It’s not always easy to tell what someone really thinks of you. People don’t always say exactly how they feel, and sometimes their actions speak louder than words.
But when someone thinks highly of you, there are little signs that give it away. Whether it’s in the way they talk to you, the effort they put into your relationship, or the way they support you, their admiration shows up in subtle ways.
If you’ve ever wondered how someone truly feels about you, here are 8 signs that they think very highly of you.
1) They make time for you
One of the biggest signs that someone thinks highly of you is that they make time for you, no matter how busy they are.
We all have packed schedules and endless to-do lists, but when a person truly values you, they’ll prioritize spending time with you. It doesn’t always have to be grand gestures—sometimes, it’s as simple as replying to your messages quickly, checking in on you, or making an effort to see you.
When someone consistently makes space for you in their life, it’s a clear sign that they respect and appreciate you. Because in the end, we make time for the people who matter most.
2) They listen to you—really listen
Have you ever had a conversation where you could just tell the other person wasn’t really paying attention? Maybe they were nodding along, but their eyes kept drifting to their phone, or they were just waiting for their turn to speak.
Now think about the opposite—someone who truly listens. They remember the little details you mention, they ask thoughtful follow-up questions, and they make you feel heard. That’s a sign of deep respect and admiration.
I remember a time when I was going through a rough patch and casually mentioned to a friend that I was struggling with sleep. A week later, they surprised me with a book on relaxation techniques because they thought it might help. I hadn’t even realized how much they’d been paying attention.
That’s when I knew—they genuinely valued me. Because real listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about caring enough to remember them.
3) They speak highly of you to others
When someone admires you, they don’t just keep it to themselves—they make sure others know how great you are too. Whether it’s complimenting your work in front of colleagues, telling mutual friends how much they appreciate you, or defending you when you’re not around, they make it clear that they respect and value you.
In psychology, this is sometimes called the “spontaneous trait transference” effect. When people talk about others in a positive way, listeners tend to associate those same qualities with the speaker. So when someone constantly praises you, it not only shows their admiration—it also means they’re willing to boost your reputation, even at the risk of shifting attention away from themselves.
People don’t go out of their way to uplift just anyone. If someone consistently speaks highly of you, it’s a strong sign that they think the world of you.
4) They seek your advice
When someone values your opinion, they won’t hesitate to ask for your advice—whether it’s about big life decisions or small everyday choices. It shows that they respect your judgment and trust you to guide them in the right direction.
People naturally turn to those they admire when they need a second opinion. If a friend or colleague frequently comes to you for input, it’s because they see you as someone with wisdom, experience, or insight they can rely on.
And it’s not just about asking—they actually take your advice seriously. If you notice that someone not only seeks your perspective but also acts on it, that’s a clear sign that they think highly of you.
5) They celebrate your successes
When someone truly thinks highly of you, your wins feel like their wins too. They’re not just happy for you—they’re genuinely excited, rooting for you every step of the way.
There’s no jealousy, no quiet resentment—just pure joy in seeing you succeed. They’ll be the first to congratulate you, the loudest cheerleader in your corner, and the one who reminds you how much you deserve every good thing that comes your way.
In a world where not everyone claps when you win, having someone who celebrates your successes like they’re their own is something special. It means they admire you, believe in you, and want nothing but the best for you.
6) They stand by you in difficult times
It’s easy to be there for someone when things are going well—when there’s laughter, success, and good times to share. But the real test of how much someone values you is whether they stay when things get hard.
There have been moments when I felt like I had nothing to offer—times when I was struggling, unsure of myself, or just not at my best. And yet, there were certain people who never pulled away. They checked in, offered support, and made sure I didn’t feel alone, even when I wasn’t the easiest person to be around.
When someone sticks by you through your lowest points, it’s because they see your worth beyond just what you can give. They admire you for who you are, not just for the good times you bring. And that kind of loyalty speaks volumes.
7) They trust you with their secrets
Trust is one of the clearest signs of admiration. When someone confides in you—sharing their fears, dreams, or personal struggles—it means they see you as someone worthy of that trust.
People don’t open up to just anyone. They choose those they respect, those they feel safe with. If someone shares their deepest thoughts with you, it’s because they believe in your character, your discretion, and your ability to understand without judgment.
Trust like that isn’t given lightly. If someone lets you into their private world, it’s a sign that they think highly of you—not just as a friend, but as someone whose presence in their life truly matters.
8) They make you feel valued
At the end of the day, the clearest sign that someone thinks highly of you is how they make you feel. You don’t have to guess or analyze their actions—you just know.
They make you feel appreciated, respected, and important. They show, in both big and small ways, that your presence in their life matters.
When someone truly values you, you never have to wonder where you stand with them.
bottom line: respect is at the heart of it
At the core of admiration isn’t just liking someone—it’s respecting them. When a person thinks highly of you, it’s not just because they enjoy your company, but because they see something in you that they truly value.
Psychologists have long emphasized the role of respect in strong relationships, whether personal or professional. Dr. John Gottman, a leading researcher in relationship dynamics, has found that mutual respect is one of the strongest indicators of a lasting and meaningful connection.
When someone consistently shows you through their actions that they appreciate, trust, and support you, it’s because they genuinely admire you. And in a world full of fleeting interactions, that kind of deep respect is something worth recognizing—and cherishing.
