Adrian Volenik
For some men, being in a relationship simply means being present. After a while, they don’t put in any effort, and the relationship develops into a one-sided ordeal, leaving the wife or girlfriend frustrated.
But some men do show up and actively care and want to make their partner’s life better.
They also feel protective, even though they don’t show it outright. Or so they think. In fact, many behaviors show just how much they’re shielding you.
So, let’s see what they are.
1) He regularly texts or calls just to see how you’re doing
Regular check-ins through texts or calls mean more than just keeping in touch. They prove a genuine concern for you and a desire to stay connected.
When a man does that, they care about how your day is going and want to know what’s happening with you.
It’s a great way to stay in touch during the day, and you can share what’s bothering you and even vent to them.
More often than not, I’m the only person my wife feels comfortable sharing her vulnerabilities with, and when I check in with her, she’s always grateful that I did.
2) He defends you
This is quite obvious, but if your husband feels protective of you, they will defend you. And by this, I don’t mean they’re going all vigilante on other people who might have harmed you (although that’s an option too).
It’s more that they don’t let anyone talk shit about you or similar things. This includes friends and family, of course.
So, whether it’s in words or actions, by defending you, he shows that he’s willing to stand up for you.
It’s a clear sign they have your back and want to protect you from any negativity or harm. But here’s a less obvious behavior that shows protectiveness:
3) He’s all ears when you’re talking, not just nodding along
To be honest, many men are terrible listeners. They listen to their partners only because they have to.
So, another sign that your man is secretly protective of you is that they listen to what you have to say.
He’s actively engaged in your exchanges, which suggests he values your thoughts and feelings.
But again, he really wants to know what’s happening in your life and what you’re going through.
Otherwise, how can they be of help when you need them? If your husband has been with you for quite some time now and they still attentively listen to what you have to say, know that he’s one of the good ones.
4) He gets jealous
While excessive jealousy isn’t healthy, I think we can all agree that your man should express at least some of it.
It proves he values you and wants to keep a special bond you have. It’s a sign that he wants to be the one who makes you happy and feels a bit protective of that connection.
I’ve never been a jealous man, but even I would feel something happening inside me if my wife suddenly started talking about a colleague of hers.
Of course, it’s all harmless, and I’d never think she’d cheat on me or something, but nevertheless, I’m still made of flesh and blood.
5) He shares vulnerabilities
Talking about flesh and blood, opening up emotionally is a sign of trust and intimacy. When a guy shares his vulnerabilities, he reveals he feels safe with you and values the emotional connection you share.
It’s not always the easiest thing to do, mainly because society expects men to be tough as nails and not show their emotions and feelings.
We’re supposed to bottle it all up. So, if your partner is comfortable sharing what’s bugging him, what he’s scared of, and what makes him laugh or cry, it’s a good sign.
By sharing vulnerabilities, he’s also inviting you into his inner world, which creates a mutual exchange of trust and support.
It’s a way of saying, “We’re in this together, and I’ve got your back.”
6) He acts chivalrous
Chivalrous and polite actions, like opening doors or pulling out chairs, aren’t just old-fashioned manners.
They indicate he wants to take care of you, showing that he values your comfort and wants to make your experience pleasant.
I’m sad to see men doing these things less and less, but I guess it’s the times we live in where they aren’t really expected to do this anymore.
Just like dressing up nicely for flights, chivalry and politeness seem like things of the past.
7) He offers help
Whether it’s something as practical as helping you move or fixing things around your home, offering a helping hand shows they want to be there for you.
They’re basically saying, “I’ve got your back, and I’m here to make your life easier.”
Of course, every man isn’t incredibly handy. Some men can’t even change a lightbulb without making a mess.
But if he at least makes an effort to help you, that’s a great sign. That means he isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty, which comes in handy in more ways than one.
8) He remembers details
Remember when I said you have a good man if he listens to what you have to say? Well, we can extend that to remembering small details about you and about the things you like or hate.
When a guy remembers the small things, like your favorite coffee order or a significant date, it shows he’s genuinely interested and invested in you.
It’s a sign that you matter to him, and he’s paying attention to the things that make you unique.
9) He’s not pushy and respects your personal space
I know how important personal space is to most women. Sure, men like to have some space and time for them, but women are on a different level.
A guy who respects your personal space and boundaries proves he isn’t stupid and has respect and consideration for you.
It shows he acknowledges and values your independence, which probably makes you trust him more. Hopefully, you extend the same courtesy to him.
10) He compliments you on things other than your looks
Unfortunately, many men are refined like a stick in the mud. We don’t really think about things that are a little bit beneath the surface.
For example, we know that most women like compliments. And so we compliment them. We tell them how good they look, and that’s about it.
But a smart man will compliment you on other things, too. He’ll notice your intelligence or achievements rather than just your appearance.
That reveals a deeper level of appreciation he has for you. It shows he sees you as a whole person with qualities exceeding the superficial.
11) He celebrates your wins and supports your goals
Talking about achievements, a man who feels protective of you will be genuinely happy about your successes.
It means he’s not only there for you during challenging times but also genuinely cheering you on when things are going well.
Encouraging your dreams and aspirations also shows a commitment to your personal growth. It’s their way of saying, “I believe in you, and I want to see you succeed.”
Final thoughts
In conclusion, decoding a man’s feelings can often be a puzzle, but certain behaviors can serve as valuable clues.
The 11 behaviors I shared in this article shed some light on the subtle ways in which a man secretly expresses a protective instinct.
From remembering the little stuff to being there when you need a hand, these actions show he’s not just along for the ride; he’s actively looking out for you.
So, if you see these signs, take a moment to appreciate having a partner who’s secretly your protector, making sure you’re good and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
