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If someone truly admires you, they’ll do these 10 things without realizing

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Those who admire you will do these things.

Two men in suits are shaking hands and smiling inside a modern office building. One has a beard and long hair, while the other is bald and wearing glasses. Large windows and greenery are visible in the background.

Admiration is a powerful force that can shape relationships and influence behavior in subtle yet profound ways. When someone truly admires you, their actions speak volumes, often without them even realizing it. These unconscious behaviors reveal a deep respect and appreciation for who you are and what you represent. Let’s explore ten telltale signs that someone holds you in high regard.

1. They will come to you for advice (and often follow it).

A man and a woman in business attire are walking outside and having a conversation. The woman is holding a folder, and they appear engaged in discussion. The background is blurred, suggesting a city or park setting.

Imagine being the go-to person for guidance in someone’s life. That’s exactly what happens when someone admires you deeply. They’ll seek your wisdom on matters big and small, from career choices to relationship dilemmas. But it doesn’t stop there—they’ll actually put your advice into action.

This is a testament to their trust in your judgment and their belief that your insights can positively impact their life. By turning to you repeatedly, they’re essentially saying, “I value your perspective and want to learn from your experiences.”

2. They will celebrate your achievements with you.

Three people are shown in festive attire. One person pours champagne from a green bottle into three glasses held by each individual. The surroundings suggest a celebratory atmosphere with soft lighting enhancing the scene’s warmth.

True admirers become your personal cheerleaders, rejoicing in your successes as if they were their own. Whether it’s a promotion at work or a personal milestone, they’ll be right there, popping the champagne and showering you with genuine congratulations.

This enthusiasm goes beyond mere politeness. It stems from a deep-seated belief in your abilities and a sincere happiness to see you thrive. Their joy is infectious, making your victories feel even sweeter.

3. They will attentively listen to every word you say.

Two men are having a conversation over coffee in a modern office setting. Both are sitting at a wooden table with documents and papers on it. One man gestures with his hand while talking, and the other listens attentively. Bookshelves and desks are visible in the background.

In a world of constant distractions, giving someone your undivided attention is a rare gift. When someone admires you, they hang on your every word, absorbing your thoughts and ideas with genuine interest. You’ll notice their eyes focused on you, their body language engaged, and their responses thoughtful and relevant.

This level of attentiveness shows that they value your opinions and find your thoughts intriguing. Your words carry weight in their world, and they’re eager to gain insights from your unique viewpoint.

4. They will try to emulate you.

A woman with long brown hair and a gray shirt is engaged in conversation with another person whose back is to the camera. They are standing on a city street with blurred buildings and vehicles in the background, bathed in warm sunlight.

Imitation is indeed the sincerest form of flattery. When someone admires you, they might unconsciously start adopting your mannerisms, speech patterns, or even your style. This mimicry extends to more substantial aspects like your work ethic, problem-solving approach, or communication style.

It’s as if they’re trying on your best qualities to see how they fit. This behavior comes from a strong desire to embody the traits they admire in you. By emulating you, they’re not just copying—they’re aspiring to grow and improve themselves, using you as their inspirational blueprint.

5. They will respect your boundaries.

Two women are standing and engaged in a conversation. One woman is wearing a red blouse and the other is wearing a white blouse. They appear to be smiling and talking to each other naturally. The background features a light-colored indoor wall.

Admiration doesn’t mean overstepping. Those who truly hold you in high regard will naturally honor your personal space and limits. They understand that respecting your boundaries is crucial to maintaining a healthy relationship.

This respect manifests in various ways: not pressuring you when you say no, being mindful of your time and energy, and understanding your need for privacy or solitude. It’s a delicate balance of being close to you while still giving you room to breathe.

6. They will praise you often.

A smiling man wearing a yellow t-shirt and glasses is sitting in a café, holding a paper coffee cup. The background includes blurred café furniture and shelves. The man's body language suggests he is engaged in a conversation with someone off-camera.

Genuine admirers are like your personal hype team, always ready with a word of praise or encouragement. But this isn’t empty flattery—their compliments are specific, thoughtful, and heartfelt. They notice and appreciate both your big accomplishments and small efforts.

These praises aren’t just about boosting your ego; they’re a reflection of how much they value and recognize your qualities and contributions. By consistently highlighting your strengths, they’re not only expressing their admiration but also reinforcing their positive perception of you.

7. They will stand up for you.

A woman wearing glasses and a gray suit is engaged in a serious conversation with two men, both dressed in business attire. Her hand is slightly raised as she listens intently. They are in an office setting with gray partitions in the background.

When someone truly admires you, they become your staunch defender. In the face of criticism or unfair treatment, they’ll be the first to speak up on your behalf. This protective instinct kicks in whether you’re present or not, showing that their admiration runs deep.

Their defense goes beyond mere loyalty; it’s rooted in a genuine belief in your character and abilities. By standing up for you, they’re not just shielding you from negativity—they’re actively promoting and protecting the image of you they hold dear.

8. They will want to be around you.

Three young adults are sitting around a table in a cozy, brick-walled room, smiling and chatting. They have books, a laptop, and coffee cups on the table, with a bowl of fruit. The atmosphere is relaxed and conversational.

Admirers gravitate toward the object of their esteem like moths to a flame. They’ll seek out opportunities to spend time with you, whether it’s grabbing coffee, collaborating on projects, or just hanging out. This desire for proximity doesn’t involve dependency, but is rather about enjoying your presence and the positive energy you exude.

Their eagerness to be in your company stems from how you make them feel—inspired, enlightened, or simply at ease. Your presence becomes a source of joy and growth for them, making every interaction valuable.

9. They will try to win your approval.

Two people in business attire sit on a black couch, engaged in conversation. A wooden table in front of them holds notebooks, papers, and coffee cups. A bicycle and bookshelf are visible in the background near a large window.

Seeking approval from someone you admire is a natural human tendency. Those who hold you in high regard will often go the extra mile to impress you or earn your recognition. This might manifest in them putting extra effort into tasks you’ve assigned, taking on challenges they know you’d appreciate, or striving to embody values you’ve expressed.

They are not trying to people-please as such, they just genuinely want to live up to the high esteem in which they hold you. Your opinion carries significant weight, and your approval becomes a meaningful validation of their efforts and character.

10. They will feel inspired by you.

Two men walking outdoors on a tree-lined path. The man on the right is wearing a white button-down shirt and smiling, while the man on the left is wearing a gray long-sleeved shirt and also smiling. They appear to be engaged in conversation, with blurred nature in the background.

Perhaps the most profound sign of admiration is the spark of inspiration you ignite in others. Your admirers find themselves motivated to push their boundaries, pursue their dreams, or improve themselves after interacting with you. You become a catalyst for positive change in their lives.

This inspiration can take many forms—from rekindling a forgotten passion to embarking on a new personal development journey. By simply being yourself, you’re showing them what’s possible and encouraging them to strive for their own version of greatness. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on others, often without realizing it.

About The Author

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.