It’s often a puzzle, isn’t it? Trying to figure out what someone really thinks of you.

We might think we have an inkling, but it’s not always easy to be sure. We are, after all, not mind readers.

But according to psychology, there are clear signs that can reveal if a person thinks highly of you.

In the following paragraphs, I’ll be sharing with you 8 such signs. Some of these might surprise you, others might make you grin. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They take an interest in your life

It’s no secret that we tend to gravitate towards things and people we value, right?

Psychology reveals that one of the clearest indicators of someone’s high regard for you is their genuine interest in your life. And when I say interest, I mean the real deal – not the surface-level small talk.

This person will want to know what makes you tick, your likes and dislikes, your dreams and fears. They’ll remember the little details you share, and they’ll check-in on how things are going in your world.

But remember, folks, there’s a fine line between genuine interest and nosiness.

It’s all about the intention behind it. A person truly valuing you will respect your boundaries while showing their interest.

2) They celebrate your achievements

Remember that time when I got my first job? I was over the moon, and I was sharing the news with everyone. But what really stuck with me was my friend’s reaction.

She jumped up, gave me a massive bear hug and squealed in excitement. She announced to the entire café that her best friend just landed her dream job. She even posted about it on her social media, gushing about how proud she was of me.

That, my friends, is another sign someone thinks highly of you. They don’t just acknowledge your achievements; they celebrate them with you.

They’re genuinely happy for you and feel proud of your accomplishments as if they were their own.

It’s one of the most heartwarming feelings, knowing someone values you to this extent.

3) They defend you in your absence

Ever heard of the term “loyalty”? This is where it shines.

When someone thinks highly of you, they don’t just respect you in your presence, but also when you’re not around. They stand up for you and defend your actions or character when others might speak negatively.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who defend a friend or loved one in their absence not only demonstrate their loyalty but also elevate their own social standing within a group.

If you’ve got someone who’s got your back even when you’re not around, that’s a pretty good sign they hold you in high regard.

4) They value your opinions

Ever had a conversation where the other person hangs on to every word you say? Where they genuinely want to know your thoughts on a topic, even if it’s as mundane as what you think of the new coffee shop down the street?

That’s another sign right there.

When someone thinks highly of you, they respect and value your opinions. They don’t just ask for your thoughts for the sake of it, but because they truly want to know what you think.

They might even seek your advice on important matters, knowing that your perspective will add value to their decision-making process.

5) They make time for you

We’re all busy, aren’t we? Our lives are filled with work, responsibilities, and countless tasks that never seem to end. Amidst all this chaos, it’s easy to lose touch with people.

But here’s the thing. When someone truly values you, they make time for you. No matter how busy they might be, they’ll find a way to squeeze in a conversation, a coffee date, or even just a quick check-in text.

It’s not about having time; it’s about making time. And when someone does that for you consistently, it’s a sign straight from the heart that they think very highly of you.

They’re essentially saying that their time – one of their most precious resources – is worth spending on you. And if that’s not a clear sign of high regard, I don’t know what is.

6) They’re there in tough times

A while back, I went through a rough patch. Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I felt like I was sinking.

That’s when I noticed a friend who was always there. They picked up my calls at odd hours, listened to my rants, and offered comforting words. They didn’t try to solve my problems or tell me everything would be okay; they just sat with me in my pain and let me know I wasn’t alone.

This is a crucial sign of someone thinking highly of you. They stick around even when things get tough. They don’t shy away from your vulnerability; instead, they share it with you.

And that’s not just friendship; it’s a profound respect for your strength and resilience.

7) They trust you with their secrets

Trust is a hefty word, isn’t it? It’s hard to earn and easy to lose.

When someone trusts you enough to share their secrets or personal struggles, it’s a big deal. They’re showing you that they regard you as a safe space. They trust your judgment, your discretion, and your capacity to empathize.

This level of trust doesn’t come easy. It’s built over time and through shared experiences.

If you find someone opening up to you about things they don’t typically share with others, take it as a sign. They think highly enough of you to let you in on their inner world.

8) They show genuine happiness for your success

At the end of the day, someone who thinks highly of you wants the best for you. They rejoice in your victories and cheer you on as you strive for success. Their happiness for you isn’t tainted with jealousy or competition. It’s pure, genuine, and celebratory.

This is perhaps the most important sign of someone’s high regard for you: their ability to be genuinely happy for your success, as if it were their own. It’s a testament to their respect for you, their belief in your capabilities, and their sincere affection for you as a person.

Reflection: The power of genuine regard

The dynamics of human relationships are as fascinating as they are complex. These subtle signs of high regard, grounded in psychological research, offer a glimpse into this richness.

In a world where words are often cheap and actions speak volumes, these signs can be a compass to navigate the labyrinth of human interactions. They help us discern the difference between fleeting admiration and genuine respect.

Remember, a person who truly thinks highly of you isn’t just an admirer but a pillar of support, a confidante, and a cheerleader. They stand by you, not just in your shining moments but also in your darkest hours. They’re not just present; they’re involved.

And when we reflect on these signs, we not only learn to recognize high regard from others but also learn how to express it ourselves.

Because at the end of the day, genuine respect and high regard are not just about how we perceive others, but also about how we treat them. And that, dear reader, is a lesson worth learning.