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Tag: Signs of love

  • How Long Does The Honeymoon Phase Last?

    How Long Does The Honeymoon Phase Last?

    Have you ever noticed that when a relationship enters troubled waters, people reminisce about their initial love-struck days? “He was such a sweetheart when we started going out. He took such good care of me.” “When we first started going out, she was so thoughtful and caring. Wish I could get that version of her back.” In relationship parlance, we call those good old days the honeymoon phase or the cupcake phase. Given how bright and rosy everything seems, it’s only natural to wonder, “How long does the honeymoon phase last?” 

    Whether you’re on the brink of a new relationship or your current partnership doesn’t feel like the bed of roses it used to be, awareness about what happens when the honeymoon period fades can help you navigate the different stages of falling in love a little better. So, grab your coffee and sit tight as we are about to serve you the whole nine yards of the honeymoon episode with a side of what comes after the honeymoon phase in a relationship.

    What Is The Honeymoon Phase Of A Relationship?

    The honeymoon phase refers to the very beginning of a new relationship when a couple goes through an ecstatic state of intense passion, love, and physical attraction. In every waking moment, you keep thinking about this special person. You feel so in love you can’t stop smiling involuntarily. The heart races the moment you see them and you lit up like a million fireflies!

    It’s that dating phase where you love more fight less; it’s a phase of countless romantic dates and endless conversations. Spending quality time with your bae becomes your top priority. Not to mention sexual sparks fly high in the honeymoon phase of a relationship. You can hardly keep your hands off each other. 

    Related Reading: Why Do Relationship Changes Happen And What To Do

    During these early days, you both are always on your best behavior. From changing your wardrobe and buying expensive gifts to staying up all night to chat, you can go to any extent to make this person fall for you even more. In the first few months, you look at your new partner through rose-colored glasses of awe and admiration. It leaves you hypnotized by their charm. They can do no wrong, they can’t say a bad thing. Most couples don’t even notice any red flags until they explore the other complicated stages of falling in love.

    During the honeymoon phase, you can barely keep your hands off each other

    How Long Does The Honeymoon Phase Last?

    Now, it’s time to address the elephant in the room – how long is the honeymoon phase in a relationship? More importantly, can the honeymoon phase last forever? Well, as much as you want to hold on to the romantic tête-à-têtes and the passionate sex, the cupcake phase is a fun ride that inevitably comes to an end.

    Related Reading: 7 Tips To Make It Through The Hardest Months In A Relationship

    To find an answer to, how long does the honeymoon phase last, you have to understand that this thrill, excitement, the very feeling of ‘being in love’—it’s all a mere outcome of certain chemical reactions in our brain. Let’s explore some research data:

    • According to a study, the sustenance of romantic love is associated with the activation of dopamine and oxytocin-rich regions of the brain
    • Another article published in Scientific American talks about a study that reveals how people who have just fallen in love have a higher level of nerve growth factor than those who are single or in long-term relationships. A higher NGF score suggests increased emotions of euphoria and attachment in a person. What’s interesting is that the NGF and cortisol level difference between these two groups receded within 12-24 months
    • As spoken to Scientific American by Gary W. Lewandowski, Jr., associate professor of psychology at Monmouth University, “These findings suggest that romantic love is an arousing but stressful experience. These physiological changes are short-lived, perhaps because we become acclimated to our partner with time.”

    And that’s one of the major reasons the honeymoon period wears off eventually. So, how long is the honeymoon phase in a relationship? That varies from couple to couple as every relationship progresses at its own pace. As rare as it is, some couples might even respond in the affirmative to the question, can the honeymoon phase last forever? That too, after thirty-forty years of their marriage.

    Exceptions aside, typically, the honeymoon phase of a relationship can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months or even up to a year. According to a 2015 study, the honeymoon period can last from six months to almost 2.5 years. But most people can’t manage to keep the spark alive after the very early stages and that’s completely normal. It’s in no way an indication that you’re not in a happy, healthy relationship. 

    How to recognize that the honeymoon phase is over?

    There is no way of predicting how long does the honeymoon phase last. And if you ask us, you shouldn’t keep an eye out for it either. It will only ruin the pure magic of the honeymoon phase of a relationship. For as long as you can love more fight less, and enjoy intense physical intimacy, cherish this blissful spell in your life. However, if you are starting to feel like something’s wrong between you and your bae, it’s probably because the short-and-sweet bubble of the cupcake phase is finally popping. Here are a few signs to recognize that the honeymoon phase is over:

    • As your rose-tinted glasses come off, you now see your partner in a realistic light which makes their negative traits and annoying habits more prominent 
    • After the dopamine high wanes, ordinary activities like watching a movie together or going for a walk that felt so exhilarating earlier become mundane
    • During the post-honeymoon phase, you start spotting the relationship red flags which, like it or not, leads to more disagreements and arguments 
    • Your sex life too takes a hit at this dating phase. The blazing physical attraction of the early stages slowly fizzles out
    • You cut back on the quality time you spend together. Not meeting each other every day becomes a normal occurrence 
    • After the infatuation period, you stop pretending to be the pristine souls and be comfortable enough to see each other in your PJs and messy hair or perhaps use a swear word or two in front of them

    Related Reading: What Does It Mean When Someone Says They Are Looking For ‘Something Casual’?

    What Comes After The Honeymoon Phase In A Relationship?

    Now that we have a fair idea of how long is the honeymoon phase in a relationship let’s get cracking what comes after the honeymoon phase in a relationship. First, you have to realize that this is just a dating phase, not a parameter of your feelings for each other. The honeymoon phase withering away doesn’t equal falling out of love with your partner.

    It’s not the end of the world; you are just transitioning to the next pitstop in the different stages of falling in love. If you are worried about the kind of future you can expect with your partner, let’s walk you through the different junctures of attachment that follow the honeymoon phase of a relationship:

    Stories about love and romance

    1. Disillusionment 

    The very next stage you embark upon brings in all kinds of insecurities, uncertainties, and reality checks. Suddenly something starts to feel off in your relationship. Your partner slips from the pedestal you put them on and you see them for who they truly are.  

    If one partner is too bossy, overly possessive, or emotionally a few steps behind the other, it will induce a power struggle between them. With one person taking charge or being emotionally unavailable, the other partner will question their compatibility, feel insecure about the very foundation of the relationship, and doubt any possibilities of future happiness with each other. 

    Related Reading: 11 Situationship Red Flags You Should Know About

    How to navigate the disillusionment phase

    Going through the disillusionment phase is the hardest part for all couples. With the slightest inconvenience, you might feel an urge to end things for good. But we have a few clever tricks for you to weather the storm and come out of it stronger as a couple:

    • Remember to stand your ground steady while making some space for changes 
    • You need to make a conscious effort to accept the differences and respect your partner’s individuality 
    • Open communication is always the best solution to affirm your needs and understand each other’s expectations from this relationship
    • Both partners need to be equally on board in this journey to build a healthy relationship
    • Of course, you should try hard to make it through this stage but never give up on your values and boundaries and compromise on the non-negotiables 

    2. Attachment 

    Yes, keeping the spark alive may seem like a daunting task now. But what comes after the honeymoon phase in a relationship is far more rewarding than the sheer thrill of a budding romance. In the attachment stage, you experience emotional connection and vulnerability and get to see each other’s raw, authentic selves. It’s in this stage that both partners start to depend on each other. They build trust and gather unwavering willpower to stick together, no matter the odds. 

    How to navigate the attachment phase

    Your relationship isn’t shatterproof just yet. As you discover each other in a new light, there’s still a lot of wonder, disappointment, grief, and frustration in store for you. New challenges will unlock every other day. The lifespan of your relationship boils down to how you handle all these feelings and work your way up to a committed relationship. Here’s what we suggest:

    Related Reading: 125 Sweet Things To Say To Your Wife In A Text

    • This is your chance to get to know your partner on a deeper level. So spend time with them as much as possible
    • Don’t shy away from being vulnerable in front of them
    • Learn and acknowledge each other’s insecurities, scars, and darkest thoughts. It’s an important building block of a strong emotional bond
    • Take an interest in what your partner is passionate about. Try to analyze things from their perspective. Flying solo isn’t a sign of healthy relationships. You have to be a team player
    • Don’t sweep your problems under the rug. For a sustainable partnership, keep a solution-oriented approach to conflict resolution
    stages of falling in love
    After the honeymoon phase, you start to see your partner for who they truly are

    3. Stable partnership

    Do you remember how we started this discussion? Can the honeymoon phase last forever? I think you will agree that as much as we all root for the fairytale love to never fade, this final dating phase is our end goal. After floating through the troubled waters for so long you finally reach a calm, stable state. 

    No more surprises left; you have nothing to hide from each other. Together you have created a safe nest to nurture your love. You get a sense of comfort and security in each other’s company. Taking a leap with your partner like moving in together or getting engaged seems more feasible at this point. Once again, you love more fight less!

    Related Reading: 21 Clear Signs She Doesn’t Want A Relationship With You

    How to navigate a stable partnership

    First of all, big applause to you and your partner for making it this far. We can see you are practically inseparable. But love is like a kite that will slip off your grip if you are not paying attention for even a little while. Since we all want a fairytale ending for your relationship, here are a few pointers to strengthen the bond with your partner:

    • Don’t let your love sink under the grocery bills and office presentations. To keep the spark alive, keep dating each other, spend quality time, bring them flowers, plan surprises, go on vacations 
    • When you become too complacent in a relationship, you tend to take each other for granted. To not turn into that distant, arrogant partner, express your gratitude, tell them how much you love them at least once every day, and always try to be true to your words
    • Value the commitment you have made toward one another. Without loyalty and transparency, the whole foundation might collapse like a house of cards 
    • For some couples, physical attraction might be scarce after reaching this point. There are plenty of ways to spice things up in the bedroom – off the top of my head, roleplay?

    Key Pointers

    • The honeymoon phase is the very beginning of a relationship when a couple remains hypnotized by each other’s cham without a worry in the world
    • This phase can last from a few months up to 2.5 years, depending on the couple’s emotional connection and several other factors
    • After the initial euphoria fades, reality hits in the disillusionment period and two lovers start to notice each other’s quirks and imperfections
    • As they make it to the attachment phase, a stronger bond develops based on trust and vulnerability
    • In the final stage, they experience a calm, stable love being fully committed to each other

    Final Thoughts 

    Now that you have the answer to, how long does the honeymoon phase last, Or are you ready to explore the upcoming adventures hand in hand with your sweetheart? Yes, the early stages are easy-going. There’s thrill, eagerness, and an all-consuming magnetic attraction that keep you glued to your partner. And that serves as the foundation of a relationship. 

    That being said, there’s no need to feel daunted by the probable hardships of the post-honeymoon period. Treat the end of your honeymoon days as a new beginning, full of possibilities. No matter what stage of the relationship you are at, what’s important is that you value each other’s presence in your lives, respect each other’s individuality and keep your love alive for an eternity.

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  • How To Impress Your Boyfriend: 21 Incredibly Simple Ideas

    How To Impress Your Boyfriend: 21 Incredibly Simple Ideas

    So, are you going around telling everyone about this amazing guy you just met? Given that you mentioned him as the ‘boyfriend’, it’s fair to guess the first few dates went really well to lead you both to label this relationship as a serious one. You must be relieved that the tricky part is over! But trust us, it takes just as much effort, if not more, to keep a romantic bond alive. And given that you are trying to find out how to impress your boyfriend, we are convinced you are ready to go that extra mile for him. 

    We just hope that you don’t lose yourself trying to showcase a completely different persona that might be more appealing to your man. To help you balance the act and create a lasting impression, we are here with a bunch of ‘how to amaze your boyfriend’ ideas. So, read on…

    21 Incredibly Simple Ways To Impress Your Boyfriend

    Let’s give you a little how to woo your man 101: always remember being yourself is the key. Of course, we encourage you to be more curious and invested in your partner’s interests and do things that make your boyfriend happy. But you cannot pretend to like comic books or start nerdy conventions if you are not really that person. So, restrain yourself from creating a false impression in the process of impressing your boyfriend. 

    Knowing how to be romantic with boyfriend is no rocket science. Simply, pour in a generous amount of affection in a mix of small gestures and thoughtful actions, stir it well, and you’ve got yourself a fulfilling love life. All kidding aside, from a candlelight dinner to a surprise trip, the choices are plenty if you are in search of something romantic to do for your bae. And being the stunner that you are, dazzling his mind with your beauty will be a breeze. 

    However, when it comes to creating a lasting impression, we would rely more on meaningful actions than a pretty face. To make this journey easier for you, we have curated this list of 21 incredibly simple ‘how to impress your boyfriend’ ideas:

    Related Reading: 100+ Quirky Yet Romantic Questions To Ask Your Boyfriend To Make Him Laugh

    1. Smile and make him smile

    Ah, this works like a charm! Smile has a healing power to fix any trouble and build strong connections between two people. So, just follow our lead here:

    • Greet him with your thousand-watt smile every time you see him
    • When you don’t know how to date a guy, make him laugh – tell jokes, show him fun memes, and do whatever it takes
    • Wake him up with an ‘I love you’ text every morning. This is among the cute things to do for your boyfriend
    • Most importantly, laugh at his jokes. Even if it’s a pity laugh, mask it well 

    2. Don’t be shy to assert your opinion on things

    You know what really attracts a high-value man? A strong sense of self-esteem. There is nothing more fascinating than a woman who exudes confidence in every step of life and won’t cave when it comes to offering her opinion on important matters. It simply portrays you in a powerful individualistic light that’s not easy to outshine. Your thoughts and opinions might be threatening to an insecure person, but a guy confident in his own skin and abilities would proudly call himself your boyfriend. And that’s the man you want to impress!

    If you truly want to impress your guy, don’t back off from expressing your opinion

    3. Be nice to your boyfriend’s friends and folks

    When we start dating, somewhere deep down, we all hope for our partners to get along with our loved ones. The very best you can do for your man is to make this transition easier for him. Let us tell you how:

    • After he introduces you to his folks, make a conscious effort to get to know them and stay in touch 
    • Try to find common grounds to bond with your boyfriend’s friends
    • Even better, you could throw a surprise party for your boyfriend or plan a surprise trip and invite his friends to join you. He will be thrilled for sure!
    • Just don’t try too hard to fit in. Be yourself. We are confident they will love you for you

    4. Cook for him

    If you’re wondering how to amaze your boyfriend, well, of all the romantic things to do for your guy, let’s take the shortcut to his heart. Yes, we are talking about the road through his tummy. There’s nothing more a guy appreciates than a home-cooked meal prepared by his sweetheart. So, get your apron and chef hat out because we have a boyfriend to impress, and here’s how:

    • You could always make his favorite dish
    • If it’s the holiday season, call his grandma and get her secret cookie recipe that your boyfriend loves more than anything
    • Plan a full-blown candlelight dinner at home. This makes for one of the nicest surprise date ideas for him

    Related Reading: 101 Meaningful Words Of Affirmation For Him That Actually Work

    5. Challenge him to beat you in video games

    This doesn’t sound like something romantic to do for your boyfriend, does it? Well, if you pick up the phone and ask him right now, you will see that he would settle for a game night over dinner dates any day. So, don’t think twice. Make a list of the video games your boyfriend loves and start practicing, because we want to see you ace this challenge! 

    6. Pay attention to your appearance 

    So, how to impress your boyfriend? Let’s turn to the most cliched yet highly effective page of the playbook – kill him with your looks! Tuck these suave moves up your sleeve to ensure his eyes are always on you:

    • Choose flattering outfits for your date nights that will steal his attention 
    • Invest a little bit more time in a seven-step skincare routine
    • Maintain good hygiene 
    • Eat healthy and work out on a regular basis
    • Do something different with your hair so he would notice the extra effort
    • Note that confidence is the new sexy. If you are confident in carrying your look and outfit, it will accentuate your true beauty and personality 

    7. Spend quality time with him

    If you want a thriving love life, you have to spend a substantial amount of time building and nurturing it – and by that, we suggest spending time with your boyfriend. To give you a guy’s perspective on this, a Reddit user says, “I personally like it when my SO enjoys participating in all the activities I like to do. It’s kind of a turn-on, to be honest, and makes me feel like they care and enjoy doing things that I love.”

    Now, if you are not sure how to choose the perfect activities for your time together or need more ideas for romantic things to do for your boyfriend at home, we have a whole list prepared for you:

    • Arrange a romantic bubble bath
    • Bake something together from scratch 
    • Pick a hobby for couples or a new skill to learn together
    • Plan a surprise trip for the weekend to the nearest bed and breakfast
    • Go for a long solitary walk, hand in hand, and watch the sunset 
    • Share household chores or give your living room a makeover. After all, spending time together doesn’t require you to come up with new ideas every week

    Related Reading: 23 Refreshing Sunday Date Ideas For A Romantic Weekend

    8. Make sure you smell good around him

    Have you ever noticed how you tend to think about a person, especially a romantic partner, when you smell their signature scent somewhere around? It’s because studies show that body odor plays a pivotal role in the perception of attractiveness and mate selection. 

    So, we suggest you make it a point to smell impeccable around your guy. Find out what his favorite fragrance is and try it on, so he just can’t resist you. The goal is to draw him in with your magnetic fragrance, which leaves a lingering effect in his mind. We must admit this is a unique one of all the romantic things to do for your man.

    9. Split the bills

    It’s 2024 for crying out loud! Let chivalry take a backseat. Step up and share the expenses equally with your man. Our men may not always speak up about the very thing, at least not in an obvious manner. But they do lean toward financially independent women who are confident enough to take care of themselves. Remember how Ted Mosby (from How I Met Your Mother) never called back a girl because she didn’t do the ‘cheque dance’ on a date? That’s what we are talking about. Go Dutch!

    10. Don’t be that needy girlfriend 

    If you are wondering how to woo your man, being clingy is not going to break your case. I was just on the phone with my friend Roger the other day, and he whined for an hour about his partner’s constant intervention in his personal space. This is what he said, “Amanda is being impossible with each passing day. She is insecure, always suspicious, and would keep texting and calling all day long, and if I miss any of it, I would never hear the end of it. She has no life of her own and it’s suffocating me.” Now you know what doesn’t count as part of romantic things to do for your partner. 

    Related Reading: 9 Heartwarming Actions Of Love That Speak Louder Than Words

    11. Send him off to boys’ nights more often

    When you are dating guys and trying to figure out how to impress your boyfriend, you have to get into a man’s mindset. Just think, won’t you be super pleased right now if he booked you a spa weekend with your girlies or took you on a shopping spree? Do the same for him. 

    If you want him to be happy in this relationship, don’t be grumpy when his friends ask him to come over for some beer and pool. Even better, invite his friends, arrange some video games they like, make his favorite dish for dinner, and gift your boyfriend the perfect boys’ night at home. Believe it or not, these little things matter a lot in keeping a romantic relationship alive.

    12. Listening can make all the difference 

    Here’s a relationship mistake you don’t want to repeat. An ex-partner of mine would always complain that I was busy in my own world and didn’t pay enough attention to him. In my version, I knew that we were living together. So, we practically spent most of our waking hours in each other’s presence. How much more attention could one need? However, what I didn’t realize at that point was that I was either on my phone or the laptop, and our conversations went with him staring at the back of an electronic device. To rectify that, we suggest the following tips:

    Related Reading: The 11 Most Common Relationship Mistakes You Actually Can AVOID

    • Stop distracting yourself with other activities when you are in the middle of a conversation
    • Try listening intently and reciprocating 
    • Make eye contact – it makes him feel heard and validated 
    • Non-verbal gestures, like nodding, smiling, leaning forward, touching his arm or shoulder, can go a long way in making the conversation more engaging 
    Infographic on simple ways to impress your boyfriend
    Try these to impress your boyfriend

    13. Keep dropping compliments

    When in doubt about how to impress your boyfriend, express your admiration for this fantastic human being! Nothing conveys your love and affection for your man like a sweet dose of compliment every now and then. If you want something romantic to do for him, try this:

    • Tell him more often how sexy he looks in an outfit
    • Let him know how proud you are of all his achievements, big or small
    • Compliment his killer smile –  and tell him how it always leaves you in awe!
    • Whenever he makes an effort to see you happy or to better the relationship, appreciate it

    Related Reading: 75 Cute Notes For Him That Would Surprise Your Man Everyday

    14. Show him you depend on him

    Yes, a guy would fall in love with a confident, sexy, independent girl in a heartbeat, but at the same time, men do love to feel needed. In a romantic relationship, the man would like to be an integral part of your life with a significant role to play in your well-being and safety.

    Listen to what this Quora user has to say about it: “Put your head on his shoulder. And maybe take a nap. This makes me feel more special than anything else. It tells the guy that you feel safe with him.” So, if you’re wondering how to date a guy in a way so he feels important, follow these tips:

    • Ask for his opinion on your personal matters
    • If he’s willing to offer help in troubled times, don’t reject it
    • Let him know how you always find peace in his arms 
    • Share your emotional state of mind with your boyfriend 
    • Your actions should reflect that he’s your priority
    • Check-in with him, ask about his day, and share your routine too

    15. Shower him with hugs and cuddles

    Looking for cute things to do for your boyfriend? Go all out with physical affection. A long, lingering hug after a day of toiling at work – any guy would kill for this kind of love and warmth. Kiss him for no reason, as you cross paths in the hallway, or meet in the kitchen for a snack. Or plan a movie night at home with cozy blankets, popcorn, and lots of cuddles. There goes one of the bonus surprise date ideas for him. 

    Related Reading: 27 Ways To Tell Someone You Love Them Without Saying It

    16. Be his support system

    In their lifelong endeavor of appearing rough and tough, men often forget to unveil their vulnerable side. But deep down, every man is a sucker for affection and would want to depend on someone with all their heart — someone who would understand his business ideas even though others think it’s crazy, who would support him through the days when he pays off his college loan, or at the least, who would wrap him in her arms and ask what’s wrong on a bad day. We believe that’s your cue to how to impress your boyfriend and make him yours forever.

    17. Don’t say hurtful things 

    It would be unnatural for a couple to be together and not fight, we get that big time. But even in your arguments about whose turn it is to do the laundry or why he hugged that female colleague for almost five Mississippi, there should be some lines of decency to maintain. Being extremely rude or blurting out whatever comes to your mind without thinking about the consequences will slowly and steadily drift you apart. Particularly when you are trying to impress your man hoping for a long-term relationship, these little things prove to be highly impactful in the bigger picture.

    More on boyfriend stories

    18. Flirt with him

    Let’s get down to the point of how to be romantic with boyfriend. Try unleashing your inner tease and see the changes for yourself! Mark my words, he will be obsessed with you. Here are some tips and tricks for dating guys:  

    • Brush your body against his, talk dirty to him, playfully kiss his ears, or touch him when he least expects it – always leave him wanting more
    • In bed, don’t be shy to voice your satisfaction. Tell him how he just rocked your world! It might boost him enough for the next round
    • When you both are in the mood, dance for him to spice things up a bit, or maybe even perform a striptease
    • Gift him some naughty coupons with tempting benefits, like a sensual massage, sex in the balcony, or you acting out his fantasy role-play idea

    19. Respect his boundaries

    No matter at what stage of the relationship you are, there are certain lines you should never cross. This is all the more important if your partner has spoken to you about the things that are non-negotiable for them. Always conform to those boundaries as a sign of respect. For instance: 

    • Don’t force him to open up about a sensitive issue that he is not ready to talk about yet
    • If he says “no” to something, to anything, don’t take it as a personal attack
    • Respect his private space and alone time

    Related Reading: 20 Funny Gifts For Boyfriend That’ll Put A Smile On His Face

    20. Get him flowers

    If you want to give some more thought to cute things to do for your boyfriend, pick a bunch of yellow tulips on your way back from the market. It will make his day! And not just flowers, bring a little something for him every once in a while. The gifts don’t have to be expensive or elaborate – they could be really simple things, such as a mixtape of all the songs your boyfriend loves. But make sure they are meaningful. These are small gestures, but if you are genuinely interested to know how to amaze your boyfriend, they are indispensable. 

    21. Express your feelings for him

    Of all the tips we shared, this one is, hands down, our favorite. A relationship flourishes only when there is pure transparency between the partners about their feelings and intentions for each other. It contributes to everything, starting with building trust, commitment, and emotional investment. 

    We, for one thing, have always encouraged our readers to be vocal about their tender emotions for their partners. Say “I love you” as often as you can, be explicit about all the reasons why you love him, and don’t look for special occasions to do so. Amalgamate this with the most mundane activities of daily life. There lies the beauty of romance. 

    Key Pointers

    • Don’t lose your genuine personality in the process of impressing your boyfriend
    • Try to take an interest in his life and interests and spend more time with him
    • Practice active listening and be more empathetic
    • Support him in all his endeavors and show him that he is an integral part of your life
    • Tease him a little, plan romantic date nights, and get him thoughtful gifts

    Do you now know how to impress your boyfriend so much so that he would fall madly in love with you? We are pretty confident when we promise you a healthy romantic relationship because you just can’t go wrong with our tried-and-tested ideas. 
    However, here’s a word of advice from Bonobology: make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, and more importantly, that this man is worth all the effort you are making. If these two parameters are set right and you borrow our ideas on how to amaze your boyfriend, your love story will be smooth sailing!

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  • 21 Expert-Validated Psychological Signs Someone Likes You

    21 Expert-Validated Psychological Signs Someone Likes You

    Have you ever noticed someone who couldn’t take his eyes off you on the first date? Or someone who constantly smiled whenever they met you? Or someone who appears nervous or self-conscious when they see you? Well, there’s a sure-shot chance that the person in question might actually like you a lot. As humans, we are wired to display some tell-tale signs when we are genuinely interested in someone. So, what are these psychological signs someone likes you?

    Interestingly, A Rutgers study once proved that lust, attraction, and attachment are the three basic components of romantic love. And all of these components are primarily driven by physiological elements (that is, hormones). And all of these also give rise to a whole lot of visible signs. But if someone likes you, it may not necessarily mean they wish to initiate a romantic relationship. Nonetheless, there will be some psychological sign to indicate their liking.

    In this article, we will try and explore some obvious signs that a person may have more than a passing interest in you. These common signs include body language, physical contact, communication patterns, or behavior, and some of them may baffle you. With the help of our expert psychologist Nandita Rambhia (MSc, Psychology), who specializes in CBT, REBT, and couples counseling, we will help you unearth some of these glaring signs that someone likes you a lot. So, without much ado, let’s dive in…

    What Are The Psychological Signs Someone Likes You

    Nandita says, “When a guy or a girl likes you, as in they are genuinely interested, and not just for a casual fling, they are bound to display some obvious signs that will be hard to miss. As humans, we tend to subconsciously show certain patterns that are linked to our psychological connection with someone we like romantically, or otherwise.”

    But there isn’t an exhaustive list of such signs, as it varies from person to person. A Reddit user explains it precisely while describing her experience, “It’s slightly different for every guy I’ve met but they tend to get a slightly louder and clearer voice when talking. Also they just want to spend time with you. Even if it’s something they have never done and are not used to doing. (I.e. going to crowded or noisy places together) to do what you want.”

    And we agree with her. A strong indicator that someone likes you is that they will go out of their way to express their feelings and let you know that they fancy you as a romantic interest. But some subtle signs become the only markers of one’s interest when someone is too shy to reveal they like you. Nonetheless, you need to look out for some top signs that prove someone is into you. So, below, we have listed 21 such sure-shot psychological signs that someone is starting to like you:

    Related Reading: 11 Texting Habits That He Is Interested In You – With Examples

    1. You top their priority list

    One of the psychological signs of a crush is that they will always prioritize the object of their romantic attraction. Nandita says, “If a girl or a guy likes you, they will put you on top of their priority list, in spite of a busy schedule.” In such cases, they will:

    • Invest time in connecting with you, be it through phone calls or texts
    • Be there for you when you need to vent or grieve, be it after a job loss or the death of a close connection
    • Help you out in times of distress or trouble, for instance, when you’re sick
    For more expert-backed insights, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    2. They subconsciously mirror you

    A clear sign that a person is genuinely interested is when they subconsciously mirror you or adopt your ways of living or other details about you. This may not always mean they wish to start a romantic relationship, but may be a huge sign that they are fond of you.

    In such cases, they might start mirroring:

    • Your posture or gestures: If a guy starts tilting his head just like you, or starts walking the way you do, it’s possible he’s attracted to you
    • Your interests: If a girl starts watching a series you like or experiments a new cuisine you love, it’s likely she’s interested in you
    • Your hobbies: If a guy picks up badminton because you like it or starts taking piano lessons because you love piano, it’s likely he’s genuinely attracted to you
    • Your way of speaking: If a girl mirrors your tone or includes some words that you use often in her vocabulary, it’s possible she’s interested

    Related Reading: Romantic Texting: The 11 Tips To Swear By (With Examples)

    I once knew a coworker who would use certain peculiar words in our meetings. So, he had picked up the habit of using the word “delusional” and used it so often during our presentations, that it almost irked us. After a few days, it was “thingie” and this too was overdone.

    We realized that he had picked these words up from his girlfriend when we met her at an office party and she used the exact same words while interacting with us. So, he had subconsciously mirrored his girlfriend’s vocabulary. Weird, right?

    3. They make efforts to be with you

    A strong indicator or psychological sign that a person likes you is that they will try to be with you at all costs. Nandita says, “A clear psychological sign that a girl or a guy likes you is when they make a lot of effort to meet you or spend time with you, and it’s a conscious determined effort on their part.”

    In such cases, they might schedule time just to catch up over coffee or meet you even if there’s a group of friends involved.

    4. They focus on a common ground or shared interests

    Research suggests we are genuinely attracted to like-minded people with whom we share a common ground, in the long run. This actually negates the adage that opposites attract and stresses on the importance of shared interests. In my personal experience, whenever I have dated men with opposing interests, I have ended up in bickering and bitter short-term relationships with them. For instance, I was attracted to a ‘bad guy’ in my high school days. The guy was a DJ and loved the fast life, while I was into mushy novels and old-school romance.

    While we did hit it off initially, because of the novelty factor of our clashing interests, the connection faded away soon, as we realized some level of a common ground in terms of interests is necessary to maintain a romantic relationship. This is perhaps human psychology. While we did focus on a few shared interests, such as movies and music, we later realized we didn’t have anything else in common, and that was a major hindrance

    In fact, if we keep a close watch on the people who try to impress us on the first date itself, we might find they often use phrases such as “Hey, I love that too!” This may extend to:

    • Values, such as monogamy
    • Religious or spiritual beliefs
    • Hobbies and interests, such as music, sports, or books

    Related Reading: How To Get Your Crush To Like You – 15 Helpful Tips

    5. They maintain direct and intense eye contact

    Nandita explains, “When a person is genuinely interested in you, they maintain longer and intense eye contact with you than they do with most people. The gaze, in such cases, will be deeper and more intriguing, but definitely not one that will make you feel uncomfortable. They would want their eyes to do the talking and show their expressions. They would be found smiling through their eyes or trying to show their emotions.”

    And it’s true, how many times have you seen your lover stare right into your eyes when you two talk? Direct and intense eye contact is one of the most significant psychological signs that someone is interested in you. A Reddit user agrees while sharing her experience, “A definite tell is when you catch ’em staring at you a lot. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean they like you romantically, but it does mean they’re interested.”

    psychological signs someone likes you without talking
    maintain direct and intense eye contact

    6. They keep the conversation going

    One sureshot sign someone likes you is they will actively text you or call you and mostly continue doing so persistently. It’s also possible that they will continue texting throughout the day or keep the conversation going by adding silly or irrelevant topics.

    For instance, they might ask you if you’re watching a series and go on about it even if you say you aren’t. Or they may ask you random and inane details of your day.

    7. They remember little details about you

    One of the signs someone likes you romantically is that they remember almost everything you told them about you. Nandita says, “When someone has a genuine interest in you, they often remember all the small details you have shared with them, no matter how long ago. And this is a huge psychological sign and a strong indicator of their interest.

    “They may even sometimes act upon those details. This is a sure-shot and clear sign that someone is genuinely interested in you and cares deeply about you.”

    So, in such cases they might:

    • Gift you a book on travel because you once mentioned you love reading travelogues
    • Cook you a surprise Chinese dinner because you had once mentioned casually that you love Chinese food

    But if a person genuinely likes you they will not creep you out or make you feel uncomfortable by love bombing.

    Related Reading: Love Bombing – What Is It And How To Know If You Are Dating A Love Bomber

    8. They take a deep breath when they meet you

    One of the subtle signs someone likes you is when they take a deep breath the moment they meet you. This is especially true of men. According to Patti Wood, the author of Success Signals: A Guide to Reading Body Language, men often subconsciously try to make their upper bodies seem bigger and their lower bodies look smaller when they meet the object of their romantic attraction. This apparently makes them look fitter and more attractive. This is also one of the common signs that a guy likes you.

    More on AttractionMore on Attraction

    9. They pay close attention to you

    Nandita says, “One prominent and clear sign that a girl or a guy likes you is that they would love to listen to you and not just hear you. In such cases, they will pay close attention whenever they talk to you.”

    Some instances are:

    • They wouldn’t look at their phones or even answer phone calls when they talk to you
    • They would switch off the TV just to listen to your concerns
    • They would stop what they were doing to make your conversation a priority and invest time in discussions

    10. They keep their hands visible

    One of the psychological signs someone likes you without talking is that they might keep their hands visible. According to Shamyra Howard, the author of Use Your Mouth, a guy or a girl likes you if they show their hands while in front of you (whether they are or not talking to you).

    This is an instance of open body language and shows that they are comfortable with you. So, you might never find them keeping their hands in their pockets or behind them.

    Related Reading: Know How Much He Loves You Through His Body Language

    11. They try to be physically close to you

    One of the psychological signs someone likes you is that they will lean toward you. This means, their feet and body will face you most of the time you two interact. This is one of the subtle signs and is known as open body posture. Nandita explains, “The need to be physically close or initiate physical contact is high in most people who admire you or like you romantically. In such cases, they would wish to spend more time together and reduce the general distance.”

    What is to be noted in such cases is that physical contact or intimacy is not a priority. They would want to be as close as allowed and would not make you feel uncomfortable. They could just initiate small, casual physical touches.

    A Reddit user explains his experience: “For me(M22), you literally have to tell me or do something super obvious for me to know. Once I met up with a friend I haven’t seen in about a year, and at the end of the night she gave me this long, kind of awkward hug.” This guy then tells us how he needed that hug to know that she was interested in him.

    behaviour when someone likes youbehaviour when someone likes you
    They try to be physically close to you

    12. Dilated pupils and fidgety lips

    One of the subconscious signs someone likes you is when their pupils get large. A study has proved that the love hormone oxytocin causes one’s pupils to dilate significantly. So, it’s a scientific fact that if someone likes you a lot for them to release the positive hormone oxytocin, you will find them staring at you wide-eyed, quite literally, as their pupils will be dilated.

    Likewise, one of the other clear signs someone likes you is when their lips become fidgety. And we’re not kidding. One of the psychological signs someone likes you is that their lip activity increases. So, you might find them pressing, licking, or touching their lips often.

    In fact, you can add ‘trembling lips’ to this list, but that can probably also be one of the signs someone likes you but is scared. It could also indicate that they probably are nervous around you or feel insecure or self-conscious.

    13. They will share intimate details about them

    I once had a male friend who loved sharing childhood memories and anecdotes that he didn’t usually share with anyone else. I realized later, when he confessed that he fancied me, that this was one of the obvious signs that he liked me a lot. Nandita says, “Once someone starts liking you, they are likely to share intimate details about themselves that they don’t share with others. This can have multiple reasons:

    Related Reading: 9 Expert Tips To Stimulate Vulnerability In A Relationship

    • They might do this to show you they trust you more than others
    • It might be an effort on their part to get you closer to you

    A Quora user says, “If someone opens up to you about his dark side, is honest about how he sees life and talks to you in a polite manner which is unlike him, he is so into you that you can’t even comprehend.”

    14. They will ask for your advice

    One of the obvious signs someone is interested in you and likes you is that they are likely to ask you for advice on various topics. For instance, they may ask you for your review of a book or a movie or for general life advice.

    This shows that they probably hold your advice in high regard and consider you important enough to be consulted before taking a decision. This naturally translates to the fact that they are genuinely interested in you.

    15. They will ask you about your life

    One of the signs someone is starting to like you is that they start asking you open-ended questions. Nandita explains, “In most cases, when a person likes you, they will simply love to know more about you. In fact, this is a huge sign that they have developed an interest.

    “So, they will initiate conversations to help them get to know you better as a person. They will also take a general interest in what’s going on in your life.”

    16. They make you feel special

    This is one of the obvious psychological signs someone likes you. The person who likes you will most definitely make you feel special. So, you might see them:

    • Sending you sweet nothings as “good morning texts” or playful, flirty texts
    • Treating you in a special manner when out with a group of friends
    • Showering you with gifts
    • Liking all your photos on social media or commenting on them
    • Making you feel heard and seen, with compliments or in some other little ways

    Related Reading: 51 Beautiful Ways To Make Your Girlfriend Feel Special

    17. They accept you but motivate you to do better

    Nandita believes, “When a person likes you a lot, they will accept you the way you are. They are, in such cases, likely to ignore your flaws and look at your positives.”

    While this is true, this does not mean a person who likes you will end up overlooking your flaws in the long run. They might notice your potential and even ask you to work on yourself and improve. For instance, they might tell you you’re great at your job but need to upskill to get a promotion. Or they might teach you skills you have little knowledge of, such as cooking or driving.

    18. They support your goals

    When a person likes you, they will make a conscious effort to support your goals. So, you will find them beside you either physically or emotionally whenever you achieve something great or are about to.

    Some instances are:

    • They will make active efforts in helping you achieve your goals, such as helping you with notes when you need to clear an important exam
    • They will try and be present at important life events, such as an award function where you’re being felicitated
    • They will not complain when making amends for you, such as putting off meeting you when you need to attend an important work presentation

    19. They will invest in grooming

    One common behavior that you can expect when someone likes you is that they will groom themselves to look their best and smell good when they are with you. In fact, this is a huge sign that the person admires you. So, the person in question is most likely to invest in good clothes, fancy toiletry products, and personal hygiene products, just to be noticed by you.

    20. Their behavior changes when they’re around you

    So, this one is an obvious sign someone likes you. You see, if people wish to impress you, they can go to extremes to get your attention. And sometimes, this may be unintentional. So, the person may or may not be aware that their behavior changes when they’re around you.

    For instance:

    • They may start talking in a more sophisticated accent when they’re with you than when they’re with their friends
    • The tone of their voice may change when they’re with you
    • They may become more playful or more serious when you’re around

    Related Reading: 18 Female Body Language Signs Of Attraction — Decoded Here

    21. They smile… a lot

    One of the common signs a guy or a girl likes you is when they start smiling or blushing when they’re with you, not all the time, but maybe occasionally and quite frequently. This may not always mean they wish to start a romantic relationship but they may be just starting to develop a crush.

    A BBC article states that there are 19 types of smiles. And of all of these only 6 are related to happiness, while the rest are associated with various other types of emotions, such as fear, contempt, and embarrassment. There are also fake smiles and flirtatious smiles. And a toothy smile that shows they are self-conscious or nervous or that they feel insecure. But the best smile is when someone is smiling the happy smile, also known as the ‘felt’ or ‘Duchenne’ smile. It’s when a person is extremely happy and has real feelings of pleasure. So, when someone likes you, it is likely that they showcase a prominent ‘Duchenne’ smile.

    We hope we’ve provided a basic gist of the psychological signs someone likes you or harbors a romantic attraction toward you. If you’re still wondering how to know someone likes you secretly, take a good look at their behavior and find out if they’re showing any of these signs. Now, the ‘liking’ may not be that romantic yet, but it’s definitely a huge sign that they may have developed a crush or may have been admiring you for a while.

    Remember, there can be a whole bunch of other signs that someone is interested in you. Some prefer to give subtle hints, while others may go the obvious way and tell you they like you directly, reach out to you through your friends, or send your flirty DMs. But at the end of the day, it’s you who has to decide whether to respond to these signs or let time take its course.

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  • How To Show Respect In A Relationship — 9 Ways

    How To Show Respect In A Relationship — 9 Ways

    R-E-S-P-E-C-T. The great singer Aretha Franklin sang about it. Tomes have been written about it. Respect as a concept is essential to any successful relationship, platonic or otherwise. But what does showing respect mean? Some consider it to imply admiration. Others refer to it as a basic human right. Respect in a relationship – of the romantic kind – implies the equality of both partners. It prescribes a situation where no one person is “superior” to the other. Both people accept the other as they are and value their uniqueness. 

    If you do not trust, prioritize, and respect your partner, you can be assured that a loving relationship will not develop. Healthy relationships necessitate mutual respect. However, it’s as important to cater to one’s own needs as it is to build respect for your partner’s boundaries and personal space. 

    What Does It Mean To Have Respect In A Relationship? 

    In a study on respect in close relationships, the Gottman model for relationships was discussed especially in relation to the absence of the role of respect. A marital researcher mentions, “Most couples I have worked with over the years have wanted only two things from a relationship – Love and respect.” There are several ways of looking at respect and love in a relationship. Let’s look at the different schools of thought on this topic:

    • Daily treatment of a partner: Some people say that respect is in how two people treat each other on a daily basis. Less arguments, more love
    • Fighting with love: Some believe that a healthy relationship does not mean no arguments or zero conflict. The crux lies in how these disagreements are addressed
    • Value for the other’s opinion: Is there mutual understanding about what the other brings to the table? A respectful partner values the other’s opinion and indulges in active listening
    • Freedom: Day-to-day life in a relationship must allow for a sense of freedom and individuality. Many people consider this the epitome of a respectful relationship
    • Self-respect is more important: One school of thought says it is crucial to have a strong sense of self-respect. Without self-esteem and maintenance of one’s own boundaries, it’s impossible to build healthy relationships with others. Believe that you are worthy of your high standards. Be secure in your own feelings and self-perception. Listen to your own needs, look after your well-being and mental health, and honor the whole person you intrinsically are

    Related Reading: 15 Core Values In A Relationship For A Happy And Lasting Bond

    A research paper on respect and love in romantic relationships explores what respect means to different people. According to their findings, “The definition depends on the setting and type of relationship.” It says that respect basically means regarding “someone as worthy of investing one’s time and energy. Respect is an important aspect of human relating, both in intimate, personal relationships and in more formal role relationships, where respect is part of interpersonal civility. In fact it is implicitly tied to nearly all relationships (e.g., partner, family, friends).”

    For more expert-backed insights, please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

    Building respect in a relationship — An 8-point checklist

    To help you and your partner understand what respect means for you both in your relationship, go through this list of questions with each other: 

    • What does it mean to you to develop respect in the relationship with your partner? 
    • Do you have any hard boundaries that cannot be crossed? 
    • Are you open about your feelings? Can you communicate honestly?
    • Do you share feedback and enjoy open communication? 
    • Do you trust your romantic partner? 
    • Do you give your relationship the time and effort it deserves? 
    • What, according to you, is controlling behavior? 
    • How can you demonstrate respect? Give some examples of respect in a relationship

    What Makes Respect Most Important In A Relationship

    Every new relationship should begin with a conversation about each partner’s expectations and by discussing some respectful behaviors in a constructive manner. In this way, you can set the relationship up for success. And what does it say about someone’s relationship when you see mutual respect between the partners? Here’s what it indicates:

    • The existence of two respectful partners in a relationship implies a deep sense of love
    • When both individuals feel respected, it means they accept their partner for who they are, flaws and all 
    • Respectful behavior indicates an already established level of patience and honest communication
    • A relationship showing respect will entail trust and self-expression
    • There is no room for ego when your partner’s achievements are as important as your own

    Related Reading: 24 Inspiring Respect Quotes to Make Your Motto

    Benefits of respecting your partner

    Having a solid foundation of respectful behavior can change your interactions and provide a deeper connection with a partner. Once the foundations of a respectful relationship are laid, several benefits emerge as a result. Following are some advantages of having respect in a relationship: 

    • Loyalty: Respect for your partner usually encourages fidelity and long-term commitment
    • Sexual intimacy: A happy relationship based on mutual respect can only improve your sex life
    • Individual growth: When you maintain respect for your partner, you tend to encourage their goals and create a supportive environment within which you both can flourish
    • Boundaries and conflict resolution: A strong partnership results in mutual understanding of each other’s boundaries. A deeper connection due to honest and open communication helps you see each other’s perspectives. Respecting boundaries in a relationship also allows for healthy arguing styles and conflict resolution
    • Better mental health: Increase in happiness and self-esteem leads to overall well-being of both individuals 
    • Teamwork: By moving the focus from your own needs to the needs of your partner and the relationship as a whole, you end up making better choices together
    • Self-expression: A relationship based on mutual respect enhances trust and creates a safe space for all feelings and self-expression
    • Self-care: It helps you feel valued, encouraging you to take care of yourself. When you practice self-care, you invest in yourself and your romantic relationship as well

    And the cherry on top of the veritable cake is that a recent study concluded that respect in a relationship leads to a higher chance of longevity and commitment too. 

    How To Show Your Partner Respect

    Before we get into the hows and whys of showing respect, let’s be clear: Being respectful does not mean being a pushover. When you show respect for someone you love, you can still retain your own identity. You can still maintain your personal boundaries, be assertive, and be in a loving and strong partnership. By being sensitive to your partner’s feelings and your own, you build a healthy relationship that can go far. 

    Here are 9 simple ways to show your partner respect in day-to-day life: 

    Infographic on how to show your partner respect
    Different ways of showing respect to your partner

    1. Listen and learn

    Priyanka Chopra said before she married Nick Jonas, “Truly, this is what worked for me; he has to be someone who respects you … Then everything is so easy because you give each other credit for your intelligence; you give each other the benefit of the doubt because you trust each other.”

    Some respectful behaviors in any healthy, strong bond between couples: 

    • It’s a sign of maturity and growth when you can converse with your partner who isn’t steeped in judgment
    • You are open to each other’s perspectives and ready to listen without jumping to defend your position or arguing mindlessly
    • When you are ready to listen to what another person has to say, you can validate your own feelings without excessive control
    • You appreciate what your partner brings to the table and you make them feel heard. This adds appreciation and effort to any relationship

    Related Reading: The 7 Fundamentals Of Support In A Relationship

    2. Respect in a relationship means checking in on your feelings and your partner’s 

    Life moves fast. Those early, heady days of a romantic relationship can all too easily get stuck in a rut of chores and monotony. But it’s important to set aside time to check in on your feelings and your partner’s efforts. Ask yourself the following things:

    • Are you and your partner respecting boundaries in a relationship?
    • Are you respecting time in the relationship that you both get to spend with each other?
    • Are you being proactive and doing the little things that make them happy?
    • Are you making an effort to appreciate your partner’s achievements?

    These things may not seem like much, but they add up and create a supportive environment and a respectful relationship. In a study on the common reasons for feeling disconnected in marriages, the researchers note, “Marriage requires consistent, clear communication about all aspects of life. Making some decisions without discussion or one-sided, secretive, hidden habits can diminish trust, connection, and closeness.” 

    3. Learning to communicate effectively shows respect for someone you love

    Honest communication that’s not framed as an attack – That’s the dream, right? Communicating effectively and respectfully can look like this: 

    • Show up, whenever you can, when your partner asks for something 
    • Forgive easily, and take accountability for your own actions 
    • Show gratitude for your partner through words and actions 
    • Be playful and teasing, but do not stray into abusive behavior and excessive criticism
    • Paying attention to your partner’s strengths is important  
    • Never violate confidentiality and trust 
    • Replace sarcasm with positive language. Remove all forms of contempt in your behavior 
    • Support their choices. Be encouraging even through their mistakes 
    • Make room for your partner’s unique way of tackling life 
    • Declare your respect for each other in front of others 

    Related Reading: 21 Signs Of Lack Of Respect In A Relationship

    4. Put each other first 

    When you put your relationship at the top of your list, you demonstrate respect for your partner. Prioritizing each other is a simple way to show that the other person matters. That their well-being is important to you. And that you will be present and accounted for when needed. It is a human desire to be wanted and appreciated. When you show your significant other that they are the most important thing in your life, you provide a sense of security to them, and the bond is reinforced. 

    Another way of looking at this is to give each other the space to choose. In a Reddit thread about day-to-day concrete ways to show respect to your husband, a Reddit user said that one way of doing so is to respect his schedule and timing. This works both ways, regardless of gender. One needs to accept other commitments in each other’s lives but still understand that through it all, the other person comes first. 

    Relationship adviceRelationship advice

    5. One of the key examples of respect in a relationship: Always maintain boundaries

    Respecting these boundaries is a way of communicating that you value each other and that the space you have created as a couple is safe. It means listening to what is and is not acceptable by your partner and honoring these wishes. If you value another person and want to remain in their life, you must get into the habit of respecting each other’s boundaries. Their self-expression and confidence can develop and flourish as a result.

    Here are some scenarios where boundaries are respected:

    • Being specific about the time and date you’ll meet your partner. This shows respect for them as it’s in alignment with what they told you earlier, which is – They are not okay with vague plans
    • A boundary can mean not raising your voice when you argue because your partner expressed to you beforehand that they will not accept loud voices during conversations
    • Needing quiet time after a long day of work and asking for space is a valid boundary to have. If your partner lets you be and then interacts with you or tells you about an issue only ‘after’ your me-time is over, it shows how much they respect you
    • Same with needing time before you get intimate with your partner and them not making you feel about it. Rather, they encourage you to be completely present during sex by taking the time you need

    6. Give them the space they require

    In a Quora thread on how to show respect to someone you love, this point was reiterated often. Contributor Cassie explains that you can do this “by having their back but also trusting them to do fine on their own.” Let your partner forge their own path. Other examples of a respectful relationship that honors space:

    • Giving each other the freedom in the relationship to make individual choices 
    • Allowing for the autonomy of personal likes and dislikes 
    • Making decisions based on your own judgment
    • Trusting each other to be present and invested in the relationship but not by overcrowding
    • Not trying to control each other through abusive patterns or disrespectful behavior

    Related Reading: 8 Ways To Fight Respectfully With Your Spouse

    7. Express commitment to one another as the ultimate show of mutual respect

    If you are invested in a romantic relationship and want to demonstrate that you value what you both have, there is no better way to communicate respect than to be faithful and committed. And while this may take effort on both parts, it shows a focus and dedication to the partnership that cannot be taken for granted. When you respect your partner, you also decide to be open about your relationship with your loved ones.

    Being committed also implies a sense of vulnerability and creating a supportive environment for your loved one. When you expose your true, authentic self to another and promise to stick with each other through “sick and sin,” there’s a sense of courage and determination that is deeply comforting. 

    respect for someone you loverespect for someone you love
    Keeping the commitments you have made to one another is one of the best ways of showing respect

    8. Take responsibility for your own role in the relationship 

    Being in a long-term, committed relationship is never a smooth ride. Even the happiest of couples stumble. We all make mistakes and poor choices. There will be mood swings and angry words. Boundaries may be crossed, and there may be (unintentional) disrespectful behaviors. However, treating these as the end of your relationship is unnecessary. 

    Instead, take the opportunity to apologize (and mean it). If you are honest with yourself, you will make sure you take responsibility for your actions and take the necessary steps toward remedying the situation. It takes maturity and respect to do this and to still show up for your partner with love. 

    Related Reading: 35 Serious Relationship Questions To Know Where You Stand

    9. Make time to celebrate

    Respect and love in a relationship include getting through the times with dignity and grace and celebrating the high points by spending time together. Happy relationships revel in the other’s accomplishments. The results of a study concur that emotions such as elevation, gratitude, and admiration motivate self-improvement and better relationships. When you express admiration for goals reached or hard work completed, you tell your partner that you know what they are going through and acknowledge their strength and perseverance. Taking the time to celebrate even the smallest of milestones is a great way to show your partner the respect they deserve. 

    Key Pointers

    • Respect in a relationship is essential for its success and longevity
    • When you learn to respect yourself, it becomes easier to demand respect from others
    • Respectful behaviors include active listening, honest communication, and prioritizing your partner
    • Unhealthy relationships without respect can veer toward abusive behaviors and infidelity if not checked and addressed at the earliest
    • If you are stuck in a disrespectful relationship or an abusive one, please contact a clinical social worker or a mental health practitioner to work out the best coping strategies for your situation

    These nine guidelines are just that  — Guidelines. Treat them as a framework to add your experiences and ideas. Look into your own life and your relationship and dig deep. Ask yourself the tough questions needed to move on to the next step, and give yourself a healthy dose of grace while doing so. After all, nothing is more appealing than two partners working toward a goal together, right? 

    If a safe, healthy, secure relationship is what you aspire to, there is no escaping the need for respect. As we have discussed, it is as important to love and respect yourself as it is to treat others with grace. Keep your head held high, your boundaries firmly in place, and a hefty dose of self-love and appreciation for all that you do. The rest will follow.

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  • 7 Signs Someone Is Constantly Thinking About You – It’s More Than Just Coincidence

    7 Signs Someone Is Constantly Thinking About You – It’s More Than Just Coincidence

    Are you constantly thinking about someone and you wonder whether the other person is thinking about you too? You just met them at a friend’s house party last weekend and can’t take that person off your mind? You really want to meet that special one again and take things forward. But, at the same time, you don’t want to appear clingy and firstly, you would like to know whether your feelings are reciprocated. Don’t worry, in this article, we are going to tell you about 7 signs someone is constantly thinking about you.

    “How do I know if someone is thinking about me?”- If this has become the most prominent question of your life, then you have landed at the right spot. Besides telling you if someone is constantly thinking about you, we will also talk about the spiritual and psychic signs that indicate you are in someone’s thoughts. To identify these spiritual and psychic signs, all you need to do is to observe your body and your surroundings carefully. So, let’s begin.

    How Do I Know If Someone Is Thinking About Me? 7 Signs You’re Always On Their Mind

    How do I know if someone is thinking about me? It’s simple. When someone constantly thinks about you, they try to be with you and forge a deep emotional connection. If they are shy, they might refrain from expressing their feelings openly. So, look for the spiritual signs someone is thinking about you.

    Sometimes, people think about the person they like or are in love with. Chances are high that you are on someone’s mind and they want to forge a romantic connection. So, how to know if someone thinks about you? All you need to do is to notice the 7 signs someone is constantly thinking about you. These indications will help you realize that something is happening for a reason and it is not merely a coincidence. 

    1. You catch yourself smiling for no reason

    There might be times when you smile without any reason. Even when you try to resist it, you fail miserably. This happens whenever there is an instant surge of positivity and the reason could be that you are on someone’s mind. 

    My former colleague Samuel smiled all of a sudden while giving a work presentation. It was not the first time it happened. Many of our colleagues saw him smiling and his body language changing out of the blue on several occasions. When asked, he said he didn’t know why it happened but later when he checked his phone, there was a text from a girl he was crushing hard on at the exact moment.

    Related Reading: 23 Signs Your Soulmate Is Thinking Of You – And They Are All True!

    2. You experience synchronicities in life

    Synchronicities are more than wonderful coincidences. They may look random at first sight but if you try to understand they will have deep meanings. Sometimes, the universe wants to communicate with us at a subconscious level. Synchronicity is like a clear indication that someone is thinking about you. 

    When you see the same person repeatedly at the most unexpected places you feel drawn to them and create a soul connection subconsciously. My friend Emma used to constantly think about her high-school classmate. Surprisingly, she used to encounter him at the most random of places. Time flew and they both fell in love. 

    3. You dream about someone

    One of the signs you are on his mind or signs she thinks about you is dreaming about that person. Although dreaming is a regular phenomenon and what we dream about usually depends on our day-to-day activities, if you start seeing someone often in your dreams it might be one of the clear signs that they are sending thoughts to you. 

    Here I would share an example from my own life. I used to dream about my office crush quite frequently. I used to dream about us having conversations at different places. Neither I interacted with her at the office nor we were connected on any social media platforms. However, after a few months, she suddenly joined me in the cafeteria when I was having my coffee. It was like a dream come true moment for me. Since that day, I believe when a person appears in your dreams that person wants to see you.

    Related Reading: 15 Signs Your Male Coworker Likes You

    4. Their name pops up often in front of you

    Are you spotting a particular name in the most unlikely places like newspapers and billboards? You are listening to a song that has their name and suddenly he or she is on your mind. Even while grocery shopping you hear their name and now can’t get over thinking about them? Well, this is a clear sign that someone can’t stop thinking about you. All you need to do is to be receptive enough. 

    One day, my friend Sarah came to my home and told me how a name freaks her out lately. The name was Noah. She met Noah on a business trip over a week ago. They didn’t converse much except for work. And now, she is noticing Noah’s name in the most random places, whether it’s a TV ad, newspaper headline, or billboards she comes across while driving. I told her, “This could be one of the telepathy signs he is thinking of you”. Sarah didn’t agree at that time but she was surprised after receiving Noah’s call one day all of a sudden. And, guess what! They now love talking to each other.

    Is he/she thinking about you? Find out now!

    5. You are having the same thoughts

    Did you drop a message to someone and they instantly replied “I was just thinking of texting you”? You may call it a coincidence when you think of someone and they text you. However, when it happens more than once, then it’s time to understand the signals sent by the universe. This means both of you are thinking about the same thing at the same time and there’s a deep spiritual connection. 

    When I was in college, I liked a girl. I never had the guts to express my feelings for her. However, on my birthday I asked her for a movie and she said she was thinking about the same. I was ecstatically happy. This is beyond telepathic signs someone is thinking of you. 

    Related Reading: 100 Heartfelt Thinking Of You Messages To Brighten Someone’s Day

    6. Your eyes lock with them in a crowded room

    No matter how many people are there in a room, they are the first person to catch your attention. You instantly lock eyes feeling a sense of solitude even in the presence of others. There may even be some sexual tension building up in that specific direction. This is one of the telepathy signs he is thinking of you or you are on her mind. 

    The other day, my childhood friend was telling me her love story. She was attending a week-long conference in Denver when her eyes met with James, who is now her husband. There were hundreds of participants though only two returned home with something special that day. 

    7. You get a message or call out of the blue

    When you receive a simple text or call from someone out of the blue, it is not just a random small gesture. It is one of the signs you are on his mind or signs she thinks about you lately. The message could be just ‘Hi’ or a picture of mundane activity. Whatever it is, they are thinking of you. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have picked up their phone to contact you in this fast-paced world. 

    One day, my colleague Sophia received a message on Instagram from her college crush. She was surprised by that extra attention from his crush because they never spoke to each other during college days. His message read “I was actively thinking about our college days when I came across this picture of you. I am sorry but I couldn’t stop myself from acknowledging how cute you look in this.”

    I hope the above-mentioned 7 signs someone is constantly thinking about you help you find your true soulmate. Next time when you think of someone and they appear, you will know better if that is a coincidence or a special message from someone. Even if you are randomly thinking of someone it might be the start of a new love story.

    Related Reading: 13 Incredible Things That Happen When You Meet Your Soulmate

    11 Psychic Signs Someone Is Thinking About You

    Now that you know the 7 signs someone is constantly thinking about you, it is time to understand the psychic signs someone is thinking about you. 

    When you are in sync with the universe, it starts communicating to you in spiritual or psychic ways. Even our bodies emit signals to communicate with us. All we have to do is to notice them. Sometimes, psychic signs may be too subtle for you to even reflect on that. However, when it starts happening more than often, it is high time that you ponder over it. 

    Over the years, people have proposed several signs sent by the universe that might be an indication that someone is thinking about you. Below, we present 11 psychic signs that someone is thinking about you. 

    More on attraction

    1. Flushed cheeks 

    When your cheeks flush without any valid reason, it is considered that someone is talking about you. At times, you start blushing for no apparent reason. This is one of the signs of heightened intuition.

    2.  Bouts of sneezing

    If you experience sudden bouts of sneezes without any medical conditions, it signifies that you are being badly missed by someone. In various cultures, sneezing is seen as a sign of connection between individuals who are physically apart.

    3. Sudden hiccups 

    Hiccups can happen due to several other reasons like nerve irritation and fast eating or drinking. People across several cultures consider random hiccups as a sign that someone is thinking about you. 

    Related Reading: Psychic Expert Shares 18 Spiritual Signs Your Ex Misses You And Wants You Back

    4. Eye twitching

    Eye twitching means that someone is thinking about you. However, notice whether your left eye is twitching or the right eye as it tells a lot. If a man’s right eye is twitching, it is one of the spiritual signs someone is thinking about you positively and the left eye signifies negative thoughts. For women, it is vice-versa. The right eye twitches for positive news and left-eye twitching signifies bad news.

    5. Discomfort during meal 

    If you begin to cough, choke or have inconvenience in gulping down food, then it is said that this happens due to tension in your subconscious mind. Traditionally people say that someone might be worried about you. It might be possible that you are feeling someone’s energy from a distance or what you are experiencing is actually soulmate energy.

    6. Mood swings

    You are out with your friends and having a good time — cracking jokes and laughing hysterically — and right in the middle of this, you might experience an unexplained gush of sadness that cannot be put into words. You are probably crossing someone’s mind, and perhaps your mind is filled with thoughts of that person too.

    7. You find a white feather

    The spiritual meaning of seeing a white feather is that your dreams will come true. Hence, if you come across a white feather while thinking about someone, then possibly that person is thinking about you too and it’s probably a sign of cosmic connection.

    8. Butterfly rests on you

    In multiple cultures, butterflies are seen as energy transmitters. It is also regarded that they are connected with the spiritual world, hence, if a butterfly lands on you, it is considered a psychic sign that someone might be thinking about you. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts by mother nature.

    9. You find angel numbers

    Angel numbers are repeating numbers that convey messages sent from the universe. If you are seeing 222 or a specific sequence of numbers throughout your day, then it could be a sign that you are in someone’s thoughts. 

    10. You get goosebumps

    If you get goosebumps without being triggered by any apparent reason, then probably someone is thinking about you. This sensation is more than just physical signs. It is an indication of a strong emotional connection. 

    Related Reading: 10 Thought-Provoking Relationship Check-In Questions for Deeper Connection

    11. You remember them out of nowhere

    Do you suddenly remember someone with whom you are no longer connected? There are times when you think of someone and they appear or you are feeling someone’s presence when they are miles away. Don’t worry, it possibly means that they too are thinking about you. 

    how do i know if someone is thinking about me
    When this person comes to your mind out of nowhere, they are probably thinking about you

    How To Handle Someone Constantly Thinking About You

    Looking for the 7 signs someone is constantly thinking about you is not that difficult. However, it can be unsettling to realize that you are constantly on someone’s mind. You may even wonder, what if it borders on obsessive love?

    Some psychic signs someone is thinking about you help in realization. However, it might not be easy to handle such situations when they are unwanted. Here’s how you can tackle the situation better:

    Related Reading: 11 Powerful Intense Attraction Signs

    • If you feel the same way about a person, try to engage in a conversation with them and talk about how you feel
    • Think about whether you want to take things forward or not 
    • If not, distance yourself from that person
    • Even if you wish to take it forward, set certain boundaries

    Appearing on someone’s mind can be due to several reasons. It might be possible that someone is attracted to you or they have recently met you and had a good time. 

    Another reason behind appearing in someone’s thoughts may be because both of you share a common interest and whenever they do that particular thing, you pop up in their minds. Whatever the reason may be, it is crucial to handle the situations effectively. 

    Key Pointers

    • Do you see someone’s name quite often or catch yourself smiling for no reason? It might be possible that someone is constantly thinking about you
    • Psychic signs someone is thinking about you are too subtle to notice. For example: finding a white feather, a sudden twitch in the eye, or discomfort during the meal
    • You can notice signs you have a telepathic connection with someone if you are watchful and observant

    It’s not much difficult to read signs that someone is thinking about you all the time. Mostly, it’s a pleasurable feeling, but if these signs disturb you, don’t hesitate to talk about it. In fact, you can also set boundaries and distance yourself from that person.

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