7 things a man does when he’s truly in love, according to psychology

I’ll be the first to admit that we men don’t exactly wear our hearts on our sleeves.
Most couples wait at least two years before tying the knot, but let’s be real—many of us feel that deep, unmistakable connection way before we’re picking out rings.
Bearing this in mind, we get into seven undeniable things a man does when he’s truly in love.
Curious as to whether your man might be one of them?
Let’s find out.
1) He opens up
When your guy comes back from one of those brutal days, when it seems like the universe is out to get him, and he decides to lay it all out for you, take note.
In a world where men are often expected to keep a stiff upper lip, his opening up is no small deal. Research has suggested that only 20% of men feel comfortable in dating situations.
And it’s a clear signal of the solid trust and connection you share.
This is widely acknowledged by experts in the field.
Brené Brown, the renowned researcher and author, tells us “We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honor the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness, and affection.”
And Dr. Anton Shcherbakov, a licensed clinical psychologist, echoes this, noting that “Vulnerability is the glue that bonds individuals together in any sort of relationship”
Basically, if he’s bringing you into the loop on the tough stuff, it’s a solid sign of trust and a deep bond.
2) He really listens
Does he remember the little things, like your favorite flavor of ice cream, the name of your first pet, or that obscure band you mentioned you liked one rainy afternoon?
This might seem minor, but it’s far from insignificant; in fact, it’s a substantial indicator of true love.
As the experts at Healthline point out, “A partner who loves you will take an active interest in the details of your life. They’ll listen actively by asking questions and waiting their turn to share instead of immediately diverting the conversation toward their own experiences.”
When a man is genuinely in love, his attentiveness goes beyond the surface level.
To distinguish between mere hearing and authentic listening, pay attention to the nuances of your interactions. If he is a genuine listener, he will not only absorb what you say but will also reflect on it, respond thoughtfully, and recall those details later, demonstrating that your words truly resonate with him.
3) He doesn’t try to change you
Isn’t it ironic how we fall head over heels for someone’s unique traits, only to later catch ourselves wishing they’d tweak a thing or two about themselves?
It’s a common scenario: We’re initially drawn to their spontaneous nature, yet later long for a bit more predictability. Or we’re captivated by their relentless drive, only to later wish for more quiet evenings together.
But, when a man truly loves, this is not the case. He embraces his partner as they are, imperfections included. Psychologist David Tzall has highlighted that such acceptance is at the core of what it means to love unconditionally.
Basically, this level of acceptance suggests a man is in love with who you are, not an idealized version of you. It’s a robust indicator of a love that’s not just deep but enduring, rooted not in conditions but in genuine appreciation for who their partner inherently is.
4) He makes you a priority
This one should come as no surprise.
Prioritizing one another in a relationship is fundamental, and when a man is truly in love, it’s well-accepted that he instinctively places his partner high on his list of priorities.
Couples therapist Tracy K. Ross elaborated on this to INSIDER, noting that someone who is deeply in love will ensure their partner is a top priority, often in a myriad of subtle ways that may not always be immediately apparent.
Wondering if your man really prioritizes you?
Ask yourself:
- Does he rearrange his schedule to ensure he can spend quality time with you?
- Does he remember and honor commitments and promises he’s made to you, even the seemingly minor ones?
- Is he there for you in times of need, offering his support and assistance without hesitation?
These considerations can help you discern whether he’s genuinely prioritizing you and your relationship, underscoring the depth of his love and commitment.
5) He just trusts
So let’s say he doesn’t get jittery when you’re out late without him, or he doesn’t bombard you with questions about who you were with and what you were doing every time you’re apart.
This is trust in action, and it’s a cornerstone of any loving relationship.
As noted by experts at Healthline, “Trust often develops along with love, and you typically won’t find one without the other.”
Dr. Susan Krauss echoed this sentiment in her Psychology Today post, highlighting the integral role of trust in the fabric of a loving relationship.
I could go on. To say the least, it’s a recurring theme among relationship experts.
What you need to know is that when a man is truly in love, as opposed to being merely attached or seeking an ego boost, he embodies a sense of security. He doesn’t cast unfounded accusations of cheating or dishonesty; instead, he navigates the relationship with a foundation of trust, free from baseless suspicions.
6) He includes you in decisions
This is another big one.
Psychotherapist Babita Spinelli laid it out clearly in her conversation with MBG, noting that when a man is truly in love, he doesn’t make important decisions in isolation. Instead, he seeks out his partner’s perspective and values their input on matters that hold significance to him.
This act of including his partner in decision-making processes signals a deep level of partnership and mutual respect.
It shows that he doesn’t view the relationship lightly but as a collaborative and unified front. Also, it strengthens the bond between partners ane fosters a sense of shared responsibility and unity in navigating life’s challenges together.
7) He plans his future with you in it
This was a telltale sign for me when I began dating my now-wife. Unlike in my previous relationships, I found myself naturally including her in my future plans and considering her in my life decisions, big and small.
It was a newfound feeling of partnership and shared destiny that hinted at the depth of my feelings for her.
What I didn’t know at that time was that this is backed up by experts. David Khalili, a couples therapist, for example, highlighted the importance of this gesture to INSIDER.
Does your man see a ‘we’ in his future rather than just an ‘I’?
If so, if you find that he’s making plans with you in mind, weaving you into his future aspirations and dreams, it’s not just about daydreaming together. It’s a profound indication of his commitment and love for you.
The bottom line
That just about wraps it up from me today.
As always, I hope you found some value in this post.
Keep an eye out for these signs, and when you spot them, know you’re on solid ground.
Until next time.