5 Surefire Ways To Tell Your Partner Really Does Love You

For some reason, I can never actually tell if a guy loves me.

I need him to practically spell it out for me, like when super sexy sports doctor Robert gave Miranda a cookie cake that said "I love you" in Sex and the City.

Granted, she freaked out and ate the cake all in one sitting, but at least she knew her BF was in love with her.

Sometimes, in a relationship, it's hard to distinguish between "like" and "love." So I asked relationship experts Jen Kirsch and Mark Stefanishyn about five surefire ways to tell if your partner loves you, no matter what.

He compliments you on the small details.

It's not all about grandiose gestures. It's actually the small things that will let you know your partner cares and is really paying attention.

"Instead of becoming laser-focused on the 'I love yous,' she should listen to the other compliments he gives her. The more specific they are, the more she can be sure he truly loves her," Stefanishyn tells Elite Daily.

And it's not just your boyfriend saying you have nice blue eyes or that he likes the way you dress. It should be indicators that your boo is gushing over the little things that you do.

Stefanishyn adds,

So he might say something like 'when you get giggly, your nose does this cute little scrunchy thing' or 'I like how you have a specific "awww" that's reserved only for puppies who are smaller than 6 pounds' or 'you always nuzzle your cheek into my chest twice and then sigh when I give you a hug.'

For many men, vulnerability is scary. Your guy may not want to be made fun of by his friends for gushing over you or posting too many cute pictures on Instagram.

However, "the more he points out these little things, the more he's decided the love he feels outweighs the fear that would help him keep his distance," Stefanishyn explains.

He gives you his time.

If a guy loves you, you don't have to beg him to hang out, have plans, or sleep over.

"Whether he travels for work, works 40+ hours a week, or has a demanding job, the man that loves you gives you his available time. He's falling asleep with you at night and wants you around whenever he's available," Kirsch tells Elite Daily.

However, he also knows the value of your time and letting you have your own hobbies.

"He also makes the same effort to come to you, as well as honoring your need for personal space. He doesn't suffocate you or take it personally if you want a girls night. Instead, he can't wait to hear all about it the next day," she continues.

He doesn't go MIA.

Basically, a guy who loves you never leaves you on read. Otherwise, you might be dealing with a forced, one-sided relationship.

"He always writes back/responds/picks up your calls when you reach out, and he reaches out just as much as you. The communication is equal, and he never stone-walls you," Kirsch explains.

He can read your mind.

A guy who loves you "predicts your wants and needs and tends to [them] before being asked," Kirsch explains.

I'm not saying you should date a psychic (although, that seems kind of fun), but you should date someone who can anticipate your desires, and is willing to cater to them.

"Whether it's prepping you a little snack before you head out for dinner because he knows you get hangry, or coming outside with a blanket and tea for you (how you like it) when you're outside reading and the sun starts to go down, he's attentive and displays actions that show he pays attention," she continues.

According to Kirsch, it all boils down to dating a man who wants you to be happy and who shows that with actions.

He involves you in his life.

This means you're his plus-one for life, you've met his friends, and you know his parents.

"Is there anything worse than being excluded from your guy's social life, only to find out through [social media] everyone else had their partners present?" Kirsch asks.

No, there's not. And thanks to social media, being a private investigator into what your boyfriend excludes you from can literally be a full-time job.

"The guy that loves you wants you by his side to share moments with you and to create memories with you," Kirsch explains. If he's into you, he's inviting you.

So if you have these five qualities in your relationship, then your partner probably loves you, no matter what.