If someone truly cares about you, they’ll usually display these 9 subtle behaviors

There’s a vast difference between someone saying they care about you and someone showing it.

The distinction often lies in the subtle details, the actions that speak louder than any flowery words.

The truth is, if someone genuinely cares about you, they’ll usually show it through specific behaviors – behaviors that might seem small or insignificant but are actually powerful indicators of their feelings.

In this piece, I’m going to share with you the nine subtle behaviors that reveal if someone truly cares about you. These aren’t grand gestures, but they are genuine ones – and recognizing them can make all the difference.

Let’s get started. 

1) They listen

One of the most understated ways someone shows they care about you is through their ability to truly listen.

Genuine listening goes beyond just hearing the words that are spoken. It involves paying complete attention, understanding the emotions behind those words, and responding in a way that makes the speaker feel understood.

It’s easy to nod along in a conversation without fully engaging, but when someone cares about you, they’re invested in what you’re saying. They want to understand your experiences, your feelings, and your perspective.

This doesn’t mean they’ll always agree with everything you say. But it does mean they’ll give you their undivided attention and respect your viewpoint – even when it differs from their own.

If someone in your life makes an effort to really listen when you speak, it’s a good sign they truly care about you.

2) They remember small details

Another subtle behavior that shows someone genuinely cares about you is their ability to remember small details.

I recall a time when I was having a casual conversation with a friend about my favorite childhood candy. I didn’t think much of it at the time – it was just a passing comment in the midst of a broader conversation. But weeks later, on my birthday, she gifted me a box filled with that very candy.

Surprised, I asked her how she remembered, and she simply said, “You mentioned it once, and I thought you might like it.”

It was such a small detail, one that could’ve easily been forgotten. But her remembering it spoke volumes about how much she cared.

Remembering small details isn’t about being impressive or showing off a good memory. It’s about showing the other person that you value them and their words. 

3) They respect your boundaries

Boundaries are crucial in all types of relationships, whether it’s a friendship, a family relationship, or a romantic partnership.

Respecting boundaries shows an understanding of personal space and autonomy. It means acknowledging that you are two separate individuals with your own needs and preferences.

In a study conducted by psychologists at the University of California, it was found that people who respect boundaries in relationships tend to have healthier dynamics and better communication.

If there’s someone in your life who respects your need for personal space, understands when you need alone time, or doesn’t push you into doing things you’re uncomfortable with, it’s a clear indication they truly care about you.

They’re prioritizing your comfort and wellbeing over their own needs or desires – a sure sign of genuine care.

4) They’re there during the tough times

Life is full of ups and downs, and it’s during the tough times that we truly see who cares about us.

When someone genuinely cares about you, they’re there for you during those difficult moments. They don’t disappear when things get hard or uncomfortable. Instead, they stick around, offering support and comfort in any way they can.

Whether it’s a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or practical help, their presence during these challenging times speaks volumes about their feelings for you.

If there’s someone in your life who stays by your side when times get tough, it’s a strong indication that they truly care about you.

Their actions are showing that they’re committed to you and your wellbeing, regardless of the circumstances.

5) They celebrate your successes

Jealousy and envy can often creep into relationships, but when someone truly cares about you, they set aside these feelings to celebrate your accomplishments.

They’re genuinely happy for you when you succeed because they see your success as their success too. They cheer you on, share in your joy, and are proud of what you’ve achieved.

They don’t see your victories as threatening or diminishing theirs. Instead, they recognize that there’s room for everyone to succeed and be happy.

If there’s someone in your life who is always there to celebrate your achievements, big or small, it’s a clear sign they truly care about you. Their joy in your success is a testament to their genuine affection for you.

6) They show empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a key element in forming deep, meaningful connections with people.

When someone truly cares about you, they’re not just sympathetic to your struggles, they’re empathetic. They feel your pain, and it hurts them to see you hurting. They rejoice in your happiness because your joy brings them joy too.

Empathy is more than just understanding what you’re going through. It’s feeling with you, being there with you in that moment, whether it’s a moment of joy or sorrow.

If there’s someone in your life who shows genuine empathy towards you, it’s a beautiful sign that they truly care about you.

Their capacity to feel with you demonstrates a deep and profound connection that goes beyond surface-level interactions.

7) They make sacrifices for you

One of the most powerful indicators that someone truly cares about you is their willingness to make sacrifices for you.

There was a time when I was ill and unable to drive myself to the hospital. A friend, who had planned a weekend getaway, cancelled her trip without a second thought to drive me there and stayed with me throughout my treatment.

She sacrificed her long-awaited break for my wellbeing. She could have suggested I call a cab or ask another friend, but she didn’t. She stepped in, despite the inconvenience to her plans.

Sacrifices don’t always have to be big. They can be as simple as giving up a few hours of their day to help you out or changing their plans to accommodate yours.

If there’s someone in your life who willingly makes sacrifices for you, no matter how big or small, it’s a telling sign they genuinely care about you.

Their readiness to put your needs above their own is a testament to the depth of their feelings for you.

8) They check in on you

In our busy lives, it’s easy to get caught up in our own world and forget to check in on the people we care about.

But when someone truly cares about you, they make it a point to check in on you regularly. It might be a simple text asking how your day was, a call to see if you’re doing okay, or a quick visit just to say hi.

These regular check-ins show that they’re thinking of you and genuinely interested in your wellbeing. They want to know if you’re okay, if there’s anything they can do for you, or just to remind you that they’re there for you.

So, if there’s someone in your life who consistently checks in on you, it’s a strong indicator they truly care about you. Their actions show that you’re important to them, and they’re willing to take time out of their day just to ensure you’re okay.

9) They accept you as you are

The most profound way someone shows they genuinely care about you is by accepting you just as you are.

They don’t try to change you or mold you into their ideal version of what they think you should be. Instead, they love and appreciate you for who you are, flaws and all.

They understand that everyone has their quirks and weaknesses, and they don’t hold yours against you. They see your strengths and your potential, and they love you for it.

Acceptance is the foundation of any genuine relationship. It’s the clear sign of true care and affection.

If someone accepts you as you are, with all your imperfections, it’s the strongest indicator they truly care about you.

Final thoughts: It’s all about actions

The complexities of human relationships often boil down to the simple age-old adage, “Actions speak louder than words.”

These nine behaviors we’ve explored are a testament to this truth. They are subtle, yet powerful indicators of genuine care and affection.

Whether it’s remembering small details, respecting boundaries, or making sacrifices, these actions reveal the depth of someone’s feelings for you.

But remember, it’s not about looking for all these behaviors in every person around you. It’s about recognizing them when they occur naturally.

And most importantly, it’s about reciprocating this care and affection, fostering deeper and more meaningful connections with the people who matter most to you.

As you go about your day, take a moment to reflect on these behaviors. Who in your life exhibits them? How can you reciprocate? Remember, when it comes to showing someone you truly care, actions will always speak louder than words.

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Tina Fey

I'm Tina Fey, the founder of the blog Love Connection. I've extremely passionate about sharing relationship advice. I've studied psychology and have my Masters in marital, family, and relationship counseling. I hope with all my heart to help you improve your relationships, and I hope that even if one thing I write helps you, it means more to me than just about anything else in the world. Check out my blog Love Connection, and if you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Twitter

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