If you’re willing to do these 10 things for someone, you love them unconditionally

Love is a complex and multifaceted emotion that can be challenging to describe, but when it’s unconditional, it’s something extraordinary.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you love someone unconditionally (or vice versa), there are certain things you are willing to do for them.

Join me as we explore these acts and learn how to do more in your relationships with people.  

1) Give without expecting anything in return

Giving without expecting anything in return is one of the most powerful demonstrations of unconditional love. 

Unfortunately, this is also an act that many people fail to do. Not only with strangers but with people close to them. It’s always me, me, me, with them. 

When you genuinely love somebody unconditionally, your actions are not compelled by personal gain or the expectation of getting something in return. 

Instead, you give selflessly and wholeheartedly, solely for the happiness and well-being of the person you love. 

Moreover, this act of giving can create a positive cycle of love, as your selfless actions may inspire the recipient to return and spread love to others, encouraging a pay-it-forward effect where a single act of kindness creates a chain reaction of kindness.

2) Support their goals and dreams 

Another way to show unconditional love is to support their dreams and goals. Especially if they are completely different than your own goals and aspirations. 

By showing your absolute support, you demonstrate that their dreams and fulfillment mean the world to you. 

To give this unwavering support requires open and honest communication, as well as open-mindedness and empathy on your part, which means that you’re a genuinely good and kind person, too. 

You’ll also possess this next important ability.

3) Listen without judgment 

In today’s world, listening to others without judgment is a dying trait. People are incredibly fast with critique, shaming, and calls for canceling. 

I’m sure you’re well aware that since 2016, many romantic relationships, friendships, and even family connections have been cut as the two sides had “irreconcilable differences.”

Many of them could have been saved if people only had the will to listen without judgment. 

Here are a couple of quick tips on how to do this:

• Temporarily set aside your own personal opinions or evaluations.
• Put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspective.
• Engage in active listening.
• Refrain from interrupting or criticizing to create a non-critical space.

4) Forgive them 

Another incredibly powerful act of unconditional love is the act of forgiveness. It holds more value the more hurtful the act was. 

To truly forgive someone requires releasing resentment and the strong desire for revenge or retribution many people tend to have.

When you forgive, you demonstrate a willingness to rebuild trust and restore the relationship. 

However, forgiveness doesn’t erase the consequences of past actions. On the contrary, it signifies your commitment to moving forward and creating a stronger bond. 

You are basically offering a clean slate and providing an opportunity for healing and rebuilding, allowing love to prevail over past wrongdoings.

For all of this to work, you have to draw clear lines in the sand to establish rules of what is and what isn’t allowed in the future. 

5) Be present 

If there’s one thing I have struggled with in recent years, it’s to be present. I know I’m not alone in this, of course. Smartphones make it incredibly easy to access all of the information all of the time. 

For that reason, it’s hard to hit the OFF switch and simply enjoy the moment. Our minds are constantly racing and often thinking about things that typically wouldn’t have any effect on us. 

But now, we worry about anything and everything. This isn’t fair to us or our friends and family, that might see us as distant.    

Here are a couple of things I’m doing to try and stay in the moment and be present:

• Avoid rushing through tasks or conversations.
• Minimize distractions (phone, email, other notifications).
• Stay fully present by actively listening.
• Practice deep breathing.

This next thing goes hand-in-hand with this.

6) Be patient 

Patience is a key part of unconditional love. Being patient with someone’s flaws or shortcomings indicates you’re willing to love and accept them as they are.

I have to raise my hand again and say that patience is another thing I struggle with. I need everything done then and there. 

Because I’m like that, I often don’t realize other people have different speeds. Additionally, not everything is incredibly urgent that it needs to be done asap. 

However, I recognize the fact that I can be demanding and am working on lightening things up and accepting that people and situations aren’t always perfect and that imperfections are part of life. 

7) Show interest in their life

Have you ever talked to a person that just keeps nodding their head while you’re talking and instantly goes off with their problems and things that bother them? 

It’s incredibly frustrating when the person you’re talking to, and this can be anyone – a friend, parent, coworker, you name it – doesn’t show any interest in your life. 

It’s all about them.

Don’t be that person. It’s incredibly easy to show some interest. Ask questions. Poke around. Be genuinely interested in their lives by being an active listener and active participant. 

This will make you an invaluable asset in other people’s lives as you’re showing that you truly care.  

The next action goes even further.

8) Celebrate their successes 

Celebrating the successes of your loved ones, no matter how big or small they are, validates their efforts and acknowledges their achievements.

It creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere in your relationship and promotes optimism, motivation, and a sense of joy.

In our family, we acknowledge and celebrate many things. From kindergarten and school achievements to success at work. Nothing is too big or too small. 

In fact, once I finish writing this, my spouse is going to give me a high five!

9) Be there for them through tough times

Of course, life has another side to it. It can be dark, sad and can give us a feeling of having no way out. 

This is when we need to give the most support and comfort and really show that we’re there for them. 

It’s during these times that emotions run high, and by being present and attentive to their emotional needs, you show that you genuinely care about their well-being.

Create a safe space for them to express their feelings without judgment. 

10) Respect their boundaries 

It’s incredibly easy to overstep someone’s boundaries, especially when they’re a family member. We tend to think that we have the right to give opinions and even meddle in other people’s lives. 

We rarely stop to think whether our opinions are warranted and if the person even asked or needed them.  

Remember that boundaries are unique to each person, and they even evolve over time. Respecting these boundaries demands ongoing communication, active listening, and a commitment to understanding and abiding by each other’s needs.

Final thoughts

Lastly, actions speak louder than words. Small gestures can have a big impact on someone’s life and can express your love and that you accept them for who they are.

Even if you don’t do all of these things for someone, you might be a good person and still love them more than anything in the world.