This article was co-authored by Erika Kaplan
and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA
. Erika Kaplan is a Dating Coach and Matchmaker for Three Day Rule, an exclusive matchmaking company across nine cities in the United States. With over six years of experience, Erika specializes in helping singles find quality matches through date coaching and premium matchmaking services. Erika graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She worked for Rolling Stone, Us Weekly, and Men’s Journal before leaving publishing to pursue her passion for connecting people. Erika has been featured on Lifetime, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and CBS as well as in Thrillist, Elite Daily, Men’s Health, Fast Company, and Refinery29.
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Getting your crush’s attention can be difficult. You want them to notice you, but you don’t want to risk getting embarrassed if you come on too strong. If you want to make your crush more interested in you, then you may want to try making them jealous. You can make your crush jealous by flirting with someone else, projecting confidence, showing you’re in high demand, and being the mysterious cool girl.
Things You Should Know
- Chat with everyone in the room before saying hi to your crush. You'll exude confidence and your crush will definitely notice.
- When your crush is around, flirt with their friends and rivals. Smile, giggle, and play with your hair so it's obvious that you're flirting.
- If your crush asks you to hang out, tell them that you're busy or hesitate before agreeing so you don't seem too eager.
Steps
Know your worth. [1]
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Expert Source
Erika Kaplan
Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
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If you want to make someone jealous, you need to know why you rock as a person. We all have great qualities, so think about what makes you special. People will treat you how you allow them to, so set high standards for yourself. Remind yourself that you have as much value as anyone else and deserve to be treated well. [2] X Research source
- Make a list of your best traits, your hobbies and interests, and the positive things you’ve done over the past few years, such as volunteering or helping out your grandparents.
- Don’t make excuses for someone who doesn’t treat you well; instead, ignore that person and focus on your friends. [3] X Research source
- Remind yourself that all people are different, but they are also still valuable. This means that not everyone will like you, but that shouldn’t take away from how you feel about yourself. [4]
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Research source
Being able to love yourself is a really important trait in the dating world. [5]
X
Expert Source
Erika Kaplan
Matchmaker Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
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No matter where you are, pretend like you’re hosting a party and need to see and speak to everyone. Not only will you look confident, but your crush will have to notice you since you’ll be fluttering around like a social butterfly.
- Say “hi” to everyone.
- Speak to everyone before the end of the event.
- Set time limits for how long you will spend in one spot or talking to the same people. For example, after 15 minutes you could make an excuse to walk away. Say, “I’ll catch you guys in a minute. I’ve got to refill my drink.”
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When you know that you’re going to be around your crush, choose clothes that make you feel your best and reflect your identity. In addition to looking your best, you’ll convey more confidence because when you feel you look good you project those positive thoughts to the world.
- Show off your best features.
- Pick an outfit that expresses something about you. For example, you could wear something studded to show that you’re edgy, or something flowy to show your girly side.
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Your crush will pick up on flirty body language, even if it’s directed at other people. While you don’t want to go overboard, doing a little bit of flirting with body language will be enough to make your crush green with envy. It will work best if you aim your flirty vibes at a group rather than a specific individual because that way no one will think you’re coming onto them.
- Smile or pucker your lips.
- Get closer to the other person.
- Playfully touch their arm.
- Keep your arms down to your side or gesturing; don’t cross them or fidget.
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Show that you’re comfortable with yourself by keeping your arms loose at your side. [6] X Research source
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Twirling your hair or sweeping it over your shoulder is a timeless flirting technique. As a bonus, playing with your hair will stir the scent of your shampoo and your pheromones.
- Wrap pieces of hair around your finger.
- If your hair is up, take it down and shake it out. You can always put it back up again if you need it out of your face.
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When you first meet up with people, meet each of their eyes and give a casual greeting such as, “Hey, guys!.” Maintain eye contact as you talk to people, including your crush. [7] X Research source
- Practice making eye contact with your friends.
- If you just can’t make eye contact with their eyes, try to look at their noses.
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When your crush is around, chat with their potential rivals, including their friends. Keep the conversation casual so that the person you’re flirting with doesn’t actually ask you out. [8] X Research source
- Say something like, “How was your weekend?” or “I have so much homework to do this weekend, but I can’t miss my friend’s party.”
- Make sure that you don’t throw yourself at others.
- If you get asked out by your crush’s friend, then you may become off-limits to your crush because of friend loyalty.
- Reader Poll: We asked 121 wikiHow readers what they think is the most effective way to make someone jealous, and 53% of them said flirting with someone else. [Take Poll]
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When both of you are going to be at the same event, don’t rush to talk to your crush. Instead, say “hi” to other people first, and try to strike up a conversation with someone. [9] X Research source
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It doesn’t matter if you think something is funny, laughing is a key part of flirting. It also shows your crush that you have a good sense of humor and are fun to be around. [10] X Research source
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Keep them guessing by only providing a few details about yourself at a time instead of telling them your life story. When they ask questions, only provide half answers so that they have to keep the conversation going to find out what they want to know. By providing a little mystery, you make yourself appealing to just about anyone.
- For example, hint at your favorite hobby by saying, “The last time I ate tacos was at the cast party for Romeo and Juliet.” When your crush asks if you were in the play, you could half answer and say, “Being part of the show was amazing. I hope I get to do My Fair Lady someday.” This will keep them wondering if you were the star of the show and will make you seem more exciting.
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Think about which social justice or societal issue is the most important to you, and write down a few comments about these issues that you could share with your trust. Show them that you are a thoughtful, intelligent person. [11] X Research source
- You could also look at blogs and memes that deal with philosophical issues to help you figure out your own deep thoughts.
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One of the hallmarks of the mysterious cool girl is the fact that she sees herself somewhere special in the future, whether it’s art school or running for president. Figure out what yours could be. Would you love to have your own makeup company or to move to the big city to work as a pastry chef? Think about how you can make your daydreams come true.
- Don’t explain your big plans to your crush. Instead, casually refer to it while you’re within earshot of your crush. You could say, “I’m so tired of taking classes that I don’t need. That’s why I’m going to art school in a few years,” or “You better enjoy my macarons for free while you can because pretty soon they’ll be lining up in the streets of New Orleans for a taste of them.”
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Don’t show how eager you are to spend time with them, even if you’re not busy. Make a show of running through your list of plans before committing to spending time with them, especially if they're inviting you to a group event.
- Try mixing up the days on purpose. For example, if your crush mentions a party that your group will go to on Friday night, say, “Oh, Saturday I already have tickets to a concert!” Then when they correct you, say, “That’s awesome! I can probably make Friday happen. Thanks for reminding me.”
- Suggest alternate plans. For example, if your crush asks you to get frozen yogurt on Tuesday, ask them if you can do it on Thursday instead because of a conflict. This will keep them guessing about what you’re doing.
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Even if you aren’t busy, make it seem like you are. You want your crush to think that everyone is wanting a piece of your time because they will be jealous that you aren’t spending that time with them. [12] X Research source
- If you don’t talk directly to your crush, announce your plans to the group. Say, “I’m happy I got to come out with you guys today because the rest of my weekend is packed. I’ve got a party tomorrow night, and then I’m going to the beach on Sunday.”
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Mixed signals are a classic tool for making someone jealous because they keep the person guessing. While it’s a little mean, sending mixed signals will allow you to get someone’s attention while still avoiding embarrassment because whether or not you’re into them will be unclear. [13] X Research source
- Turn the conversation to serious topics after a flirty exchange.
- After you talk to them for a bit at a social event, focus all of your attention on someone else for awhile.
- After texting them a lot, take a break. Wait a day or two before answering their last text.
- This can backfire! It can make you look mean or thoughtless or just like you don't like them. [14]
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Expert Source
Erika Kaplan
Matchmaker Expert Interview. 1 October 2020. Use this tactic with caution.
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When you’re with your friends, you accomplish two goals for making your crush jealous: you’re spending time with people who aren’t your crush, and you show how much fun you are to be around. When your crush realizes that you aren’t waiting around for them to like you, they’re more likely to want you more. [15] X Research source
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You can’t show them attention when you’re with others or focused on doing something awesome. While you may be tempted to text a pic or comment to show how cool and busy you are, it’s better to wait until you’ve gotten home to share. [16] X Research source
- If you get a text from your crush while you’re out, wait to answer it, even if they ask what you’re doing. If you keep them wondering, they’re more likely to get jealous of those who are getting your attention.
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New activities will help you spend more time with other people, will give you more plans, and will show that you have lots of options for how you spend your time. Plus, you’ll be so busy that you won’t have as much time to think about your crush.
- Join a club.
- Try out for a team.
- Try community theater.
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter.
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Use your social media accounts like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook to show off your amazing life. You can accomplish this by only posting your finest moments. If you’re feeling down, call a friend instead of posting about it. When your crush checks out your stories, you want your life to look fabulous.
- Even if you’re spending time alone, make it look like you’re really busy doing amazing stuff.
- Post pics with friends and family.
- Choose moments when you’re out doing something rather than posting selfies.
Expert Q&A
Tips
- Don’t base your self-worth on whether or not your crush likes you. [17] X Expert Source Erika Kaplan
Matchmaker Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.Thanks - Don't flirt too frequently with people other than your crush. While flirting with others may successfully make your crush jealous, you risk making other people think you like them.Thanks
- Don't try to make them too jealous.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- If you want to try to make him jealous by flirting with other guys, make sure you still talk and flirt with him, too. Otherwise, he may not think you're interested in him anymore.
- Don't try to hurt his feelings by hanging out with everyone else but him. You might just end up changing his idea about you.
- If you're going to flirt with someone else, flirt with only one different person so you don't look like a player.
- Try hanging out with his friends. He may get jealous that his friends spend more time with you than he does.
- If your crush doesn't like you back, that's okay. Know your worth and have self-confidence.
- Don't be overly cold towards him as this may tell him you're not interested.
Warnings
- Don’t hurt other people while trying to make your crush jealous.Thanks
- Make sure you don't try to make them too jealous or they might get mad at you.Thanks
You Might Also Like
References
- ↑ Erika Kaplan. Matchmaker. Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chan/know-your-worth-understan_b_663194.html
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chan/know-your-worth-understan_b_663194.html
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-chan/know-your-worth-understan_b_663194.html
- ↑ Erika Kaplan. Matchmaker. Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
- ↑ http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/confident_body.htm
- ↑ http://changingminds.org/techniques/body/confident_body.htm
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a35102/things-women-do-that-make-guys-jealous/
- ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a5703/ways-men-act-aloof/
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a35102/things-women-do-that-make-guys-jealous/
- ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a5703/ways-men-act-aloof/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/loves-evolver/201111/inducing-jealousy-get-your-mates-attention
- ↑ http://www.marieclaire.com/sex-love/a5703/ways-men-act-aloof/
- ↑ Erika Kaplan. Matchmaker. Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
- ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/news/a35102/things-women-do-that-make-guys-jealous/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/loves-evolver/201111/inducing-jealousy-get-your-mates-attention
- ↑ Erika Kaplan. Matchmaker. Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
About This Article
Getting your crush’s attention can be a bit tricky, but if you’re confident and flirt with other people, you may be able to make them jealous. When your crush is around, give all your attention to someone else in the group. Laugh a lot and get a bit closer to the person to see if your crush notices. You might also make it clear that your crush isn’t your only option. The next time they ask you to hang out, tell them you’re busy, but you’ll try to fit them in, which might make them jealous. You could also post pictures of you hanging out with other people on social media to show you’re in demand. To learn how to seem more mysterious to your crush, read on!