If someone respects you, they show it. If they love you, they prove it.
Simple as that, right?
But human relationships are far from simple. Deciphering intentions and true feelings can be as complex as cracking the Da Vinci Code.
However, there are telltale signs. In this case, eight specific behaviors that someone who truly wants to be in your life will never display. So let’s dive in.
1) They won’t dismiss your feelings
Feelings are like waves, unpredictable and powerful.
They can hit you out of nowhere and leave you gasping for air. The worst part? You can’t control them. They just come and go as they please.
Now, imagine having someone in your life who constantly dismisses these uncontrollable waves. Not fun, right?
In fact, it’s downright painful.
Someone who truly wants to be in your life will never dismiss your feelings. They won’t belittle your emotions or make you feel like you’re overreacting.
Instead, they’ll understand. They’ll listen. They’ll offer a shoulder to lean on when the waves become too hard to handle on your own.
Remember, emotional validation is a key indicator of someone who genuinely cares about you and wants to be a part of your life.
2) They won’t disrespect your boundaries
Boundaries are crucial in any relationship. They’re the invisible lines that protect us, our space, and our peace of mind.
Take it from me, I’ve learned this the hard way.
I once had a friend who would constantly overstep my boundaries. They’d call at odd hours, drop by unannounced and invade my personal space. They’d brush it off saying, “We’re friends, it’s okay.”
But it wasn’t okay. It made me uncomfortable and stressed.
Someone who truly wants to be in your life will respect your boundaries. They’ll understand that just because they’re part of your life, doesn’t mean they have the right to invade your personal space or disrespect your boundaries.
In essence, they’ll give you the respect you deserve because they value your presence in their life.
3) They won’t make you feel guilty for their mistakes
Manipulation is a dangerous tool, often used by people who don’t have your best interests at heart.
A classic example of this is when someone makes you feel guilty for the mistakes they’ve made. Known as “gaslighting”, this manipulative technique can mess with your mind and make you question your own sanity.
In a study found that victims of gaslighting often doubt their own perceptions and memories, causing them significant emotional distress.
Someone who genuinely wants to be in your life will never resort to such tactics. They’ll own up to their mistakes, apologize sincerely, and work on their shortcomings, instead of shifting the blame onto you.
4) They won’t ignore your needs and wants
In any relationship, it’s important to remember that it’s a two-way street.
Your needs and wants matter just as much as theirs do.
If you’re always bending to accommodate them while they never return the favor, then that’s a red flag.
Someone who truly cares about you will strive for balance. They’ll make sure your needs are met just as theirs are, and they’ll value your happiness as much as their own.
Basically, they’ll treat you as an equal because they genuinely want you in their life.
5) They won’t make you feel like an option
Nobody likes feeling like a backup plan or a second choice.
I’ve been there, and trust me – it’s not a great feeling.
When I was younger, I had a friend who would only call me when their other plans fell through. It hurt, and it made me feel like I wasn’t valued or appreciated.
Someone who truly wants to be in your life won’t make you feel like an option. They’ll value your time, your presence, and your worth.
They’ll make you a priority because to them, you’re not just another person – you’re an important part of their life.
6) They won’t always agree with you
Contrary to what you might think, someone who always agrees with you isn’t necessarily good for you.
In fact, it’s healthy to disagree at times. It shows that they’re not afraid to voice their own opinions and that they respect you enough to have open and honest discussions with you.
Someone who genuinely wants to be in your life will value your relationship more than the comfort of constant agreement.
They’ll challenge your ideas and stimulate your mind, all while maintaining an environment of mutual respect.
7) They won’t keep score
Life isn’t a game. So, keeping score in a relationship? That’s a no-go.
If you find someone constantly reminding you of past mistakes or holding grudges, that’s not a good sign.
Someone who truly wants to be in your life won’t hold your past against you. Instead, they’ll focus on the present and the future, because they’re more interested in building a stronger bond with you than winning an argument.
In other words, they’ll love and accept you for who you are, flaws and all.
8) They won’t make you question their loyalty
Above all, trust is the bedrock of any meaningful relationship.
If someone truly wants to be in your life, they’ll let their actions speak louder than their words. They’ll do everything in their power to show you that you can rely on them, in good times and in bad.
Their loyalty will be unwavering, and you’ll never have to question it. Because when someone genuinely cares about you, they stand by you – no questions asked.
Final reflections
By now, you should have a clearer understanding of the behaviors to look out for in someone who truly wants to be in your life.
It’s essential to remember that these behaviors are not just signs of a person wanting to share their life with you, but also reflect the basic principles of respect, empathy, and love.
Psychologist Carl Rogers once said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”
This holds true in relationships too. If someone accepts you as you are, it creates a space for growth and change – for both of you.
So, take a moment. Reflect on these behaviors and think about the people in your life. Do they respect your boundaries? Are they always there for you? Do they make you feel valued?
Because those who do, truly want to be in your life. And they’re worth holding onto.
