signs a man is falling in love

Medically reviewed by Andrea Brant, LMHC

Updated October 10, 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.

Below are some commonly asked questions on this topic:

How does a man act when he's falling in love?
How do you know if a man loves you secretly?
How does a man show his love without saying it?
How do you tell if a guy has feelings for you?
In what way does a man express his love to a woman?
What are the physical signs of love?
Can you tell if someone loves you by their eyes?
What does it mean if you keep thinking about someone?
What triggers emotional attraction in a man?
What makes a man fall deeply in love with a woman?

What are 3 hidden signs a man is falling in love with you?

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) & answers

How do you find out if a person is falling in love with you?

Not every man is the same and there might not be any undeniable signs a man is falling in love unless he tells you, but there are some signs a man is falling in love that you can watch for. For example, you can watch his body language. He's likely to turn his body towards you when in conversation and to make eye contact with you. He may pay attention to you more than others who are around. He's also likely to try spending time with you more than with others when he's falling in love.

You may find that he's willing to do things with you that he wouldn't do otherwise such as watching a "chick flick". He shows interest in things that you're interested in and makes sacrifices to spend more time with you. His friends and family may start to notice a change in his behavior and a meeting with the parents may take place.

What happens to a person when they like you?

When men fall in love, their priorities may begin to shift. He begins paying attention to things in a different way as he begins to have deeper feelings for his partner. He begins to care more about what his partner needs and wants above what he wants. He starts to think about the future as a couple instead of just as his own. His long-term plans may begin to adapt to include the other person.

It's also believed that when he's falling in love, he experiences less physical pain as endorphins and oxytocin, the “love hormone,” is being released more often and in greater quantities.

How quickly do men develop feelings?

When it comes to how quickly it happens, there's a good chance that he's falling in love faster than you are. It's even believed that men are more likely to fall in love at first sight compared to women. However, it's important to remember that not all men are the same, and every individual no matter their gender is different. Sometimes a man falling in love may not realize that it's happening. On the other hand, a man may realize he's falling in love immediately because he's purposefully looking for this type of relationship.

What are the signs someone is infatuated?

When in love, a man can feel many different ways. He may notice that his attention and goals start to shift. One such example would be that he's interested in you and building a relationship and not just thinking about his sex life.

When he's falling in love, everything is likely to become about her. He can't stop thinking about her and would rather be spending time with her than doing anything else.

He may feel scared about the relationship and where it's headed, or he might just have a comfortable feeling about the entire thing. The way that a man feels when he's in love or when he's falling in love is going to vary based on his personality and specific life situation. For example, someone struggling with mental health challenges like anxiety or depression may feel different during this time than someone else.

What are the signs a person is confused about his feelings for you?

If a man is confused and not quite sure if he's falling for you or not, you may find that you're getting mixed signals from him. He may seem interested one day and then act differently the next time you see him.

You may also notice that he seems jealous of the attention that you give to other guys but also doesn't seem to attempt to be exclusive with you either. Overall, if a guy is confused about his feelings and whether he's falling for you or not, he most likely going to leave you feeling confused about where you stand. Mixed signals are a red flag and should be respectfully but candidly discussed to make sure you’re both on the right page or end things if you’re not.

What makes a person develop feelings for a woman?

When he's falling for you, many things can contribute to it. For many men, it involves being physically attracted to the woman. But if he's in love, it's not just about the physical attraction. Men like to have things in common with their partners. Most men want to enjoy spending time with the woman he's in love with.

Trust and respect are also important factors in love. If he's falling deeply in love, it's most likely because he thinks that he's found the complete package.

What are the signs a person likes you but is scared?

Even if he's scared, there are some signs a man is falling in love with you that you can watch for. For example, paying attention to his body language can be a great sign. You may notice that he's staring your way a lot and holding eye contact with you. You may also notice that he blushes easily around you or appears nervous.

You may also hear that he's been talking about you to the important people in his life like family or close friends. Or, you may notice that he makes it a goal to interact with all of your social media posts. There may be lots of little signs like this that show he's falling for you. But if you aren't paying attention and looking for them, you may not notice.

If you're struggling to determine if he's in love with you or how to determine where your relationship is headed, it can be helpful to talk to him about it. Or, you may find it helpful to speak with a relationship expert like a therapist for guidance on navigating your relationship.

What does a person want in a woman?

Not all men want the same thing in a woman. Each person is unique which means not every man is looking for the same thing when he's falling in love. However, most men are going to want to find a woman that they have things in common with. Physical attraction also plays an important role in love for many men. This doesn't mean that all men want their partner to look a specific way though, just someone that they find attractive.

Most men are looking for the same type of thing that women are looking for. They likely want to find someone that makes them feel good and enjoy spending time with. And, finding someone that they can trust with the deepest parts of their heart is also important for most people when they are looking for a long-term relationship.

Which part of the female body attracts men the most?

While attraction tends to be very important for a man falling in love, not all men are attracted to the same thing. You can find statistics that say a woman's face, smile, teeth, or eyes are things a man looks at first. But then you can also find plenty of men that will say it's their build, curves, or even shoulder blades that they'll notice first. And even if men agree that they are attracted to the same body part first doesn't mean they're all wanting it to look the same way.

How do you find out if a person is playing you?

There are several signs you can look for if you're wondering if a guy is falling for you or just playing you. Here are some warning signs to look for:

He hasn't taken you to meet his family. You aren't even sure if his friends and family know about you.
He's spending more time with his friends or others and less time with you.
You seem to fill the needs in his sex life but he doesn't include you in much else.
He doesn't include you in his plans for the future.

How Do You Know When You Love Someone?

It's a great sign that you love someone when you can't wait to see them and spend time with them. They consume most of your attention and even when you can see their imperfections, you're willing to stick it out with them. When you believe that your life is better because that other person is a part of it and you can't imagine doing life without them, it can be a great sign that you're in love.

How Do You Feel When You're In Love?

There isn't a right or wrong way to feel when you're in love. Many people feel that love makes life easier. Some feel that they become a better person when they have someone whom they love. Some feel more complete when in a relationship. Healthy, reciprocal love can have a way of making bad things seem not so bad and good things seem even better.

However, it's important to pay attention as love grows and deepens. Some of those initial feelings of "love" like butterflies in your stomach and struggling to think of anything but that person won't last forever. This doesn't mean that you're not in love with them anymore. It could just be that your relationship is moving to a different level and you’re past the “infatuation” or “puppy love” stage.

How Do You Differentiate Between Love And Infatuation?

Love and infatuation can feel similar at the beginning of a relationship. As healthy relationships develop and grow, infatuation turns into love. One of the undeniable signs a man is falling in love is when his plans include his partner and he's willing to accept his partner's imperfections and continue building the relationship.

Many people think they are falling out of love when the relationship is just progressing to a different level. If you're wondering if you're falling out of love or struggling to see the difference between infatuation and love in your life, you may benefit from talking with a dating relationship coach or couple’s therapist for guidance.

Why Do Guys Find It Hard To Express Their Feelings?

Men don't always know how to express their feelings. Some men feel that they need to always appear strong and tough and showing feelings, even positive ones can cause them to feel weak.

How Do You Make Someone Fall Deeply In Love With You?

If you think you've found Mr. Right and want to know he's falling in love with you, you may feel desperate to do anything you can to win his heart. If you want someone to fall in love with you, you can try to do things like spending time together, thinking up the perfect gift ideas, and being the most genuine version of yourself while encouraging him to do the same. If you are able to make him feel safe and loved with you simply by being yourself, well that’s a pretty great sign that things are on the right track and you’re setting up a healthy foundation for love! Beyond that, you cannot “make” someone fall in love with you, not truly.

How Do You Tell If A Guy Has Feelings For You?

There are subtle signs that a person is into you, and then, there are more telling signs. Sometimes, it can be hard to determine whether someone has romantic feelings for you or views you as just a friend. For example, if you have emotional talks, your opinions matter to the person, they care about your wellbeing, and they give you genuine compliments, it’s possible that it could be either a strong friendship or these could be hidden signs that what someone feels for you is something more. If you’re in a bad mood, they might run to be your knight in shining armor so that they brighten your day or spend more time with you.

Can You Tell If Someone Loves You By Their Eyes?

It is hard to understand if a guy loves you or to decipher someone’s feelings, in general, from the look in their eyes alone. Other signs could include body language, consistent effort to spend time with you, physical touch, thoughtful, genuine compliments, and actions that differ from the way he acts toward or around his other friends. If the person in question is one of your existing male friends - in other words, someone you’ve been close to for a while - you might start to notice that he treats you differently than he did before. He may also tell all his friends about you, wish to spend time one-on-one with you during his free time, give you genuine compliments, ask about future plans, and so on. If you want to know if it’s just his way of being a friend or something more romantic in nature, you can also look out for hidden signs in the way he treats you in comparison to how he treats his other friends. For example, if you are a woman, maybe he is physically affectionate with you in ways that he isn’t with other women. He may compliment you more, or in different ways. Sometimes, jealousy could also be present; if someone is slowly falling for you, or quickly falling for you, for that matter, they could be particularly interested in learning about your love life and may appear disappointed if you mention that you are interested in someone else, particularly if you’re monogamous.

If all the signs point to the possibility that he may view you as more than a friend and you feel the same way, you may decide to bring it up. If you are compatible and feel that there could be healthy, compassionate love there, know that friendships can turn into romantic partnerships. It can be hard to decipher whether or not a guy loves you based on subtle signs alone, but a conversation can provide clarity.

What Makes A Man Fall Deeply In Love With A Woman?

What will make a man fall for someone? This question is challenging to answer because everyone looks for something different in a partner. Sometimes, a person will be attracted to someone based on how they carry themselves, their interests, and their personality at large. A person might be attracted to confidence, kindness, and various other traits. They might notice small things that they find special about you, like specific mannerisms you have. Other times, a person may experience attraction toward another individual without necessarily knowing why. It’s also worthwhile to note that what someone loves about you may expand as your connection develops and they learn more about you.