Love is a complicated, beautiful mess. It’s an emotion that can drive us to do the most incredible things.
And unconditional love? That’s a whole different ball game.
In a relationship, unconditional love is when your partner loves you no matter what. It’s not about what you can do for them or how you look; it’s about who you are at your core.
As Tina Fey, the founder of Love Connection blog and a relationship aficionado, I’ve noticed that there are certain things a partner is willing to do when their love is truly unconditional.
Here’s a sneak peek into an article that dives into these eight things. If your partner does these, rest assured, their love for you is the real deal!
1) They’re your biggest cheerleader
In the game of life, we all need someone on the sidelines cheering us on. And when it comes to unconditional love, this support is amplified tenfold.
This cheerleading isn’t just about celebrating your victories. It’s about standing by you during your failures too, and encouraging you to get back up and try again.
If your partner is there for you, cheering you on through your ups and downs, it’s a clear sign of their unconditional love.
This cheerleading isn’t about false praise or blind support. It’s about genuine belief in your capabilities and the desire to see you succeed.
2) They respect your individuality
Love doesn’t mean losing your identity. In fact, unconditional love thrives on individuality. It speaks volumes about the love of your partner for you if they:
- Respect your personal space
- Value your opinions
- Support your interests
I’ve seen it time and again – couples who respect each other’s individuality tend to have stronger bonds. It’s about understanding that you’re two separate beings with unique thoughts and passions.
There’s a quote by Kahlil Gibran that I absolutely adore, “Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.”
It beautifully illustrates the importance of individuality in a relationship.
3) They communicate openly
Open communication is the backbone of every healthy relationship.
If your partner is willing to share their feelings, thoughts, and concerns with you without any hesitation, it’s a clear sign of unconditional love.
In my years as a relationship expert, and in my personal relationships too, I’ve found that open and honest communication fosters trust and understanding.
It allows both partners to feel heard and understood.
In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I delve deeper into the importance of communication in maintaining a healthy and balanced relationship.
Communication is a two-way street. Be sure to reciprocate their openness with your own honesty and transparency.
4) They argue with you
Yes, you read that right! If your partner argues with you, it might just be a sign of their unconditional love.
Now, let’s be clear. I’m not talking about toxic, hurtful arguments that are filled with disrespect.
I’m referring to those constructive disagreements where both of you voice your differing opinions, but with respect and the intention to understand each other better.
Contrary to popular belief, arguments aren’t always a red flag. They can actually be a healthy part of any relationship.
It means that your partner cares enough to engage with you on topics that matter, instead of just nodding along mindlessly.
As someone who has been in the trenches of relationship counseling for years, I can tell you that couples who never argue often avoid discussing important issues, which can lead to resentment.
5) They express their love in your love language
We all have our own unique ways of giving and receiving love, often referred to as our ‘love languages‘.
If your partner is willing to understand and express their love in your preferred love language, it’s a sure sign of their unconditional love.
For instance, my love language is ‘words of affirmation’. So, when my husband leaves me little notes of encouragement or tells me he’s proud of me, it means the world to me.
It shows that he’s taken the time to understand how I feel loved and valued.
Your partner learning and speaking your love language shows a deep level of commitment and affection. It means they truly care about making you feel loved and cherished in a way that resonates with you.
6) They’re there for you, even when it’s inconvenient
Unconditional love isn’t just about being there during the good times. It’s about sticking around when things get tough, messy, and downright inconvenient.
Consider it unconditional love in its rawest form If your partner is willing to:
- Stand by you during your darkest hours
- Hold your hand when you’re lost and confused
- Be a shoulder to lean on when everything seems to be falling apart
It’s not pretty. It’s not convenient. But it’s real. And it’s rare.
From my own experiences and those of couples I’ve counseled, I can tell you that such unwavering support is the hallmark of a deep, unbreakable bond.
7) They forgive and forget
We all make mistakes. But if your partner is willing to forgive you and not hold grudges, it’s a powerful sign of their unconditional love.
I remember once, early in my relationship, I made a significant mistake. I was terrified that it would be the end for us.
But to my surprise, my partner forgave me. It wasn’t overnight, and it wasn’t easy, but he did. And he didn’t just say he forgave me; he showed it by not bringing up the issue again.
8) They accept you, flaws and all
Nobody’s perfect. We all have our quirks and flaws. Unconditional love is about accepting your partner wholeheartedly – imperfections and all.
If your partner loves and accepts you for who you are, without trying to change or ‘fix’ you, it’s the most genuine sign of unconditional love.
It’s easy to love someone when they’re at their best. But to love them at their worst? To see their flaws and still choose them?
That’s what real, raw, unconditional love is about.
And trust me, as a relationship expert and someone who has experienced this firsthand, I can tell you that this acceptance is one of the most beautiful aspects of love.
Conclusion
Unconditional love is a rare and precious thing. If your partner is willing to do these eight things, hold onto them. Cherish their love. Because it’s genuine, it’s deep, and it’s unconditional.
Remember, love is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a whole lot of forgiveness.
And if you’re looking for more insights on how to navigate this journey, I invite you to check out my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.
