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If you think a guy might secretly like you, what can you do to know for sure? Luckily, there are many subtle signs when a guy is interested in someone. Pay special attention to his body language, how he talks to you, and how he behaves when you're around. Read on for a detailed list of signs that a guy secretly likes you, so you'll know when to make your move!

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.
  • Consider signs of his affection in conversations; he’ll likely ask lots of questions to get to know you better and give you heartfelt compliments.
1

He makes eye contact with you.

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  1. The next time you see him, catch his gaze and see if he stares back or looks away. Most people only make eye contact for about 4 to 5 seconds at a time while chatting. So, if he holds your haze longer than that, he might like you! [1]
    • Conversely, some people are uncomfortable with eye contact. If you know he's shy, don't be discouraged; there are other signs that he might like you.
    • If you're nervous, ask him a question so you have an excuse to make eye contact. You could say, "How far are you on last week's assignment?" or "Do you know what the cafeteria is serving today?"
    • Reader Poll: We asked 570 wikiHow readers, and 56% of them agreed that the strongest indicator that a guy likes you is if he makes frequent eye contact . [Take Poll]
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3

He checks you out when you're not looking.

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6

He brushes up against you.

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  1. Physical touch is a crucial way to show affection, and a guy with a crush will look for any excuse to do it! Notice if he touches your arm, bumps into you, or moves to stand next to you. Hugs are also a solid sign he likes you. [6]
    • He also won't pull away when you enter his personal space. He'll encourage small touches and even lean into them if he likes you!
    • If a guy ever touches you in a way you don't like, remember that you can always tell him to stop because it makes you uncomfortable. Get someone you trust to help if he won't listen.
7

He seems nervous or awkward.

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  1. Talking to a crush can be nerve-wracking! A normally smooth-talking guy might stumble over his words or mess up a sentence. If he has trouble stringing a sentence together with you but seems at ease around others, he's likely crushing on you. [7]
    • For instance, he might suddenly give short or yes/no answers when he normally likes to talk. Similarly, he might stutter or forget what he wanted to say.
    • Look for other nervous ticks, too. He might crack his knuckles, scratch his head, or fidget as a sign of nerves while talking to you.
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8

He talks to you every day.

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  1. As a result, he won't hesitate to reach out and chat you up at every opportunity. Think about how often he initiates contact by walking up to you, making plans, or sending a quick text. If he does it at least as often as you (if not more), he might like you. [8]
    • For example, he might sit next to you in class and say, "How's it going?" or "How did you do on the last test?"
    • Alternatively, he may text you out of the blue on a Saturday night and say, "What are you up to?" or "You busy tomorrow? I thought we could do something!"
9

He wants to be physically close to you.

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  1. When you’re hanging out together, he won't leave until you do. He'll always stick close to your side, whether you spend time together alone or in a group. He might even spontaneously show up places he knows you'll be just so he can see you.
    • For example, he might show up at your favorite cafe or arcade because he knows you like it there.
    • If you're both at a party, he'll be there as long as you are—even if other friends leave first. He might even offer to walk or drive you home.
    • He'll also try getting to know your friends. Since he likes you, he wants your friends to like him too!
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10

He asks you lots of open-ended questions.

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  1. Open-ended questions require more than a "yes" or "no" answer, allowing you to give an in-depth explanation. Take note if he asks you many personal questions about anything and everything, including your likes, dislikes, and background. It means he's trying to get to know you better—down to the tiniest details. [9]
    • He might ask questions like, "What do you do in your free time?" "What are your favorite bands?" "Do you have any pets?" or "How many siblings do you have?"
    • Ask him questions, too! If he's showing interest, exchanging questions is a great way to learn more about one another and strengthen your bond.
11

He doesn't talk about other crushes with you.

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12

He compliments you.

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  1. Observe how often he compliments you and what kinds of compliments he gives. Then, listen for compliments that he gives to other people. He's likely crushing on you if he compliments you frequently compared to others and admires the smaller details that other people miss. [11]
    • For example, if you change your hairstyle, your guy will be the first to notice and say, "Wow, you're looking amazing today!" Try complimenting him, too !
    • He might give other compliments about your looks, like, "Those glasses look cool!" or "I like that band t-shirt. Where'd you get it?"
    • He'll also compliment deeper things like intellect and talents. He might say, "You're so smart! I don't know anyone who reads as fast as you," or "You're definitely the best flute player in band, you know."
13

He's supportive of you.

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  1. Telling someone outright that you like them can be scary, so instead, a guy might show you that he likes you by offering encouragement, showing interest in your passions, standing up for you, and giving help when you need it. He's trying to say that he's got your back no matter what because he likes you. [12]
    • For example, he might help you with your homework, offer to carry your stuff, or offer to fix your car.
    • Similarly, he might give you advice when you’re unsure about something or offer a shoulder to cry on when you’re going through a hard time.
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14

He's an attentive listener.

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  1. A guy who likes you won’t play on his phone or get distracted while you talk; instead, he’ll want to hear everything you say. Be on the lookout for signs that he’s actively listening to you. If he never interrupts and makes encouraging sounds like “Mhm” and “Go on,” it means he’s totally focused on you. [13]
    • You'll also notice that he remembers your answers. He might buy your favorite snack for you out of the blue or ask to borrow a book you mentioned liking to prove that he listens to you.
    • Does he remember something you told him long after you forget mentioning it? It's a big sign that he likes you when he does that.
16

He seems jealous of other guys.

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  1. Bring up a guy friend of yours, then see how he reacts. Does he ask a ton of questions about the other guy? If he likes you, he'll probably be jealous when you mention someone else—and question you to learn more about the mystery guy and your friendship with him. [14]
    • He might ask, "Who's Matt?" "How long have you known Matt?" "What does Matt do?" or "Do you and Matt hang out often?"
    • If you're interested in dating this guy, handle the jealousy and tell him that your friend is just a friend, not someone you're interested in dating. Otherwise, he might think you're dating someone else.
17

He texts you back fast.

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  1. Therefore, he'll respond as soon as possible if he's crushing on you. Notice if your guy is always quick to reply and offers excuses when he goes quiet for a while. If he likes you, this could be a sign of his crush. [15]
    • For instance, he might respond to a text immediately (or within a few minutes). If his reply takes longer than 10 minutes, he might add, "Sorry for the delay. I'm working right now!"
    • Remember that it's normal to encounter a delay in responses during work and school hours.
    • He'll also send texts casually checking in and asking you how you're doing; it's his way of staying closely in touch with you.
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Ways to Ask a Guy if He Likes You

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you tell if a man is attracted to you but hiding it?
    Candice Mostisser
    Dating Coach
    Candice Mostisser is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingman/wingwoman services, 1-on-1 coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. She specializes in coaching others on best practices and strategies to succeed on first dates and in the online dating world.
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    If a guy sits with his knees pointed towards you when you two are sitting at a table, that may be a subtle indicator he likes you. Also, if he generally seems excited and happy to talk to you, this is a good sign!
  • Question
    Does he secretly have a crush on me?
    Candice Mostisser
    Dating Coach
    Candice Mostisser is a Dating Coach for NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingman/wingwoman services, 1-on-1 coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. She specializes in coaching others on best practices and strategies to succeed on first dates and in the online dating world.
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    Does he regularly strike up conversations or message you without being prompted? If so, the answer may be yes!
  • Question
    I’m thirteen, if I sit on my boyfriend's lap, is that seen as being sexual? (We are both in the same school.)
    Danielle Husband
    Community Answer
    Some people may view it as sexual if you sit on his lap. While you don't need to let other people's opinions shape your behavior, it can also be hard to deal with people making rude comments to you. Think about what you really want before you make public displays of affection, then make choices that are right for you.
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        Mar 2, 2023

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