Love can be confusing. It’s a labyrinth of emotions, mixed signals, and unspoken feelings. But as your guide through this maze, I’m here to tell you that true love doesn’t have to be so mystifying.

Deep down, genuine love is all about actions. It’s not just about saying those three magic words but showing them through tangible behaviors.

I’m Tina Fey, founder of Love Connection, and I’ve spent years helping people navigate their relationships. I’ve found that when someone is truly in love with you, they’ll almost definitely display these 8 behaviors.

Let’s dive into it and demystify love together. Let me help you recognize the signs of true love, and maybe even help you appreciate the love that’s already in your life.

1) They show genuine interest in your life

Love is more than just whispers of sweet nothings and candlelit dinners. It’s a deep-rooted interest in the other person’s life.

When your partner is truly in love with you, they’ll want to know about your day, your thoughts, and your plans for the future. They won’t just ask to be polite, but because they genuinely care about what you have to say.

This interest goes beyond mere curiosity. It’s about wanting to know you on a deeper level, understanding your world, and sharing in your experiences. It’s about being invested in your happiness and well-being.

This behavior may seem simple, but it’s a powerful indicator of love.

So next time your partner asks about your day, remember: it’s not just small talk. It’s love, showing up in the most ordinary moments of life.

True love is not about grand gestures but the little things that reveal a genuine interest and concern for you.

2) They prioritize your happiness

As someone who’s been navigating the relationship scene for years, I’ve learned that one of the surest signs of love is when your partner prioritizes your happiness.

When someone truly loves you, your joy becomes their joy. They’ll go out of their way to make you smile, comfort you when you’re down, and do whatever it takes to make your day a little brighter.

They don’t do this out of obligation, but because your happiness genuinely matters to them. It brings them joy to see you happy and they make conscious efforts to contribute to that happiness.

In the words of the renowned poet Maya Angelou, “Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

When you see your partner leaping those hurdles for your happiness, it’s a pretty good sign they’re truly in love with you. So cherish these moments and recognize them for what they are — proof of love in action.

3) They respect your independence

True love understands the importance of personal space. When someone is genuinely in love with you, they’ll respect your need for time alone or with others, without feeling insecure or threatened.

They understand that you’re an individual with your own interests, hobbies, and friends. And they encourage you to pursue these aspects of your life, because they know it’s essential for your personal growth and well-being.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve into the importance of maintaining individuality while being part of a couple. It’s a vital aspect of a healthy and loving relationship.

If your partner encourages your independence and respects your personal space, it’s a solid sign they truly love you. Not only do they love you, but they respect you as an individual too.

4) They aren’t afraid to argue with you

Contrary to what most people believe, arguing with your partner isn’t necessarily a sign of a bad relationship. In fact, it can be a sign that your partner is truly in love with you.

When someone deeply cares about you, they’ll have disagreements with you. They’ll challenge your viewpoints, engage in healthy debates and won’t shy away from discussing difficult topics.

Why? Because they see a future with you and they’re invested in resolving issues, rather than sweeping them under the rug. They aren’t merely agreeing with everything you say just to keep the peace or because they’re afraid of losing you.

Healthy conflict can lead to growth and understanding in a relationship. It shows that both partners are equally invested and are willing to work through differences together.

Believe it or not, if your partner isn’t afraid to argue with you, it could very well mean they’re truly in love with you. It shows they value the relationship enough to fight for it.

5) They make sacrifices for you

I’ve been in love, and I’ve seen love in action. One of the most profound signs of genuine love I’ve witnessed is when a person is willing to make sacrifices for their partner.

Now, I’m not talking about grand, movie-style sacrifices. I’m talking about the everyday compromises and adjustments that show their consideration for you and your needs.

Maybe they wake up early on a Sunday to help you with household chores, even though they’re not a morning person. Or perhaps they pass up a night out with friends because they know you’ve had a tough week and could use some company.

These sacrifices, big or small, are an indication that your happiness and comfort are a priority to them. They’re willing to adjust their plans and preferences for your sake.

This willingness to sacrifice is a powerful sign of true love. When you see this behavior in your partner, cherish it. It’s one of the purest expressions of love.

6) They aren’t afraid to show vulnerability

Love is raw, and it’s honest. It strips us down to our most vulnerable selves, and that’s where its beauty truly lies.

If your partner is truly in love with you, they’ll let their guard down. They’ll share their fears, insecurities, and dreams with you. They’ll admit when they’re wrong, say sorry when it’s due, and won’t hesitate to show their softer side.

This display of vulnerability is a testament to their trust in you. It shows that they feel safe enough to expose their true selves, flaws and all. They’re not trying to project an image of perfection but are instead being authentic with you.

It takes courage to be vulnerable in front of another person. So if your partner is open and honest with you, even when it’s difficult, it’s a sign of true love. It means they’re not just in love with you, but they trust you with their heart.

7) They support your dreams

In my journey as a relationship expert, I’ve often seen that when a person truly loves you, they become your biggest cheerleader.

They believe in your potential, celebrate your achievements, and uplift you during your failures. They’re there for you, not just in the good times, but also when things get tough.

They understand your dreams and ambitions and support you in achieving them. They don’t belittle your desires or discourage you but motivate you to reach for the stars.

As the legendary author C.S. Lewis once said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” When a person loves you, they put their ego aside and think of your aspirations and dreams.

If your partner encourages you to chase your dreams and stands by you through thick and thin, it’s a clear sign they’re truly in love with you. Their support is a testament to their love and belief in you.

8) They accept you, flaws and all

True love isn’t just about loving the best parts of someone. It’s about accepting them as a whole, flaws and all.

When your partner is truly in love with you, they won’t expect you to be perfect. They’ll understand that you have weaknesses, make mistakes, and have bad days, just like everyone else.

They won’t use your flaws as weapons in arguments or belittle you for them. Instead, they’ll help you grow and improve. They’ll see the beauty in your imperfections and understand that these so-called flaws are part of what makes you unique.

This acceptance isn’t about settling or ignoring red flags. It’s about understanding that everyone has imperfections and loving someone despite (and sometimes because of) them.

So if your partner loves and accepts you just as you are, it’s a beautiful sign of their true love for you. They’re not looking for an idealized version of you, but cherish the real, raw, authentic you.

Conclusion

Recognizing true love isn’t always straightforward, but these behaviors can give you a good indication. Remember, it’s not about grand gestures, but the everyday actions that show their love, respect, and commitment to you.

If you’re interested in learning more about healthy relationships and how to cultivate them, consider reading my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. It provides insights into maintaining individuality while being part of a couple and overcoming co-dependency.

Understanding love is a journey, not a destination. So keep learning, keep growing and remember to appreciate the love in your life.