.
- He shares vulnerabilities, fears, or insecurities.
- He trusts you with sides of himself others rarely see.
22. He is proud of you and wants you to meet his friends and family
Does he love me?
Well, this is not just one of the signs he loves you; he perhaps wants the two of you to get happily hitched.
It’s with excitement that he plans a big party to introduce you to his group of friends, saying, “They’re going to love you!” He’s anxious to bring you home to meet his parents, who he knows “will adore you”!
He is incredibly proud to be with someone as great as you, and he looks forward to introducing you to his world. That’s love with a capital L!
Here’s what to look out for:
- He introduces you to people who matter to him.
- He talks about you proudly to his circle.
- He wants you to be integrated into his world.
23. He talks about “us” rather than “me”
“We need to plan our vacation” has replaced “I’m going surfing with the guys this summer in Hawaii,” “Let’s go choose a new bed that we both like” instead of “My old bed needs replacing, I’m going to stop by Ikea on the way home and pick something out.”
There is no more reason left for the question ‘Does he love me?’ to pop up.
Decisions are now made with your input because he loves you and wants to make sure you are involved in all aspects of his life.
At the same time, it’s your responsibility to maintain the charm in your relationship. Even if your partner loves you, you need to put an equal effort into your relationship to go the distance.
Here’s what to look out for:
- His plans now include you automatically.
- He uses language that reflects partnership.
- He considers how decisions affect both of you.
24. You are his cheerleader, too
Does he love me?
Of course, he does! This is one of the signs he loves you enough to make you his go-to person when he needs cheering up after a bad day at the office or motivation not to skip that workout.
He doesn’t need to pretend that he’s got it all together around you.
Love knows you can be vulnerable around your partner without fear that they will reject you. When he cries in front of you, know that he loves you enough to show you his tears.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He turns to you for motivation or comfort.
- He trusts you with his vulnerable moments.
- He sees you as his emotional safe place.
25. He celebrates you
Does he love me?
Yes, he does, when he has no insecurities or ego. On the contrary, he celebrates you!
It’s love when your man is happy for your accomplishments (rather than being in competition or being jealous of you), encourages you to reach for the stars, and has constant, unwavering faith in your abilities to excel.
He is your number one cheerleader and will do everything to ensure that you can pursue your goals, such as providing a quiet space to write that report for work and offering to proofread it once you have finished.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He’s genuinely happy for your successes.
- He supports your dreams and goals.
- He encourages you without jealousy or competition.
26. He sits through some of those soppy Nicholas Sparks movies
“The Lucky One” may not be his cup of tea (he’d rather be watching “The Avengers”), but he knows you melt for Zac Ephron, so why not make you happy?
Besides, you’ll get so hot after watching Zac that he’ll reap the benefits of your heightened arousal… it’s a win-win for all!
If this is happening between you and your boyfriend, it is definitely one of the signs that he loves you, and it’s time to put to rest your lingering question: Does he love me?
There are signs your boyfriend loves you truly and madly.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He watches what you love just to make you happy.
- He enjoys seeing you enjoy something, even if it’s not his style.
- He makes compromises with a smile, not resentment.
27. He can read your moods
Despite having a boyfriend and regardless of your physical proximity with him, if you tend to wonder, ‘Does my boyfriend love me?’ try to identify if an emotional connection exists between the two of you.
He can read you like a book from how you purse your lips in reaction to something he has said.
He has looked at your face a million times and, as such, needs no words to interpret what your expressions are saying.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He senses when you’re upset without you saying a word.
- He reacts with care instead of frustration.
- He adjusts his tone or behavior to support you.
28. He pays attention to the little things
One of the clearest signs he cares deeply is when he notices the tiny details about you—your favorite snacks, the way you take your coffee, the songs you replay when you’re stressed, or even the subtle changes in your mood.
He remembers what matters to you, brings things up at the right moments, and shows you he listens not just with his ears but with his heart. These small but thoughtful gestures reveal genuine affection and a desire to stay connected in your everyday life.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He remembers your preferences effortlessly.
- He anticipates your needs before you mention them.
- He brings up small details that show he listens deeply.
29. He’s your emergency contact
How to know if he loves you?
Well, when a man really loves you, your heart will know it. You will inadvertently start trusting him, and you will begin to depend on him in your times of need.
So, you know those forms you fill out, like when you are seeing a new doctor? And there’s a space for “emergency contact information”? You’ve asked him if he can be that person for you, and he says, “Of course!” right away. And you are his, too.
This means that should you ever need him to be there for anything, he’ll be there. No hesitation. No, “oh hon, I can’t come right now… I’m leveling up!” He has made it clear that you can count on him for anything, whether it’s an emergency or not.
Here’s what to look out for:
- He’s the first person you call when you need help.
- He responds quickly and reliably.
- He shows up for you without hesitation.
Watch this TED Talk in which Femi Ogunjinmi explains why saying “I love you” isn’t enough and shares practical insights, drawn from his coaching experience, on what truly builds strong, lasting relationships:
30. He touches you all the time
You know he loves you if he can’t keep his hands off of you, even if it is just a little squeeze around your waist or a light touch on your arm. These gestures involving physical touch are not limited to trying to get you to the bedroom; he enjoys feeling you in his arms at any time.
Sexual overtones or not, he just wants to feel your skin next to his.
These are the obvious signs a guy loves you, and now you can put your nagging question, ‘Does he love me?’ to rest.
Here’s what to look out for:
- His touches feel loving, not just physical or sexual.
- He shows affection in small, gentle ways throughout the day.
- He expresses closeness through comfortable, natural physical contact.
Why do men often fail to express their deep love for us?
Have you seen the movie “Love Actually”?
It’s a feel-good movie with semi-independent arcs about different kinds of love and relationships. One arc is about Rick, the Zombie Killer, who is in love with his best friend’s wife, the Pirate Princess.
He did everything he could to protect everyone and not reveal his true feelings that could ruin their friendship. But his love was so strong that the Pirate Princess found out anyway.
The most common reason is the fear of rejection. There are other reasons, some just as silly as the common ones, but some are more noble and serious, like Mr. Rick the Zombie Killer.
But just because they do not say it in words doesn’t mean he doesn’t cherish you.
Takeaway
Understanding someone’s feelings can take time, and that’s okay. What truly matters is how his actions make you feel… supported, valued, and safe. When you start recognizing the small but steady signs he is in love with you, things often become clearer, even comforting.
Love often grows in simple conversations, quiet gestures, and the way two people choose each other again and again. So take a breath, trust what you see, and let his consistency guide you. Sometimes the clearest answers are already right in front of you, showing up day after day.
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