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A man openly declaring he wants you is one of the boldest ways for him to make his intentions known to you. 

Men aren’t very big on being vulnerable, especially at the beginning of a relationship. It’s a brave step, one that requires a certain level of courage and trust. 

For many, it’s a significant move away from the safety of casual conversations and into the deeper territory of emotions and desires. 

In this article, we’ll help you understand what those three words could mean from a guy. And more importantly, you’ll learn how to figure out if he’s being genuine. 

When A Guy Says ‘I Want You’

When A Guy Says 'I Want You'

1. He’s Expressing His Desire

“I want you” often signifies a genuine expression of physical attraction. It means he’s feeling a strong connection and has a desire to get closer. 

This phrase can carry a lot of weight and isn’t something most people throw around lightly. It’s a direct way of communicating a deep-seated longing.

Desire can manifest in many forms. While there is an evident physical implication, it might also hint at wanting to be closer emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. 

It’s a signal that he feels drawn to you in a way that goes beyond casual admiration.

2. Commitment Is on His Mind

Using these words might indicate he’s thinking about a deeper commitment. It can be his way of telling you that he wants more than just a casual relationship; he’s looking for something serious. 

This is a vulnerable step for many, opening up and letting someone know that they’re looking to invest time, emotion, and energy.

Consider the context in which it was said. If it’s during a deep conversation about future plans or life goals, this might be a clue that he’s imagining a future with you.

[Related: What It Means When a Guy Says He Has a Crush On You]

3. He Wants to Protect You

When a guy wants you

While not everyone needs or wants protection, there’s a primal urge in many to protect those they care deeply about. 

Telling you “I want you” could be his way of communicating that he wants to be there for you, to shield you from any harm or challenges that may come your way.

It’s a sentiment rooted in affection. This doesn’t mean he thinks you’re weak or can’t handle things on your own. 

Instead, it’s about wanting to ensure your well-being and happiness, playing a supportive role in your life.

4. It’s About Emotional Intimacy

“I want you” isn’t always about the physical. He might be expressing a desire for emotional closeness and intimacy. 

This is about wanting to connect on a deep emotional level, to understand your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Opening up emotionally can be a big step for many people. 

By saying these words, he might be inviting you to share more of your inner world with him, seeking a bond that’s built on mutual understanding and trust.

[Also read: When a Guy Says He Loves You, What Does It Mean?]

5. He Wants Exclusivity

The phrase might be his way of saying he doesn’t want to share you with anyone else. 

It’s an expression of possessiveness, but in a good way. It’s about wanting to be the main person in your life and vice versa.

This can be particularly significant if both of you have been dating other people or if the relationship status has been ambiguous. 

It’s a step towards defining the relationship and clarifying where you both stand.

6. A Way to Validate His Feelings

Sometimes, people need reassurance. By saying “I want you,” he might be seeking validation of his feelings. 

He wants to know if you feel the same way about him. It’s a call to reciprocate, to acknowledge the connection you share.

While it’s an expression of his feelings, it’s also an invitation for you to open up. 

7. Building a Stronger Bond

It could be about strengthening the bond you two share. It’s his way of saying he wants to spend more time with you, build memories together, and forge a connection that lasts. 

He sees something special in the relationship and wants to nurture it.

Relationships thrive on mutual effort. When someone expresses a desire to deepen the bond, it shows they value what you share and want to keep building on that foundation.

[Also read: 10 Signs He Will Never Let You Go]


How Do You Know If A Man Really Wants You?

How Do You Know If A Man Really Wants You?

1. Consistent Actions Match His Words

So, he’s told you “I want you.” Now, take a moment to observe his behavior. Does he make an effort to spend time with you, understand you, and prioritize your needs? 

A person who genuinely feels something will act on it, not just once or twice but consistently over time.

Imagine he remembers the little details you’ve mentioned in passing — your favorite song, that dessert you crave, or even your work schedule. 

It’s in these seemingly small gestures and the consistency of his actions that reveal the depth of his feelings.

[Also read: 10 Signs A Guarded Man Is Falling In Love]

2. He Introduces You to Important People in His Life

You’re out and about with him, and suddenly you’re meeting his best friend or perhaps even his family. 

Introductions to significant people in his life are a clear sign that he’s serious about his intentions. It’s like he’s silently saying, “You matter to me, and I want others to know.”

It’s more than just a casual introduction. By doing so, he’s making a statement about the role he envisions for you in his world.

3. He Makes Plans for the Future with You

Chatting about next week’s dinner or a movie is one thing, but talking about a vacation next year or getting a pet together? That’s a whole different ball game. 

Making future plans indicates he’s not just thinking about the here and now, but he’s considering a future with you in it.

It’s not just about grand plans, either. Maybe he’s talking about attending a friend’s wedding in a few months or mentions how he’d love to visit a particular place with you someday. 

These forward-looking conversations signal he’s picturing a longer timeline with you by his side.

4. He’s Open and Vulnerable with You

Signs he wants you

Sharing fears, dreams, past mistakes, or hopes is a way of opening up and letting someone in. 

So, pay attention to the depth of your conversations. Is he willing to share stories or feelings that he doesn’t talk about with just anyone?

Being vulnerable is like handing someone a piece of your heart, trusting they’ll handle it with care. It’s a strong indication of trust and a sign that he means what he says. 

The depth and openness of your conversations can provide insights into his genuine feelings and intentions.

[Interesting: What Does It Mean When a Guy Says He Misses You?]

5. He’s There During the Tough Times

Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. During the stormy days, does he stand by your side? Being present during the challenges, not just the fun moments, is a testament to sincerity. 

It’s easy to be around during the celebrations, but it takes commitment to stick through the difficult times.

Whether it’s a stressful week at work, a health scare, or any personal issue you might be facing, his unwavering support is a loud and clear message. 

By choosing to stay close and offering a shoulder or an ear, he’s signaling that he truly wants you in all the highs and lows.


What do you say when a man says they want you?

Responding to someone expressing their feelings can be a pivotal moment in any relationship, be it romantic or otherwise. It’s important to be honest with yourself and the other person. 

Take a moment to assess how you truly feel. If you share the sentiment, you might respond with “I feel the same way,” or “I’ve been feeling a connection too.” 

If you’re unsure or don’t reciprocate those feelings, it’s okay to express that you need time to think or that you value them but don’t necessarily share the same feelings. Remember, clear communication is vital.

However, ensure you answer with kindness and respect, recognizing the vulnerability it took for him to express himself. 

What makes a guy want you?

Attraction is a complex blend of physical, emotional, and intellectual components. Physically, it might be a certain look, smile, or even the way someone moves that catches a guy’s eye. 

However, while physical attraction can be the initial spark, emotional and intellectual connections tend to sustain long-term interest.

Beyond the physical, men often seek emotional compatibility. Someone who understands them, supports their dreams, and stands by them during challenging times can be incredibly attractive. 

Intellectual compatibility, shared hobbies, mutual respect, and shared life goals can also play a significant role. 

Remember that everyone is different; what one person values or finds attractive might differ entirely from someone else. Thus, being genuine to oneself remains the best approach. 

When someone is drawn to you for who you truly are, it lays the foundation for a more genuine connection.

[Read: 9 Signs He Doesn’t Want Anyone Else to Have You]

How to strengthen the bond when he wants you

Once you’ve both acknowledged the connection and attraction, nurturing and strengthening the bond becomes crucial. 

Effective communication is at the heart of any strong relationship. 

Regularly check in with each other, discussing not just daily happenings but also dreams, fears, and desires. Such conversations foster understanding and build trust.

Another way to reinforce the bond is to invest time in shared activities and experiences. 

From trying out a new hobby together to simply spending quiet moments in each other’s company, shared memories can deepen your connection. 

Also show appreciation and gratitude, recognizing and celebrating the little things that make your relationship special. 

Acts of kindness, understanding during tough times, and being each other’s cheerleader can go a long way in solidifying the bond you share.


  • All photos from freepik.com

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Destiny Femi

Destiny Femi is a dating coach whose work has helped transform the love lives of countless people. With a writing style that is both insightful and relatable, Destiny has amassed a following of hundreds of thousands of readers who turn to him for advice on everything from finding the perfect partner to maintaining a healthy relationship. Through his articles he has inspired people around the world to become more confident, authentic, and successful in their dating life.

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