9 behaviors that tell you someone loves you even when they can’t express it in words

In the complex dance of human interaction, love is often a silent melody. It weaves itself through our behaviors, actions, and the subtle ways we show up for one another.

Many believe that love must be declared loudly and often to truly exist, but I’ve learned that’s not always the case. Love, in its most genuine form, is often silent, unveiled not in grand declarations but in unspoken acts of kindness and understanding.

Now, I’d like to share with you nine behaviors that reveal someone’s love for you, even when they’re not expressing it verbally. These subtle signs can help you understand the language of silent love—a language far more potent than words.

1) They mirror your actions

In the non-verbal world of communication, mirroring is a strong sign of affinity and connection. When someone unconsciously mimics your gestures, posture, or speech patterns, it often indicates a deep sense of empathy and understanding.

People aren’t always aware they’re mirroring someone else—it’s a subconscious process that reflects an inherent desire to understand and connect with the other person. It’s an unspoken language of love that transcends words.

When positive thinking was my mantra, I was mirroring the thoughts and ideas of others. However, love is not about mirroring the expectations of society or another person. It’s about genuine connection, which is often expressed through subtle signs like mirroring.

2) They show up for you

There’s a profound truth in the saying that actions speak louder than words. People may promise the world, but it’s those who show up for us—especially during challenging times—who truly love us.

In my own life, I’ve learned that love isn’t about grand gestures or flowery words.

It’s about being there, consistently and sincerely, even when it’s hard. It’s about showing up physically, emotionally, and spiritually for the other person.

When someone cares about you deeply, they’ll make time for you. They’ll be there during both your triumphs and your trials, offering support without needing to say a single word.

Research indicates that individuals who demonstrate love through consistent actions, such as being present and attentive, often build stronger and more trusting relationships.

As the renowned spiritual teacher Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The greatest gift you can give someone is your presence.” So, if someone is consistently present in your life, it could be their way of silently expressing their love for you.

3) They appreciate your authenticity

Love, in its truest form, is about appreciating someone for who they truly are, not an idealized version of them. When someone loves you, they value your authenticity and encourage you to embrace your individuality.

This concept is beautifully explored in a transformative masterclass I had the privilege of producing called “The Art of Love and Intimacy” with the shaman Rudá Iandê.

The masterclass emphasizes the importance of dismantling the myth of the perfect partner and the ideal relationship, encouraging participants to embrace authenticity in their relationships.

The essence of this teaching resonated deeply with me. It’s about recognizing that our external relationships are a mirror of our internal relationship with ourselves. A person who loves you will understand this and respect your journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

I strongly believe in Rudá Iandê’s teachings and how they align with my own values around personal responsibility, empathy, and cooperative relationships. His insights can be an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to cultivate deeper, more authentic connections.

So if you find someone who appreciates your authenticity and encourages your personal growth, it’s likely they’re expressing their love for you in a profound, though silent, way. I encourage you to check out this masterclass to further explore these powerful ideas.

4) They respect your boundaries

A crucial aspect of love, often overlooked, is the respect for personal boundaries. This respect isn’t limited to physical boundaries; it extends to emotional and psychological spaces as well.

When someone loves you, they understand that you are an individual with your own needs, desires, and limits. They won’t push you beyond what you’re comfortable with, nor will they dismiss or belittle your boundaries.

Respecting boundaries is a silent act of love that shows a deep understanding and acceptance of who you are. This quiet acknowledgment of your individuality builds a strong foundation for trust and intimacy in a relationship.

This principle is intrinsically linked to the concept of appreciating authenticity, as we discussed in the previous point. It’s about understanding that everyone has their unique path to tread, and respecting this journey forms the cornerstone of genuine love.

So, if you’re finding that someone in your life respects your boundaries without question or hesitation, it’s a significant sign that they’re expressing their love for you silently.

Take a moment to reflect: Who in your life respects your boundaries in this profound way?

5) They challenge you constructively

It might seem odd, but when someone loves you, they won’t always agree with you. They’ll challenge you, push you to grow, and sometimes make you uncomfortable. But it’s not about creating conflict—it’s about helping you become the best version of yourself.

This type of constructive challenge is an expression of love that goes beyond mere acceptance. It’s about seeing the potential in you and caring enough to help you realize it.

Research found that individuals often underestimate others’ desire for constructive criticism, leading to missed opportunities for growth and improvement.

In my own journey, I’ve discovered that growth often comes from discomfort. The people who love us most are those who aren’t afraid to provoke this discomfort when it leads to our growth and development.

So if there’s someone in your life who challenges you constructively, understand that this may be their way of expressing their love. It’s a silent affirmation of their belief in your potential and their commitment to your growth.

True love isn’t about perpetual comfort—it’s about growth, evolution, and becoming the best we can be.

6) They listen to understand, not to respond

In a world where everyone is eager to put forth their opinions, finding someone who genuinely listens is rare. When someone loves you, they listen—not just to respond, but to truly understand your perspective.

Active listening is a silent form of love that transcends words. It’s about giving space for the other person’s thoughts and feelings, validating their experiences, and providing emotional support without judgment.

In my own life, I’ve found that active listening is one of the most valuable skills in fostering authentic connections. It requires empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to understand another person’s world.

So if there’s someone in your life who truly listens when you speak, remember that this might be their way of expressing their love. Their silent understanding speaks volumes about the depth of their affection for you.

7) They remember the little things

It’s often the little things that count the most—a favourite song, a cherished memory, or a preferred coffee order. When someone loves you, they remember these small details because they care about what matters to you.

This silent expression of love isn’t about grand gestures or elaborate gifts. It’s about demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation for who you are as an individual.

Research supports the significance of small acts of kindness in relationships.

A survey of over 5,000 people found that such gestures were more important than grand displays of affection.

By remembering and acknowledging the little things that bring you joy, they’re silently communicating their love for you. Their attention to detail reveals their respect for your individuality and their commitment to understanding you better.

8) They give you freedom

When someone truly loves you, they respect your need for personal freedom. They understand that love isn’t about possession or control—it’s about empowering each other to pursue individual passions and interests.

This silent form of love respects personal autonomy and encourages self-expression. It aligns with my belief in personal freedom and resilience—the idea that we are at our best when we are free to explore, grow, and express ourselves authentically.

So if there’s someone in your life who gives you the space to be yourself and encourages your independence, understand that this could very well be their silent way of expressing their love for you.

9) They’re there in times of crisis

When the chips are down, and things get tough, those who truly love you will stand by your side. They’ll offer support, understanding, and strength when you need it most. This kind of unwavering presence is a silent but powerful expression of love.

In my own life, I’ve come to value those who remain steadfast during times of crisis. Their silent support speaks louder than any words could and reaffirms their love in the most profound way.

Final Thoughts

In this exploration of silent expressions of love, we’ve uncovered how actions often speak louder than words. From mirroring actions and consistent presence to respecting boundaries and challenging you constructively, love often manifests in subtle but profoundly meaningful ways.

These behaviors reveal a deep respect for individuality, authenticity, and personal growth. They align with the belief that genuine love isn’t about grand gestures or verbal affirmations—it’s about showing up, understanding, and supporting each other in our unique journeys.

For those ready to delve deeper into creating authentic, fulfilling relationships, I highly recommend watching the free masterclass “The Art of Love and Intimacy” with Rudá Iandê.

This transformative course dismantles the myth of the perfect partner and ideal relationship, encouraging you to embrace authenticity and personal growth.

Rudá’s teachings on love and intimacy align perfectly with the insights we’ve discussed here. The masterclass will provide you with practical tools and profound wisdom to cultivate deeper connections and further your personal growth.

It’s an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to navigate their relationships with more understanding, empathy, and authenticity.

Remember to check out the masterclass, it’s a transformative journey that aligns beautifully with the insights we’ve shared here, guiding you towards more meaningful and authentic relationships.