Consider this description of being in an unconditional love by couple’s expert and author Stuart Fensterheim. He says being in unconditional love is “so freeing and transformative because it lets you stop trying to change or control your partner. You’re free to work on yourself and find even better ways to live together in joy and love.”
No matter how much you know your partner loves you, you always find yourself looking for ways which show you their love. You are always curious as to how much does your partner love you and it is okay to expect expressions of love every now and then. There are certainly a few signs to look out for in your partner and they are:
1. They want to grow old with you
If your partner sees a future with you, you will know it by the way their eyes glow when you two share jokes about a life in the future. Read what dating coach Patrick Banks has to say in this regard: “Do you remember that little tingle you felt in your stomach the first time you saw your significant other? The great thing about being in a relationship that’s meant to last is that this feeling only gets stronger over time. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together for two years or twenty, when you’re with the person you’re meant to grow old with, you want them as badly each day as you did on the first.”
2. You can trust them with your secrets
You don’t share secrets with just anyone, even in a relationship. It takes a certain degree of trust between the two to be able to trust each other with secrets. They have to prove themselves trustworthy enough. Sharing secrets, even the most embarrassing ones, is a clear sign of unconditional love. Furthermore, when they tell you their embarrassing stories, you don’t laugh or make fun but accept them as they are.
3. You make them proud and they are happy to express it
When someone loves you unconditionally, they will take pride in each of your accomplishments, whether big or small. Terri Orbuch, Ph.D., a professor at Oakland University and author says, “When people feel recognized as special and appreciated, they’re happier in that relationship and more motivated to make the relationship better and stronger.”
4. There are disagreements but the two of you compromise
Disagreements and fights are quite inevitable, no matter how happy the relationship. But if there is unconditional love, you do not let any disagreement become a resentment for life. You two communicate and clarify the differences. You two do not allow an argument to cause a contention in your relationship.
5. They are always chivalrous
When you are loved unconditionally, time does not matter. It does not matter if you two have been together for years. Your partner will still go out of the way to ensure you are happy and comfortable. They will still pull out a chair for you or hold the door. Someone an expert in this matter said: “It’s the willingness to give love, affection, and admiration with openness, acceptance, and appreciation.”
6. They are protective of you
They don’t get jealous of your friends, but instead, they make sure you are safe. Your safety and protection is their priority. If you don’t have a ride home, either they will drop you back or arrange one for you if they can’t make it. No matter what, their unconditional love also manifests as their need to ensure you are safe and sound.