4 Ways to Know when Someone Likes You - wikiHow (2024)

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1Watching Body Language

2Detecting Friends’ Feelings

3Knowing the Shy and Awkward Type

4Spotting the Blatant Crush

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Co-authored byElvina Lui, MFT

Last Updated: May 24, 2024Approved

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Knowing whether or not someone likes you can be difficult. If you’re afraid to ask them, there are a few things you can look out for that may be signs the other person is into you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Watching Body Language

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  1. 1

    Understand body language. 93% of all communication is nonverbal.[1] This is broken down to their tone of voice, face, body, and finally their words. Men and women share some forms of body language, but also have specific subconscious signals they’ll give off if they like you.

  2. 2

    Detect a woman’s signals. Women are capable of over fifty signals conveyed through body language. While not all of these will be able to be detected, there are a few recognizable quirks you can find. Some of the bigger indicators to look for on a date or in conversation is:

    • She’ll pull up her sleeves and expose her wrist. This is a good signal, and most women are unaware that they do this. This exposes one of the more tender and sensitive parts of the body.
    • She will try to close the distance between you in some way. This can be done in many ways like moving her drink or a menu closer to you.[2]
    • She’ll find a way to touch you. Some women will do this smoothly. For example, she says “come here” and she’ll show you an app on her phone. Then when you’re near your bodies may touch.

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  3. 3

    Detect a man’s signals. Men are less equipped with a range in body language. One signal to watch out for is when the guy pushes his shoulders back and directs his breath to his chest. Another strange one is when a guy puts his fingers through his belt loops like a cowboy.[3]

  4. 4

    Watch for eye contact. Eye contact is the universal body language clue that can communicate so much. Both men and women will use eye contact when they like someone. Try not to hold contact for too long, or else you might ruin the mystique around it. The biggest give away is if they look at you and you both hold eye contact for a moment and suddenly look away.[4]

    • Pro tip: try to determine whether or not their pupils dilate when they look at you, too. This can indicate interest or attraction!
    • Reader Poll: We asked 866 wikiHow readers, and 72% agreed that dilating pupils during eye contact is the hardest body language signal to pick up on when you’re figuring out whether or not someone is into you. [Take Poll] So if you’re struggling to read that cue, you’re not alone.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Detecting Friends’ Feelings

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  1. 1

    Realize friends can become "more than friends.” This is a common pattern to occur. People oftentimes think they are only friends, while one of them develops intense feelings for the other.

  2. 2

    Watch for a few clear signs. Here are some signs that a friend has fallen for you:

    • Touching your shoulders and ask for hugs.
    • Offering their sweater or coat in a chivalrous way.
    • Making jokes about the people/person you are dating.
    • Inviting you over more often.
    • Kissing you on the cheek or asking for kisses on the cheek.
    • Asking who you like, a lot.
  3. 3

    Watch for insecurities. This may go with all types of attraction, but it especially happens in a friend dynamic. They might check your reactions to things consistently. For example, they’ll look at you to see if you laugh when they make a joke.

    • Be careful if you hear them talk about insecurities in their appearance. They might be self-deprecating and compare themselves to someone you find attractive.
  4. 4

    Have a talk. If you find that you actually like them, then that is great and you should tell them. If, on the other hand, you just want to be friends, you’ll need to be careful.

    • Honesty is the best policy. Don’t tiptoe around the elephant in the room. Be upfront about the way you feel and how much you appreciate your friendship.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Knowing the Shy and Awkward Type

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  1. 1

    Identify the shy type. This type isn't going to be open to you and admit they like you. These are the kind of people who occasionally make small talk with you. You might even catch them looking at you once in a while.

    • Usually, these types of people don’t date often. When they do, they tend to hold onto a relationship for a while.
    • You can usually tell this type by the way they act around their friends in comparison to being around crushes.[5]
  2. 2

    Look for signs that they like you. These people aren’t being deliberately shy. Some people don’t have as much confidence. You shouldn’t dismiss them because of it. A shy or awkward person might show you they like you when:

    • They say hey occasionally, but say it quietly where you can hardly understand them.
    • They might blush when you talk to them or touch them.
    • You catch them staring at you. If they turn away when they noticed you're looking at them, they were looking at you.
    • They may ask you for help on things they already know the answer to.[6]
  3. 3

    Notice if they look for attention. Someone who likes you may do something to have you notice them. Watch if they talk louder when you're nearby, or starts laughing with their friends when you’re around.

    • They may not talk to you on a social website, but they’ll "like" a bunch of things you do online.
  4. 4

    Realize that some people are afraid of rejection. Some people will do almost nothing to show you they like you because they are afraid of rejection and heartbreak.

    • This happens often with younger people who haven’t realized rejection is part of life.
  5. 5

    Watch for the signs. Even though this type of person won’t be too obvious, there are still clues to tell they like you. Pay attention for the following signals:

    • Bumping into you slightly just to be able to touch you.
    • Taking the seat beside you even though there are other choices. If they're brave, they might even inch closer to you over time.
    • Being the first to notice when you are sad or upset since they pay attention to you.[7]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Spotting the Blatant Crush

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  1. 1

    Know the type. Some people don’t put up with the "do they like you" game and go straight for the punch. Some people just aren't shy at all! This type might be the “player” who is just good at saying things you want to hear.[8]

    • Be suspicious of this type if they pull out a stock of pick-up lines and you feel them trying to manipulate you.
  2. 2

    Spot the signs. Whether or not you want them to like you, you need to handle it with respect. Nobody likes a jerk. Here are some signals that they like you:

    • They constantly talk to you to the point where it's on the border of being annoying.
    • They blush at the smallest things you do or say to them.
    • You catch them staring at you and then smiling or making a funny face when you notice.
    • They show no fear of starting a conversation.
    • They might ask you to hang out and/or give you their number.[9]
  3. 3

    Decide who’ll make a move. Never feel the need to wait around if you like someone. Waiting for the other person to ask you out is overrated. Take advantage of the life you’re given. Invite them out for coffee or to go catch a movie.

    • If you’re not interested and you know they like you, don't ignore them! Be open and honest about your feelings. Treat them with respect and don’t lead them on.[10]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question

    How do you know if your friend likes you but is hiding it?

    Elvina Lui, MFT
    Relationship Expert

    Elvina Lui is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationship counseling based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Elvina received her Masters in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2007 and trained under the Asian Family Institute in San Francisco and the New Life Community Services in Santa Cruz. She has over 13 years of counseling experience and is trained in the harm reduction model.

    Elvina Lui, MFT

    Relationship Expert

    Expert Answer

    Get a better sense of the person's feelings with some low-pressure alone time. Coffee and brunch are good low-stakes get-togethers to ask them too! A situation like this doesn't have as much pressure as a "typical" date, but gives you time to interact one-on-one. If it goes well, you can then ask if the person wants to meet up again for a date!

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      Tips

      • Sometimes when they are fixing their hair it's to show that they are trying to look their best around you.

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      • Remember: if they are shy, they most likely won't tell you how they feel. If you like them and you're sure they like you, don't be shy, talk to them.

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      • If you're tired of waiting for your crush to ask you out, sometimes it’s best to make the move yourself and ask if they like you—or even ask them out! If you're nervous about being rejected, just think about this: you’ll never know if you’ll get rejected if you don’t try!

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      How Do You Tell If Someone Likes You?

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      Warnings

      • If you're relying on gut instinct, be careful to not let your own confirmation bias get in your way in reading a person's feelings. You can avoid a lot of disappointment this way.

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      • Don’t believe someone if they say your crush likes you. If you do then you might get embarrassed knowing that they don’t like you back. You need to find out more information before you confirm it.

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      About This Article

      4 Ways to Know when Someone Likes You - wikiHow (40)

      Co-authored by:

      Elvina Lui, MFT

      Relationship Expert

      This article was co-authored by Elvina Lui, MFT. Elvina Lui is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationship counseling based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Elvina received her Masters in Counseling from Western Seminary in 2007 and trained under the Asian Family Institute in San Francisco and the New Life Community Services in Santa Cruz. She has over 13 years of counseling experience and is trained in the harm reduction model. This article has been viewed 2,634,699 times.

      543 votes - 73%

      Co-authors: 103

      Updated: May 24, 2024

      Views:2,634,699

      Categories: Relationships

      Article SummaryX

      To know when someone likes you, first pay attention to their body language. People often touch those that they like. So, the person might brush your arm while they're laughing at a joke you made, or pick lint off of your clothing. People also have a tendency to lean towards people that they like and mirror their body positions. If a room is crowded, they might make an effort to stand next to you, or point their feet towards you. This is because they are subconsciously orienting themselves towards you. Other signs that someone might like you is if they blush, fiddle a lot with their clothes or hair, or have dilated pupils. When you two are talking, check how often they laugh at your jokes. When someone likes you, they want to make you feel like you're entertaining. They might also try to ask you more personal questions because they want to get to know you more deeply. Lastly, if the person keeps finding reasons for you two to hang out, or messages you a lot on social media, it's a sign they want to spend more time interacting with you and might like you. For more tips on how to tell if a shy person or a close friend likes you, keep reading!

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      4 Ways to Know when Someone Likes You - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      4 Ways to Know when Someone Likes You - wikiHow? ›

      Aside from leaning toward someone while they speak, there are other body language cues that could indicate someone likes you. Making a lot of eye contact, nodding, continuing to look at you when you look away, stroking their hair, and licking their lips could all point to possible attraction.

      How to test if someone likes you? ›

      How to tell if someone likes you
      1. They respond quickly. Dating experts will often use the phrase, “if they want to, they will”. ...
      2. They message you often. ...
      3. They use emojis. ...
      4. They pay close attention. ...
      5. They mirror you. ...
      6. They accommodate your platform of choice. ...
      7. They exhibit positive body language. ...
      8. They ask you about yourself.
      Jun 4, 2024

      How do you know when you really like someone answers? ›

      In short, while there's no single way to fall in love, you'll probably notice a few key physical and emotional signs:
      • Your thoughts return to them regularly. ...
      • You feel safe with them. ...
      • Life feels more exciting. ...
      • You want to spend a lot of time together. ...
      • You feel a little jealous of other people in their life.

      What are hints that someone likes you? ›

      Aside from leaning toward someone while they speak, there are other body language cues that could indicate someone likes you. Making a lot of eye contact, nodding, continuing to look at you when you look away, stroking their hair, and licking their lips could all point to possible attraction.

      How to test a girl if she likes you? ›

      15 Signs a Girl Likes You
      1. Her friends and family know about you. ...
      2. She reschedules a date she can't make. ...
      3. She makes an effort to continue the conversation. ...
      4. She compliments you and tries to make you feel good. ...
      5. She's clearly nervous around you. ...
      6. Her body language is inviting. ...
      7. She remembers things you tell her.
      May 3, 2024

      Can you sense when someone is attracted to you? ›

      This means that even when someone isn't ready to admit their feelings, their body language can give them away. So if you notice someone always orienting their body towards you, maintaining prolonged eye contact, or mimicking your gestures, these could be subtle signs of attraction.

      How to test if someone likes you but is hiding it? ›

      Here are 10 common signs that someone likes you but is hiding it.
      • They may act a bit awkward around you. ...
      • They compliment you often. ...
      • They get a little jealous. ...
      • They ask questions. ...
      • They remember the details. ...
      • They want to spend time with you. ...
      • They listen. ...
      • They lean in when you talk.
      Mar 24, 2023

      How do I know if someone likes me secretly? ›

      They smile a lot

      If someone often smiles when they are in your presence, that alone might be a potential indicator that they like being around you. However, the kind of smile also might matter. If a person smiles at you often with a broad, ear-to-ear grin, they may be making it known that they're into you.

      How to tell if someone is using you? ›

      9 signs someone is using you in a relationship
      1. The conversation is always about them. ...
      2. They always let you pick up the check. ...
      3. You always have to come to their rescue. ...
      4. They never say thank you. ...
      5. They're always asking for favors. ...
      6. You start to resent them. ...
      7. Your emotional needs are never considered, let alone met.
      Nov 1, 2018

      How to tell if a guy you barely know likes you? ›

      Things You Should Know

      Look for signs in his body language like eye contact and leaning in towards you while talking. He'll also initiate more physical touch between you. Study his behavior, including the time between text responses and how jealous he seems when other guys are mentioned.

      How is it obvious if a girl likes you? ›

      Look at how she acts when she's around you—open body language, eye contact, and physical touch are signs that she could be interested. See what she says during a conversation; if she likes you, she might compliment you (or even tease you).

      How to tell if a girl subconsciously likes you? ›

      Does She Really Like You? 18 Ways to Tell (Backed by Psychology)
      • 1 She smiles at you a lot.
      • 2 She makes prolonged eye contact.
      • 3 She responds positively to your flirting.
      • 4 She teases you playfully.
      • 5 She uses open body language around you.
      • 6 She mimics your body language or speech patterns.

      How do you know if someone likes you secretly? ›

      • They pay a lot of attention to the person they can't be with.
      • They often talk or think about the person they can't be with.
      • They get jealous when the person they can't be with talks to other people.
      • They find excuses to talk to or be around the person they can't be with.
      Mar 2, 2017

      How do you test if my crush likes me? ›

      10 Ways to Find Out Your Crush Likes You Back
      1. They Look At You. ...
      2. They Are Interested To Know About You. ...
      3. They Ask About Your Status. ...
      4. They Are Nervous Around You. ...
      5. They Make Extra Effort To Talk To You. ...
      6. They Find Excuses To Surprise You With Lovely Gifts. ...
      7. They Always Look For Excuses To Spend Time With You.
      Jan 13, 2022

      How to test if someone loves you? ›

      You can usually recognize real love by these 12 signs.
      1. You feel safe with them. ...
      2. They listen. ...
      3. They acknowledge your differences instead of trying to change you. ...
      4. You can communicate easily. ...
      5. They encourage you to do your own thing. ...
      6. You trust each other. ...
      7. They make an effort. ...
      8. You know you can collaborate or compromise.
      Oct 28, 2020

      How can I test a guy to see if he likes me? ›

      Here are a few easy ways to test a guy:
      • Step 1: The statue test. ...
      • Step 2: The look in your eyes test. ...
      • The acknowledgement check. ...
      • The verbal test. ...
      • The touching test. ...
      • Step 6: Have a deep conversation with him to get things going. ...
      • Step 7: Get him to open up about when things started going wrong in your relationship.
      Jan 28, 2022

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