What to Say When Someone Says They Like You: 20 Things

When someone expresses their feelings and confesses that they like you, it can be an incredibly positive experience. However, it can also be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re unsure how to respond. You may feel pressured to reciprocate their feelings, or perhaps you’re not interested in them romantically.

Whatever the case, knowing what to say when someone says they like you can be incredibly helpful in navigating the situation. In this article, we’ll share 20 things you can say when someone expresses interest in you so that you can respond confidently and respectfully.

What to say when someone says they like you

Finding what to say when someone says they like you or have feelings for you can be thrilling and sometimes daunting. How you react and say can affect how things go from there.

According to Emily Pray, LCSW, “Whether you feel the same way or not, try to remember how you would want to feel if the tables were turned.  Most people want to feel seen and considered, regardless of the outcome. An authentic and straightforward approach can help with this.”

The most important thing in how to respond to a confession is to be truthful with yourself and them. If you feel the same way, tell them so. Thank them for being brave and honest with you.

If you don’t share their feelings, reply gently and respectfully. You can say you care about them as a friend and respect their emotions, but you don’t feel the same way. Remember to talk openly and sincerely to make sure everyone involved feels understood and valued.

20 things to say when someone says they like you

When someone confesses that they like you, it can be intimidating, especially if you’re unsure how to respond. Here are some things to say when someone says they like you, along with tips on how to respond and what to do when someone confesses they like you.

1. Thank you! It’s nice to hear that

When someone says they like you, the simplest response is often the best. Saying thank you shows your appreciation and acknowledges their feelings.

Emily Pray highlights, “In all kinds of relationships with others, we can offer healthy rejection. This is when we decline someone‘s invitation for connection without shame or cruelty, and sometimes even offer an alternative option.“

Related Reading: 30 Compliments for Men That They Love to Hear More Often

2. I like you too, but I need some time to think about this

If you’re unsure about your own feelings, it’s okay to be honest. Let the person know you need time to figure things out before making decisions.

Better Health, a publication by the Victorian Government of Australia, emphasizes that open and honest communication is a skill that can be developed. While some individuals may struggle with expressing themselves, they can learn to communicate effectively with patience and support. So, it’s okay to ask for time.

3. I’m flattered, but I don’t feel the same way

If you don’t have romantic feelings for the person, it’s important to be honest and straightforward. Let them down gently and respectfully.

Emily Pray mentions, “Using ‘I’ statements (‘I don’t feel the same way’) helps keep the conversation focused and blameless. This is not a rejection of their worth, just a statement of unreciprocated romantic feelings.”

Related Reading: Top 200 Love Songs for Him to Express Your Feelings

4. That’s really sweet of you, but I’m not interested in dating right now

If you’re not interested in pursuing a relationship with anyone at the moment, it’s okay to say so. Let the person know it’s not about them but your personal situation.

5. I appreciate your honesty, but I see you as more of a friend

Let them know if you value the person’s friendship but don’t have romantic feelings for them. This can be a way to preserve the friendship and avoid any misunderstandings.

6. I’m not ready for a relationship right now, but I’d love to get to know you better as a friend

This can be a good response if you’re open to getting to know the person better but not interested in dating. It shows that you value their company and are open to building a friendship.

7. That’s brave of you to tell me how you feel

Confessing your feelings can be scary, so acknowledging their courage can be a thoughtful response. Also, this response shows that you appreciate their honesty and vulnerability, even if you don’t necessarily share the same feelings.

8. I’m surprised to hear that, but I appreciate your honesty

If you weren’t expecting the confession, being surprised is okay. However, it’s important to still respond respectfully and acknowledge their honesty.

Related Reading: How to Be Honest in a Relationship: 10 Practical Ways

9. I think you’re a great person too, but I don’t see us as a romantic match

If you want to let the person down gently but also be clear about your lack of romantic interest, this can be a good response.

10. I’m not sure how to respond right now. Can we talk more later?

If you need more time to process your own feelings or think about how to respond, it’s okay to ask for more time to talk later. By taking time to process your feelings, you can know what to say when someone says they like you.

11. I’m sorry, but I’m already seeing someone

If you’re already in a relationship, being honest and upfront about it is important. This response lets the person know that you are not available without hurting their feelings or being too direct and it also acknowledges and appreciates their interest in you.

12. I appreciate your feelings, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to pursue a relationship

Knowing what to say when someone says they like you if you don’t think a relationship with this person would be a good idea for any reason can be intimidating, but it’s okay to be honest about that.

13. I’m really flattered, but I’m not looking for anything serious right now

That’s a great response if someone confesses their feelings to you and you’re not interested in a serious relationship with anyone at the moment. This response also shows that you appreciate their feelings and their honesty.

14. I think you’re a great person, but I don’t feel that way about you

Being clear and direct about your lack of romantic interest can help avoid any confusion or misunderstandings. If you don’t feel a romantic connection with the person, it’s okay to say so.

15. I don’t know what to say. Can we take some time to talk about this more

Taking time to talk more about your feelings is a great idea. An article by the New York State notes that being open and honest about your feelings is important. If you need more time to think or talk about the confession, asking for that is okay.

16. I’m so glad you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with me, but I don’t think we’re a good match

Are you wondering what to say if someone says they like you?

If you appreciate the person’s openness but don’t see a romantic future for the two of you, this can be a kind but honest response.

Related Reading: How to Share Your Feelings With Your Spouse

17. I think you’re a great friend, but I don’t want to risk our friendship by dating

This response is a good way to acknowledge the person’s feelings while being clear about your intentions. If you value the person’s friendship and don’t want to risk losing it by dating, it’s important to be clear about that.

Still wondering what to do when a guy confesses he likes you?

During certain phases of our lives, we may experience the intense pain of unrequited love. I recommend checking out an exceptional video by The School of Life that offers valuable guidance on coping with this situation.

18. I’m interested in getting to know you better too, but I want to take things slow

This response can be a good way to show interest while still setting boundaries and not rushing into anything. If you’re open to the possibility of dating but want to take things slowly, it’s okay to say so.

Related Reading: How to Take Things Slow in a Relationship: 10 Helpful Tips

19. I’m not looking for anything romantic right now, but I appreciate your interest

If you’re not interested in dating anyone now, this is a great response if someone tells you they like you. It’s okay to say so while acknowledging their courage to express themselves.

20. I need some time to process this, but thank you for being honest with me

If you’re not sure how you feel or how to respond, it’s okay to ask for time to process. It’s important to still acknowledge their honesty and appreciate their vulnerability. By taking time to process your feelings, you can know how to respond when someone says they like you.

Ultimately, when someone says they like you, responding respectfully and honestly is important. Whether you’re interested in dating them or not, being clear and direct can help ensure clarity and understanding.

According to Shula Melamed, M.A., MPH, a relationship and well-being coach, trust is the foundation of any relationship; therefore, honesty plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy relationship.

If you need time to process your own feelings or think about how to respond, it’s okay to ask for that. And if you’re not interested in pursuing a relationship, it’s important to let the person down gently while still respecting their feelings. 

How to respond when a guy says he likes you, but you don’t like him?

If a guy confesses that he likes you and you don’t reciprocate those feelings, your response must be honest and clear. First, thank him for sharing his feelings with you and acknowledge that it takes courage to be vulnerable like that.

Then, gently let him know that you don’t feel the same way but that you value him as a person and hope to continue the friendship. Remember, it’s important to be respectful in how you respond and how you listen and acknowledge his feelings while also being honest about your own.

Emily Pray points out, “It’s okay to reject someone’s advances without excessive apologizing. Despite your intent, the apologies can make the situation even more awkward in the long run.“

In a nutshell

Knowing what to say when someone says they like you can be challenging, especially if you don’t feel the same way. However, your response must be honest and kind to maintain healthy communication and respect for each other’s feelings.

Remember, it’s okay to take some time to process your emotions and respond respectfully and empathetically. If you’re struggling to navigate these conversations, seeking relationship counseling can be a helpful resource to improve your communication skills and strengthen your relationships.

Psychologist and Coach Silvana Mici concludes,

To sum up, being told that someone likes you may be cute and challenging. Remember to take time before responding to someone, and find the right way to approach them. 

Ultimately, treating others with kindness and respect is key in all interactions, especially concerning matters of the heart.

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Noah Williams Author

Noah loves to write on matters of the heart and mind. His experiences have taught him that being an honest friend who communicates well and giving importance to self-love can go a long way in maintaining loving relationships. When... Read more he’s not writing or advising people on how to thrive in their relationships, he loves exploring new places with his partner, working out, and pretending that he’s good at cooking exotic stuff. Read less

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