Navigating the world of dating and relationships can be like trying to decipher a mysterious foreign language. As a relationship expert and founder of the Love Connection blog, I’ve seen the confusion first hand.
Often, we find ourselves questioning if a man wants to be more than friends. It’s a tricky business, but believe it or not, there are some tell-tale signs that he’s interested in taking things to the next level.
Now, I’m not talking about obvious flirtations or grand gestures. No, these signs are subtler, rooted in psychology and human behavior.
In this article, “If a man wants to be more than friends, he’ll usually display these behaviors (according to a psychologist)” we’ll delve into these intriguing signals.
Grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s explore this fascinating topic together.
1) He initiates contact
In the dance of attraction, one of the most telling signs a man wants to be more than friends is his level of engagement. And I’m not just talking about responding to your texts or calls promptly.
Here’s the thing: an interested man will often initiate contact, and not just in response to your outreach. This can look like random texts to ask how your day is going, or calls to check in on you.
According to Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationship expert, this act of initiating contact is a clear sign of emotional engagement and interest.
It’s his way of staying connected and showing he’s thinking about you, even when you’re not around.
If he’s reaching out first regularly, it’s likely he’s interested in more than just friendship.
But remember ladies, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule. Men are complex beings, just like us.
While this behavior is a good sign, it’s important to observe his other actions as well to get the full picture.
2) His body language speaks volumes
You know, as a relationship expert, I’ve learned that actions often speak louder than words. And nowhere is this truer than in the realm of body language.
Albert Mehrabian, a pioneer in the field of nonverbal communication, once said that “7% of any message is conveyed through words, 38% through certain vocal elements, and 55% through nonverbal elements (facial expressions, gestures, posture, etc.)”.
What this tells us is that if a man wants to be more than just friends, his body language will likely reveal his intentions – even if he hasn’t put them into words yet.
He might lean in when you’re talking, make prolonged eye contact, or find subtle ways to touch you – a brush of your arm, a pat on your back, or even playful nudges.
These non-verbal cues are often subconscious and can be a strong indicator of romantic interest. Keep an eye out for them – they might just reveal the true feelings he’s been keeping under wraps.
Trust your instincts and watch for those unspoken signals.
3) He takes an interest in your interests
One of the most rewarding parts of any relationship, whether it be friendship or romantic, is sharing your passions and interests.
Now, if a man is keen on shifting the gear from being friends to something more, he’ll likely show a genuine interest in your hobbies and passions.
He might ask about the book you’re reading, or express curiosity about that yoga class you never miss.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I emphasize the importance of mutual interests and respect in building a strong relationship.
If he’s going out of his way to engage with your interests – even if they don’t necessarily align with his own – then it’s likely he’s trying to deepen your connection.
Next time, he asks about that painting class you’re taking or shows up to support you at your charity run, take note.
He might just be saying more than he’s letting on. And as I always say, actions speak louder than words!
4) He’s not afraid to show his flaws
Now, this one may seem a bit counterintuitive, but stick with me for a moment.
In the early stages of attraction, it’s common for people to put their best foot forward. We want to impress, to show our most appealing side.
But when a man is interested in being more than just friends, he’s not just trying to impress you – he’s trying to connect with you on a deeper level.
That means he’s likely to let down his guard and show you his imperfect side. Maybe he’ll share a silly or embarrassing story, or admit to a mistake he made.
It’s these moments of vulnerability that indicate he trusts you and is comfortable enough to be his real self around you.
As Brené Brown, a renowned research professor and author says, “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome.”
If he’s showing you his flaws and all, chances are he’s hoping for more than just friendship.
5) He values your opinion
We all know that feeling when someone genuinely values our thoughts and opinions. It’s validating, isn’t it?
Well, here’s something interesting. When a man wants to be more than friends, he’ll often seek out and respect your point of view.
This could be about anything – from his choice of outfit to a major career decision.
This was something I noticed early on with my husband. He’d ask my opinion on things that mattered to him, showing me that he valued my perspective.
And believe me, that said more than any grand romantic gesture could.
If he’s making a habit of asking for your thoughts and advice, and actually considering them, it’s a good sign that he sees you as more than just a friend.
Respect is the cornerstone of any strong relationship – and valuing someone’s opinion is one of the most powerful ways to show it.
6) He’s there for you during the hard times
This is a big one, and it’s not always easy to talk about.
Life is full of ups and downs. We all have our rainy days, our moments of struggle and pain. It’s during these times that we truly see who’s there for us.
If a man wants to be more than friends, he won’t just be there for the fun times – he’ll stick around when things get tough.
He’ll offer a shoulder to cry on, lend an ear when you need to vent, and stand by your side when you’re facing adversity.
It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s often in these challenging moments that true feelings come to light.
As the saying goes, “A friend in need is a friend indeed.”
But a man who’s there for you in your darkest hours? Well, he might just want to be more than just your friend.
7) He makes future plans
When a man starts to envision a future that includes you, it’s a clear signal he’s thinking about more than friendship.
He might suggest seeing a concert next month, taking a trip together, or even just casually mention events down the line. This shows he’s thinking about you in his life long-term.
In my own relationship history, this was always a clear sign of deeper feelings. When my now-husband began to make plans for us weeks and even months ahead, I knew he was serious about us.
And remember the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
If he’s making plans with you in them, he’s likely hoping for a successful romantic relationship.
8) He opens up about his feelings
This one can be a little scary, because it involves vulnerability and honesty. Men, like everyone else, are often taught to hide their feelings, to keep them locked away.
But when a man wants more than friendship, he’ll often let down those walls and start to share what’s really going on inside.
He might talk about his dreams, his fears, or his past. He might even open up about his feelings for you.
This kind of emotional honesty isn’t always easy. It requires trust and a willingness to risk rejection.
But it’s also one of the most powerful indicators of a desire for something more than friendship.
If he’s sharing his feelings with you, take it as a sign that he sees you as more than just a friend.
Conclusion
Navigating the transition from friendship to romance can be a tricky course.
But by paying attention to these behaviors, you’ll be better equipped to read the signals and understand if a man wants to be more than just friends.
Every relationship is unique, and these signs are just guidelines.
The most important thing is to trust your intuition and communicate openly.
For more insights into the world of relationships, check out my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
It’s packed with advice on building healthy connections, overcoming attachment issues, and finding balance in love.
The journey of love is a beautiful one.
