From body language to investing time in you, these little hints suggest that Cupid has struck a person you know.
If you’ve started to develop feelings for someone, you’ve probably started reading into every sign in hope that they feel the same. Maybe it’s someone you’ve been casually dating, or a person in your social circle who you’ve previously been friends with.
So how can you tell if your feelings are requited? From holding your eye contact for a little longer, or becoming a little goofy and silly in your company, there are many telltale signs that someone has not put you in the friend zone.
Below are 11 signals that suggest someone is romantically interested in you, as well as expert advice from Rachel Rose, a relationship coach and author of Date Your Worth, Not Your Wound.
In this guide
- How to know if someone likes you
- Signs a guy likes you
- Signs she likes you
- FAQs
How to tell if someone likes you
1. They make an effort to communicate
When someone is interested in you, you shouldn’t have to second guess their intentions. Communication is key to this so replying warmly, honestly and without making you wait for days on end are all strong signs that they like you. It should also be a good balance of communication and not one of you making all of the effort.
2. Their body language speaks volumes
Body language can give away a lot of secrets in terms of how someone feels about you. Rachel says that body language cues such as moving closer to you when you speak, prolonged eye contact, and subtle physical contact all point to the fact that someone is interested in you. Subconscious mirroring of your body language is also a sign that a person is comfortable in your presence.
3. They show genuine interest in your life
If someone you’re dating is genuinely interested in pursuing a romantic relationship with you, they will naturally want to know more about your life in order to get closer to you. They may even show an interest in meeting your friends and family or accompanying you on an activity or hobby you enjoy.
4. They remember the details you’ve shared
Look out for active listening and thoughtful touches such as them remembering small details that you’ve told them. This is a key sign that they’re hanging on your every word and are invested in connecting with you on a deeper level.
5. They are subtly jealous for your time
If you’ve noticed that mention of an ex boyfriend or someone you previously dated seems to change their body language or demeanour, it may be because it made them feel jealous. It may have even surprised them. It’s important to note, however, that while mild jealousy is normal, being overly jealous and possessive can be a red flag of a more controlling personality type.
- Learn more: How to date after a breakup
6. They are playful and flirty with you
Rachel says that being playful can be a sign that someone is interested in you romantically. You will bring out the softer side in a person who is attracted to you. For example, they may laugh more in your company, make jokes or subtly flirt with you.
7. .You receive compliments from them
When someone is interested, or even falling in love with you, they will most likely become a little infatuated and make unique compliments that others won’t. This often means they will notice small idiosyncrasies, habits or details about your personality or appearance.
8. They are keen to invest time in you
Whether you want someone to accompany you to an event, or watch you run a marathon, when someone is interested in you romantically they will be keen to spend time with you in small meaningful ways. This should make things feel natural and easy and like you are top of their priorities.
9. Their friends behave differently around you
If the friends of your love interest behave differently around you, it’s probably because they know how that person really feels about you. They may even make playful hints that their friend is interested in you, or watch you both together with interest. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can always test the waters and ask one of their friends a few subtle questions to try and get some intel.
10. You’re invited to share activities together
If colleagues, friends or family members start to see you as a couple, it’s a strong sign that others have noticed your mutual attraction. Likewise, if you’ve previously been friends in a wider group, spending more one-on-one time together is also a good way of seeing how your romantic dynamic could pan out.
11. They use physical touch appropriately
Rachel says that subtle physical touch can be a sign that someone sees you as more than a friend. This could be a light touch on your arm, brushing past you, or a prolonged hug goodbye – little excuses just to be closer. This should, however, always be appropriate and approached in a way that doesn’t make you feel uncomfortable or like they’re coming on too strong.
Sure signs a guy likes you
“The truly sure signs always show up in action,” says Rachel. “Words are lovely, but without action they can drift into fantasy territory pretty fast. When someone’s feelings are real, you’ll see it in what they do”. Rachel adds that another big giveaway is clear direction. “Interest is one thing, but direction shows intentionality, that they actually want to move forward with you, not just coast along with infinite flirting”.
The best way to know if she likes you
“We women are usually not that hard to read when we’re into a man,” says Rachel. “Our subconscious kind of gives us away. It might be the googly eyes, the hair twirling, or that moment when our armour drops because we feel safe”. Rachel explains that when a woman feels truly comfortable, she might suddenly become playful using cute voices, acting a little helpless, or just letting that soft, girlish energy shine through. Another sign is when she wants to create something for you: cooking for you, making something from scratch, or sharing her art. “That’s not something most women do lightly. It’s a way of showing interest through her feminine energy”.
FAQs
How can you test if someone likes you?
“I’m not a big fan of testing people, but you can absolutely tune into their energy,” says Rachel. “The eyes are such a giveaway. If you manage to lock eyes and there’s that electric, lingering moment that will tell you everything: emotional connection, attraction, curiosity, all of it”.
How do guys act when they start liking you?
“When a man is truly starting to like a woman, you will know if he’s already talking about you to his friends early on,” says Rachel. “Guys don’t usually do that unless they see real potential”. He will also create structure in the connection. He will care about building emotional safety, showing he’s dependable, and keeping his word. “That might look like calling when he said he would, following through on plans, or showing up for you in moments that matter. Those are all subtle but solid signs he’s invested”.
What body language shows a woman is attracted to you?
“If she’s laughing more around you, that’s a great sign,” Rachel explains. “If her love language leans toward physical touch, watch for subtle contact”. She adds that women tend to move closer to men they are interested in, for example sitting beside you instead of across the table, or leaning in when you talk. “Those small physical cues often speak louder than words”.
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