You Might Think He’s Just Being Nice — But These 15 Phrases Actually Mean A Man's Really Into You
These subtle phrases can reveal when he's genuinely falling for you.
Ha Nguy N | Unsplash Dear Ladies Who Are On The Fence About Whether Or Not A Guy Is Into You: here's what you should be hearing from the guy who's worthy of your time.
Maybe not right away, but within, say three to six months. Otherwise, hit the "next" button for the sake of both you and all the guys out there who are waiting for you to be single again.
Here are the phrases that mean a man's really into you:
1. 'I adore you'
This isn’t about intimacy, this isn't about desire. This is about how you make me glow whenever you walk into a room, glad that you just exist, whether I'm the guy beside you or just someone admiring you from twenty feet away.
2. 'You inspire me'
Miljan Zivkovic / Shutterstock
I love how you're living your life, what you're devoting yourself to, how you're spending your time, what path you've chosen, and how you deal with the people around you.
3. 'I respect you'
You're the first person I think of when I want a serious opinion on something. Anything. From topics like "Am I being a jerk here?" to "Which is better, Mad Men or Breaking Bad?"
4. 'I just love kissing you'
Ok, so, years from now, if by some awful paragliding accident we both end up paralyzed and have no use of our lower extremities and can never get it on again, I'll still feel pretty good about it as long as I can just kiss you as much as I want.
A man telling you he loves kissing you suggests a combination of physical attraction, emotional bonding, and a desire for intimacy, indicating a deeper level of connection beyond casual attraction. A 2016 study found that considering the cultural context and your relationship with the man is essential. In some cultures, kissing is a more common and accepted way of expressing affection and intimacy than in others.
5. 'I don't want to change you'
Yes, there are some things about you that I don't get. That I don't love. But you're you. And all the other stuff that comes with you, I would never want to lose. So I don't want to disturb the equation. I want to keep it intact. And just help it grow.
6. 'I accept your drama'
Sure, you've got some anger issues with your mom. Or dad. Or sister. Or a job that you're trying to get out of. I can handle that, even when it's a bit exhausting. I even support it. None of us is drama-free, me especially. I respect that you’re fighting against something.
7. 'I love that you put me in my place sometimes'
Seriously. I may not always admit it, but I respect it. I'm full of it sometimes, and I like to know you won't take it. If I'm gonna have someone by my side, I better know she didn't just fall for the first guy that came along, and she'll keep holding me to my higher standards. I don't want a pushover.
A man who expresses love while appreciating that you sometimes tell him off can signify a healthy and balanced relationship dynamic where honesty, open communication, and boundaries are valued and respected. A 2024 study confirmed that it's a sign that he can accept feedback and is willing to work on the relationship.
8. 'You're on my mind'
Constantly. Especially when I'm supposed to be thinking about something else. When I'm at work, giving a presentation, watching a movie with my buds. There you are, all in the middle of my life, outta nowhere. And yet, I can't help but smile.
9. 'You captivate me'
You have my full attention. I'm not thinking about her. Or her. Or her. Just you. Oh, and that presentation I have this week. And my taxes that are due. But mostly just you.
10. 'I forgive you'
The other day, you were completely crazy. Seriously, you went off the deep end about something. You blamed me for something I didn’t do, didn't say, or didn't think.
But hey, you’re human, you're allowed a 'gimme' now & then. (As am I.) And look, with all the beauty you bring to my life, I'm still coming out way ahead.
11. 'I love you'
ORION PRODUCTION / Shutterstock
Sorry to get all heavy on you, but it's true. While the last guy you dated for three years could never say it, I'm telling you now: I love you.
You're wonderful. I want to be more like you. I want others to be more like you. I want whatever kids we might hypothetically have together to be like you. You're my idea of a fantastic person. I want to help you be as 'you' as possible.
In Western societies, romantic love is often seen as the foundation of relationships, and expressing this is a culturally significant step in solidifying that bond. Research by South University found that while words are important, actions and behaviors are crucial in demonstrating love and commitment.
12. 'I can't stop talking about you'
You're not some little secret I keep. Or hide. You’re my favorite thing on the planet. I told my mom about you before we even had our first date. I told my buddies about you immediately after our first date (didn’t wanna jinx it). You’re a story I could tell over and over and over again.
13. 'I see my future with you'
Sure, I may not say this right away — I mean hopefully I won’t say this right away, for fear of scaring you off — but I’m thinking about it. We, men, can be planners, we can project, we can get ahead of ourselves. And me? I wanna get ahead of myself with you.
14. 'I just need to hold you'
I may not always feel like being intimate. I may not always feel like kissing. But I just need to be kinda near you, next to you, or unable to lay away from you on the bed without wrapping me around you. I don’t even understand it, frankly, but I do. So accept it, please. It’s something that something inside of me knows I need.
15. 'Thank you'
For existing. For being you. For having your smile. For having the laugh that you do. For laughing at the things you do. For not laughing at the things you think are too stupid. For having a point of view and a strong sense of self.
For wearing that amazing skirt the day I met you. For not wearing it when I introduced you to my mom. For having your standards.
For getting ticked off when something matters. For showing your appreciation when you see beauty. For just existing.
Seriously, I may never even get a chance with you, and if so, so be it. I’m just glad the universe made you. It makes me feel a lot better about the place I live in. But, barring that, come here, please. I need to kiss you now. And for a while after that.
A 2019 study concluded that a man thanking you signifies his appreciation and acknowledgment of your actions, fostering positive emotions and potentially strengthening social bonds. It can also motivate him to reciprocate and continue positive interactions in the future.
Mark Radcliffe is a freelance writer, editor, and creative director who writes on love and relationships.
