9 Signs A Man Is Falling In Love

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant
Updated March 23, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

If you’re dating a guy, and it seems to be going well, you may start to wonder whether the feelings between you are progressing beyond mutual attraction, excitement, and flirtation. How does a man act when he is falling in love? Knowing how your partner feels about you can help you learn more about your future together in your love life and give you confidence as you take next steps with him. But figuring out what’s going on in his head can also be a challenge. When you want insights into your partner’s romantic feelings and outlook on your relationship, it can help to be aware of certain hints that his feelings are becoming stronger, from physical attraction to a deeper sense of care and compassion. Below, we’re going to discuss how you can learn more about whether the man in your life is falling in love with you and discerning whether they love you.

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Signs a man is falling in love with you: Body language and more

Reading your partner’s feelings and discerning whether they love you isn’t always easy to do. He may be uncomfortable with vulnerability or wary of rejection; or he might still be, like you, trying to parse your feelings to find out where he stands. If you’d like more clarity regarding whether your partner is falling in love, the following are nine signs that a man has become enamored of you. While these may not cover all the signs that a man sees you as more than just a friend, they may serve as several indicators that he is developing feelings and even falling deeply in love with you. So, how does a man fall deeply in love?

1. He wants to spend more time around you

In the early stages of the relationship, the guy you’re dating may be careful to leave time for the two of you to be apart. This could be because he wants to give you space, preserve a sense of anticipation, or avoid becoming attached too quickly. But once he begins to fall for you, that sense of distance may dissipate. Making regular future plans can be a great sign that a person is slowly falling for you.

Neurologically speaking, falling in love can produce feelings that mimic those of addiction. This can, according to one study, lead to “intensely focused attention” on the object of an individual’s affection. If the man in your life wants to be around you as much as possible, this may be a good sign that his feelings are strengthening. He may stay over at your place more often or regularly ask you to stay at his. He might also make plans weeks or months in advance, ensuring he is able to spend time with you in the future. 

2. He says “we”

When the guy you’re seeing is discussing his schedule, his thoughts on life, or the distant future, do you notice him saying “we” a lot? For example, when someone asks what he’s up to next weekend, does he tend to say, “I’m going to a concert with my partner”, or “We’re going to a concert”? 

Researchers have found that as couples grow closer, they naturally tend to talk about themselves as a unit. More usage of “we”, as opposed to “I” or “you”, tends to be linked to greater intimacy and relationship satisfaction. This may be one of the undeniable signs that your partner’s feelings are growing stronger.

3. He wants to make you smile

Many men appreciate receiving positive responses and encouragement from their partners. They often derive satisfaction from being able to spark positive feelings in the people they love. As the relationship grows stronger, the guy you’re dating may frequently look for signs that you’re content. If he seems to light up when you smile, or if he does sweet things just for the pleasure of seeing you happy, he may be falling in love.

Men fall in love in different ways, but a desire to see someone smile and using body language like eye contact to get you engaged could be a clear sign of attraction or love. Affectionate physical touch can also be one of the subtle signs related to body language.

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4. He puts himself in your shoes

Does your partner seem to be deeply in tune with your feelings? Can he guess what’s on your mind and anticipate how you’ll react to different situations? This can be an important sign of increasing closeness or falling in love. The ability to empathize is crucial to relationships, improving one’s ability to see things from their partner’s point of view. It can show that your partner is paying attention to you in a way that not everyone does. Research shows that empathy for both negative and positive emotions can be a healthy sign in a relationship. If your partner really gets you, he may also really love you.

5. He sees the good in you

There’s a substantial amount of research indicating that people in loving, fulfilling relationships tend to exaggerate their partner’s good qualities and downplay their shortcomings. This doesn’t mean your partner will be blind to your flaws. But it may mean he’s more inclined to forgive your failings and think of them as less important than your strengths. 

Over time, your partner’s image of you may even help you to see your positive qualities more clearly and inspire you to become a better person. If you feel like the man you’re with builds you up, gives you strength, and pushes you to believe in yourself, it might be because he’s looking at you from a loving point of view. This may be one of the more hidden signs that someone is falling in love with you because it may not be as noticeable as being physically affectionate, for example.

6. He wants you to meet his loved ones

If you’re spending a lot of time around people in your partner’s inner circle, such as their close friends, this is a solid indicator that his feelings are deepening. When a man starts introducing you to his friends and family members, it’s likely because he’s proud of you and wants to further incorporate you into his life. Does your significant other frequently take you to family events or go out of his way to introduce to his closest friends? Meeting his mom, his best friend, or other women in his life doesn’t strictly mean he’s in love, but it can be a sign that he thinks of you as a significant part of his support system. 

7. He lets you see his vulnerabilities

The theory known as the posits that trust is one of the four essential components of romantic love. When a guy is developing strong feelings, he may no longer feel the need to present himself as only strong, smart, happy, and confident. A man who is in love may start talking to his partner more about the things that make him feel sad, insecure, or uncertain. For a man falling in love, believing that his difficult emotions are accepted in the same way as his positive ones can be vital. Can a man fall for someone he doesn’t trust? It may be difficult to fall in love with someone he doesn’t believe he can be his full self around.

If your partner has been open with you, this can mean that he’s thinking of you as a true partner, someone he can rely on to help him get through life’s difficulties. And it could show that he trusts you not to use his vulnerability against him, which is often an important part of compassionate love in a long-term relationship.

8. He goes to you when things are difficult

One way that a man who loves you might reveal his vulnerability is by seeking comfort from you when something goes wrong in his life. Sadness, pain, and fear can be difficult emotions for anyone, and many men respond to them by withdrawing. However, a man who loves you may think of you as someone he can turn to for comfort.

The relief that your partner experiences when you’re around may be surprisingly tangible. Research suggests that the sight of a loved one’s picture can reduce the perception of physical pain. When a man seems to feel better about his troubles simply from being close to you, there’s a good chance it’s love. 

9. He prioritizes you more than just a friend

A man who’s falling in love will likely ensure his partner feels important. Does your significant other cancel plans with friends to help you when you need it? Does he show up every time you have a big event? A man who works hard to ensure you feel important is likely signaling his intent to build a lasting, committed relationship—and is probably feeling strongly about you.  

Men fall in love in different ways, so look at his love language to get a feel for how he prioritizes you. For example, if he often completes little chores for you or goes out of his way to help you, these could be signs of the acts of service love language in a relationship. If he gives you physical signs that he cares (perhaps including your sex life, but also general signs of affection), then his love language may be physical touch.

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Online therapy can provide perspective on romantic feelings

Even if you know the signs to look for, gauging someone else’s feelings can be tricky. If you’re feeling uncertain about where your relationship is headed and whether there’s a good chance he’s falling for you, it might help to talk with a certified relationship coach or therapist who’s experienced in providing relationship guidance. Therapy can offer you a new view of the situation and help you sort through your own feelings.

A growing number of studies suggest that online therapy can help individuals feel more secure about the future of their relationship while also addressing mental health concerns. In a study on the efficacy of online therapy for people experiencing relationship distress, participants reported experiencing greater confidence in their partnership, in addition to improvements in depression and anxiety symptoms. The study notes the ability of online therapy to bridge the treatment gap that often exists in mental health care, circumventing common barriers such as high costs and lack of access in remote areas. 

Online therapy is a convenient and affordable way for you to learn more about your relationship. With an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, you can gain valuable insights into your partnership remotely, through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Online therapy is also an affordable option—Regain memberships start at $65 to $100 per week (based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply)—so you’ll have more money to go on dates and continue fostering a healthy relationship with the man in your life. 

Takeaway

A man who’s falling in love can hint at his desire for greater closeness and intimacy in many different ways. You may notice that he’s prioritizing you, opening up more, and working hard to make you happy. He might show you his softer side, while also serving as a source of strength and comfort when you need it most. If you’d like further insights into your relationship, consider connecting with a licensed therapist. With the right support,  you can learn to read your partner’s feelings and continue developing a strong, healthy relationship. 
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