It’s a natural human desire to want to be liked and respected. Sometimes, we find ourselves wondering how others see us, especially when they don’t make their feelings clear.

Have you ever tried to figure out if someone thinks highly of you, looking for little signs in their behavior?

From their body language to the way they talk to you, there are clear indicators that someone respects and admires you, even if they haven’t said it outright.

Let’s dive into these signs, so you can spot them next time.

1) They listen intently

In the fast-paced world we live in, giving someone your undivided attention is a rare and valuable gift.

If you notice that someone is genuinely interested in what you have to say, it’s a strong sign they hold you in high regard.

This person is not just passively hearing your words; they’re actively listening and engaging with your thoughts and ideas.

True listeners don’t just wait for their turn to speak. Instead, they’ll ask follow-up questions, maintain eye contact, and give you the floor when you’re talking. They respect your opinions and value your perspective.

Their attentive listening is an unspoken token of their admiration for you. It subtly communicates, “I think highly of you, and what you say matters to me.”

2) They challenge you

Yes, you read right. If someone consistently challenges your ideas or pushes you to think deeper, it’s a sign they think highly of you.

This might seem counterintuitive. After all, wouldn’t someone who admires you agree with everything you say? Not necessarily.

People who regard you highly believe in your potential and intellectual capacity. They’re not afraid to question your viewpoints or encourage you to step out of your comfort zone.

Challenging you doesn’t mean they disrespect or belittle your ideas. On the contrary, they see the value in stimulating a thought-provoking conversation with you – one that promotes growth and learning on both sides.

So, if someone is not always nodding along with everything you say, but instead offers a different perspective or provokes you to see things from a new angle, take it as a compliment.

They consider you an intellectual equal and respect your ability to handle a robust discussion.

3) They respect your boundaries

We all have boundaries – those invisible lines that define our personal space and comfort zone. And boy, do they matter in any relationship.

Someone who deeply respects you will also respect your boundaries. They understand that just because they admire or like you, doesn’t mean they can overstep or disregard your personal limits.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve into the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries. It’s a sign of mutual respect and a cornerstone of any functional relationship.

If someone consistently respects your need for personal space, time, or any other boundary you’ve set, it’s a clear sign they think highly of you. They value your comfort and prioritize your needs.

They understand that respecting your boundaries is not about distance but about fostering a sense of trust and respect. It’s their unspoken way of saying, “I admire and respect you enough to honor your personal space.”

4) They celebrate your victories

There’s a beautiful saying by the legendary actress, Audrey Hepburn, “True friends are families which you can select.”

I believe this holds true not just for friends, but for anyone who thinks highly of you.

One of the clear-cut signs that someone regards you with high esteem is how they react to your successes. If they’re genuinely happy for you and celebrate your victories, it’s a solid indication of their admiration for you.

The world is competitive, and often people find it hard to rejoice in others’ successes. But someone who truly respects and admires you will put aside any petty jealousy or rivalry.

Instead, they’ll be your cheerleader, basking in your glow and sharing your joy.

5) They remember the small details

One thing I’ve learned in my journey as a relationship expert is that people who think highly of you pay attention to the little things.

If someone remembers your favorite coffee order, the name of your first pet, or that obscure movie you mentioned you loved, it indicates they truly value your interactions.

It’s not about having a good memory; but more about considering you important enough to remember these minor details.

These little things may seem insignificant, but they’re actually quite profound. By remembering the little quirks and preferences that make you unique, they’re silently expressing their respect and admiration for you.

6) They stand up for you

There’s an old saying by the famous writer, Mark Twain, “Loyalty to the nation all the time, loyalty to the government when it deserves it.”

I believe this principle applies to personal relationships as well.

Loyalty is a virtue that is hard to come by. If someone stands up for you in your absence, defends you when you’re not around to defend yourself, it speaks volumes about their respect for you.

It takes courage and integrity to stand up for someone else, even more so when they’re not present. This person values your reputation and won’t allow others to tarnish it unjustly.

Their readiness to defend you is their way of saying, “I think highly of you, and I am ready to stand by you.” It’s a clear indicator of their silent admiration and respect for you.

By the way, if you find these insights helpful and want more, feel free to follow me on my Facebook page at Tina Fey’s Love Connection. You’ll get my latest articles right there in your feed.

7) They’re not afraid to be vulnerable with you

Let’s face it – vulnerability is scary. It means opening up, exposing our true selves, and risking rejection or judgment.

So, if someone lets down their guard with you and shares their fears, dreams, and insecurities, it’s a powerful sign they think highly of you. They trust you with their deepest thoughts and emotions, which is no small thing.

Their openness is a testament to the level of respect and esteem they hold for you. They trust you enough to show you their authentic self. 

Embrace these moments of raw honesty; they are rare gems in a world often filled with superficial interactions. They’re the ultimate signs of silent admiration and respect.

Final thoughts

It always feels good to know when other people think highly of us.

That said, I want to emphasize that even if someone thinks highly of you, it’s essential that you think highly of yourself first. Self-esteem comes from within, and no amount of external validation can replace it.

In line with this, I’d like to suggest a wonderful video by Justin Brown. In this deeply personal video, Justin dives into what it means to commit to being single – not as a permanent state, but as a meaningful phase of growth, self-discovery, and personal commitment.

It beautifully underscores the importance of self-love and self-respect – key elements in understanding and interpreting how others perceive us.

Understanding admiration from others begins with admiring ourselves first. Keep exploring, keep learning, and most importantly, keep loving yourself.