8 signs a man genuinely wants the best for you, according to psychology

Navigating the tricky waters of relationships can be challenging.

Sometimes, it’s tough to decipher if a man is genuinely invested in your happiness or if he’s just playing games.

As someone who has spent years studying relationships, I know a thing or two about reading between the lines.

Psychology offers some key indicators that can help us determine if a man is truly rooting for our success and well-being.

These signs can be subtle, but once you recognize them, they can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Let’s dive into the 8 signs a man genuinely wants the best for you, according to psychology.

I hope these insights bring you closer to understanding your man’s intentions and ambitions for you.

1) He actively listens

It’s no secret that good communication is crucial in any relationship.

But, it’s not just about talking; it’s also about listening.

Psychology tells us that active listening is a clear sign of genuine interest and care.

When a man truly wants the best for you, he’ll make an effort to listen to your thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

He won’t just nod and smile absentmindedly; instead, he’ll engage with what you’re saying, ask follow-up questions, and remember details for future conversations.

Active listening is more than just a social skill. It’s a way of showing respect and understanding. It says, “I value your perspective, and I want to understand you better.”

So if your man is an active listener, it’s a strong sign that he genuinely wants the best for you.

2) He supports your dreams

As a relationship expert, I’ve seen many relationships flourish and wither.

One thing that often differentiates the two is the level of support partners provide each other.

When a man genuinely wants the best for you, he’ll be your biggest cheerleader.

Whether it’s your career, a personal goal, or even just a hobby you’re passionate about, he’ll encourage and support you.

He understands that your dreams are part of who you are, and he wants to see you succeed, even if it means making sacrifices.

That’s a clear sign of someone who truly has your best interests at heart.

I’m reminded of a beautiful quote by Mark Twain: “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.”

If your man makes you feel like you can become great, then he genuinely wants the best for you.

3) He respects your independence

One of the most empowering things in a relationship is when a man respects your independence and your identity outside the relationship.

In my experience, a man who genuinely wants the best for you won’t try to control or limit you.

Instead, he’ll celebrate your independence and individuality.

He’ll understand that you’re not just his partner; you’re also your own person with unique interests, needs, and passions.

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss how a healthy relationship is about two individuals growing together, not losing themselves in each other.

If your man understands this and respects your independence, it’s a sign that he genuinely wants the best for you.

4) He’s not afraid to argue

Now, this might sound counterintuitive.

After all, isn’t a happy relationship all about harmony and agreement?

Well, not always. Healthy disagreements are a natural part of any relationship.

They show that both parties feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions, even if they differ.

A man who genuinely wants the best for you won’t shy away from arguments.

Instead, he’ll use them as opportunities for communication, understanding, and growth.

He won’t resort to personal attacks or low blows; he’ll focus on the issue at hand and strive for resolution. 

He’d be willing to engage in respectful arguments rather than sweeping issues under the rug because he’s genuinely invested in the health and growth of your relationship.

5) He shows up when it matters

In my years of studying relationships, I’ve found that actions truly speak louder than words.

A man who genuinely wants the best for you won’t just tell you; he’ll show you.

It’s in the moments when you need him the most, whether it’s a personal crisis, a tough day at work, or a big life event.

He’ll be there, by your side, offering his support and care.

He won’t shy away from difficult situations or make excuses; instead, he’ll step up and be there for you.

I remember when I was going through a challenging time and my partner stood by me, offering his unwavering support.

It meant the world to me. It showed me he was committed to our relationship and genuinely wanted the best for me.

So take note: if your man consistently shows up when it matters, it’s a strong sign of his genuine intentions towards you.

6) He’s not perfect, and he acknowledges it

This one might be a bit hard to swallow, but it’s the raw truth: no one is perfect.

And a man who genuinely wants the best for you knows this about himself and isn’t afraid to admit it.

In fact, he doesn’t put up a facade of perfection.

Instead, he acknowledges his flaws, his mistakes, and his shortcomings.

He’s open about his imperfections and doesn’t try to hide them from you.

This kind of honesty is rare and beautiful.

It shows that he trusts you enough to be vulnerable, and it also demonstrates a level of self-awareness that is crucial in any healthy relationship.

So if your man openly admits that he’s not perfect, take it as a sign that he genuinely wants the best for you.

Because wanting the best for you includes being honest with you, even when it’s uncomfortable.

7) He encourages your growth

Personal growth and development are essential to our happiness and fulfillment.

In my life, I’ve been fortunate to have a partner who continuously encourages me to grow and evolve, and I can’t stress enough how crucial that has been.

A man who truly wants the best for you will not only support your dreams but also your personal growth.

He’ll encourage you to learn, to step out of your comfort zone, and to become the best version of yourself.

He won’t feel threatened by your growth or success; instead, he’ll celebrate it.

Because he understands this old adage: “Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.”

8) He’s there for the mundane, not just the extraordinary

Lastly, a man who genuinely wants the best for you isn’t just there for the highs and lows; he’s there for the everyday, mundane moments too.

It’s easy to be present during the exciting times or when things are tough.

But it takes someone genuinely invested in your well-being to stick around for the routine, uneventful parts of life.

If your man is there when you’re doing laundry, cooking dinner, or just watching TV on a random Tuesday night, it shows that he values your companionship beyond the extraordinary moments.

Remember, real love isn’t just about grand gestures and epic moments; it’s also about finding joy and comfort in the simple, everyday moments. 

Final thoughts

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words.

A man who genuinely wants the best for you will show it through his actions. 

It’s my hope that these signs help you navigate your relationship with more clarity and confidence.

For more insights into healthy relationships, check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

Remember, you deserve someone who wants the best for you, and I’m here to help you find it.

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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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