Many people can date. But very few will become emotionally attached to you. Some say that such an attachment can only come from your soul mate, but other folks would argue that you can have such a connection with someone other than a romantic partner.
In a relationship, you want people to love and care about you. However, sometimes one of you is afraid to voice how you feel. The fear of rejection can keep you from taking the next step toward commitment, but some signs indicate a deeper connection.
Seventeen Signs of An Emotionally Attached Partner
How do you know if someone is emotionally attached to you or if they like you on a deeper level? Some essential indications can help you uncover their true feelings. Here are a few things to consider.
1. They Talk About the Future
Someone who wants you in their future is eager to talk about it. They will use the words “we” rather than “I” when considering their tomorrows. If they want you in their life, they will plan for it.
2. They Want to Meet Your Family
Meeting the family is always a big ordeal, as it tends to solidify the relationship. You don’t take every person you meet home for the holidays, so when you find someone with who you feel emotionally connected, you want your folks to meet them.
3. They Feel Comfortable Around You
This person feels so comfortable around you that they don’t need to put on a façade. They can be themselves without fearing any judgment from you. They can “let their hair down,” and they know that you accept them regardless.
4. They Want to Spend Lots of Time Together
If you have emotional feelings for someone, you want to spend your days and nights with them. When someone falls out of love, one of the first things people notice is that they pull away. When you can’t imagine going without seeing them one day, you know there’s an attachment there.
5. You Get to Meet Their Inner Circle
Spending all your days and nights with someone is one thing, but introducing them to your friends or inner circle is a big step. People often fear rejection and judgment from their closest friends but don’t care what anyone else thinks when they allow you to enter this sacred circle.
They’re in love, and they want to shout it from the rooftops.
6. Your Opinion Matters
Do they come to you with all their questions about life and the decisions they must make? They trust your opinion and feel you will make wise choices regarding their dilemma. You know there are emotions at work when they can talk for hours to hear what you say.
7. You’re A Priority in Their Life
Simply put, you make time for in this life what is important to you. How often have you heard someone say they didn’t have time as an excuse? If it’s important to you, you will make time in your day.
This person, no matter how busy, always considers you a priority. You take precedence even if it’s just a text at lunch or a quick phone call on break.
8. They Defend You
When someone rushes to your defense, whether you’re right or wrong, it’s because they care about you. They won’t let anyone speak badly to or about you; you know they always have your back. It’s beautiful to know that someone is so protective over you.
9. They Respect You
They have much respect for you, and they would never mistreat or harm you. They don’t call names; instead, they use terms of endearment. Respect is something that comes with time and getting to know someone.
10. Your Hobbies Become Their Hobbies
You know you’re in love when a woman who hates sports finds themselves watching a football game. Additionally, when a man who hates chick flick movies watches a movie marathon on TV, you know it’s love. When your hobbies become their hobbies, even though they would instead do something else, you know there’s an attachment there.
11. They Have a Genuine Concern for You
They say it’s always the little things that matter so much in a relationship, and this person has a genuine concern for you. When you leave each other, they want you to call and tell them you’ve made it home safely. They worry about you when you’re not together, which shows how much attachment is between you.
12. They Don’t Forget Important Dates
Isn’t it sweet when a couple remembers things like the first kiss, where they had their first date, and who said I love you first? These things are milestones in a relationship, and they’re important dates to remember.
Still, some folks put more significance in these days than others. When someone cares enough to remember the outfit you wore the first time you met, or your favorite candy bar, they’ve developed deep feelings for you.
13. They Want to Know Everything About You
You can spend much time with someone and still not honestly know them. When emotionally attached to an individual, you want to communicate and uncover their deepest and darkest secrets. You want to know your favorite things and the things that hurt them and make them sad.
Part of developing an attachment is getting to know a person’s innermost parts.
14. They’re 100 Percent Honest
Honesty is essential in a relationship, both romantic and otherwise. If you cannot be 100 percent honest with one another, then is there any connection? However, the emotionally attached individual wants to be truthful and straightforward, as they don’t want anything to come between you two.
15. They Celebrate Big and Small Victories
While birthdays and holiday celebrations are a given, this person wants to celebrate with you when you get a promotion at work or if you’ve had a great day. Part of caring about you is celebrating your milestones.
16. They Make a Commitment
This person breaks society’s norms in a world where so many are afraid to commit to one another. Did you know that the fear of commitment is called gamophobia?
According to Marriage Advice, about ten percent of the population fear walking down the aisle and committing, which usually means some formal relationship. It’s so prevalent that it’s labeled an anxiety-based phobia.
17. They Run to You When Things Are Challenging
How often have you heard the old saying that the tough get going when the going gets tough? Sadly, those who don’t have any strength will run for the hills at the first sign of trouble. There is no perfect relationship, and there will be hard times.
Even if it’s a platonic friendship, things aren’t always going to go so smoothly. However, when someone is emotionally attached, there’s a deeper level of commitment. They stay together because quitting is not an option. Love is just an emotion, but you must have a made-up mind that you’re going to stay together come what may.
You want someone who runs to you and doesn’t run from you when things are difficult. They find safety in your arms and knowing that you’re by their side.
Final Thoughts on Being Emotionally Attached
You can love someone without being attached to them, and it’s called compassion. While you may love your neighbor, the person who watches your children daily, or your family, it doesn’t always mean there’s an emotional attachment. When passionately involved with someone, there’s a different connection than in other relationships.
Why do people fall in love and still care about someone 10, 20, or 30 years later? You often see this with first loves, especially when you can’t get over them. The attachment was strong, and your feelings for one another won’t go away quickly.
Sure, you learn to move on and find new love, but your feelings for this particular person can stay with you for a lifetime. Here’s some food for thought. According to Bustle, 25 percent of the American population is still in love with their first love.
It’s a staggering number to consider that one-fourth of the population of this country cannot get over someone in their heart. Even more astounding about this number is that it proves that an emotional attachment is not quickly broken. When you fall for someone deeply, it causes an attachment.
Are you emotionally attached to someone special, or is someone attached to you? These seventeen things above can help you gauge someone’s feelings and know if it’s worth going further in your relationship. Perhaps you have a connection that fairy tales are made of.