17 Telling Female-to-Female Attraction Signs to Look Out For

Attraction could mean so many things, but today it is not limited to the opposite gender. We all get attracted to someone, somehow. We also have different ways of showing it.

Have you ever wondered about the female-to-female attraction signs? You may have encountered some familiar feelings of attraction towards your female friend, best friend, or even a co-worker, and you begin to ask yourself why you are feeling these emotions.

Are you in love, having a woman crush on another woman, or do you just want to be close friends?

These feelings can be confusing, but they are not wrong. There’s no mistake when you feel attracted towards someone else, whatever gender they are.

According to Kristen Failla, LMFT, “Modern research (60% of straight-identifying women report feeling attraction towards other women in a Boise State University study) indicates that sexual and romantic attraction are much more fluid than many recognize, allowing attraction to exist in a free way.”

What Does It Mean if a Woman Is Attracted to Another Woman?

When you say attraction to another person, there is always a risk. It is a risk you should be willing to take if you admit your feelings.

Kristen Failla highlights, “Queer attraction to women encompasses a diverse spectrum of romantic, sexual, and emotional desires that may be connected, or not, to an individual’s gender identity or sexual orientation.”

However, for us to be fully aware of our feelings and intentions, we need to understand ourselves first, and this is where we should begin.

We should first understand the three types of attraction a woman can have towards another woman. Is it physical attraction where you think that this woman is strikingly beautiful, hot, and confident?

Would you say you are emotionally or spiritually attracted to her and her traits? Is it because she’s kind, understanding, and funny?

Wondering, “Am I attracted to women?” What if you are attracted to her because of her intellect?

Maybe, since she’s smart and has achieved so much in life, you feel this strong attraction to her intelligence.

Why is knowing the type of attraction important, anyway?

It’s important because this is how you will know whether you’re interested as a romantic partner, in a platonic relationship, or just in admiration of a friendship.

Kristen Failla mentions, “It is important to know that queer attraction is completely acceptable, even if you were taught otherwise. Challenging both internalized and external homophobic thinking and perceiving such attraction as natural and valid can help people relate to it positively, reduce shame, and cultivate a better relationship to self and others.”

Remember that whatever type of attraction you feel, it’s normal, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed about it.

17 Telling Female-to-Female Attraction Signs to Look Out For

Join millions building healthier, happier relationships.

Subscribe

Are you curious about the signs a woman is attracted to another woman? Is being attracted to another woman normal? 

The answer is yes; it’s normal, and you don’t have to be ashamed or worried. You only have to know what type of attraction you are feeling. 

Let’s check out the signs of female-to-female attraction. 

1. You somehow feel it 

Signs of female-to-female attraction start with your gut feeling. We all know that a woman’s instinct is almost always accurate.

You somehow feel that the tension between you has changed, and you start feeling that there’s something more to this closeness than what you’d expect from friends or best friends.

Usually, this gut feeling is the start of knowing that a fellow woman is attracted to you. 

2. You’re receiving too many compliments

Other obvious signs include when she showers you with praise and admiration.

And within the context of lesbian relationships, the dynamics of how attraction and satisfaction are expressed carry their own distinct qualities worth understanding.

Sure, women praise other women, too, especially their friends, but what if it happens daily?

If she notices and praises almost everything about you, from your dresses, the smell of your hair, your smile, your intellect, and your values, then, most likely, she’s attracted to you.

3. She wants a lot of your time and attention

You know it’s one of the female-to-female attraction signs when one is really clingy. While there are female friends who are clingy, you’d definitely notice when it’s more than just being friendly.

Usually, this sign is paired with jealousy. Your female friend may exhibit signs of jealousy if another woman spends time with you or if you give attention to another woman.

4. She becomes nervous around you 

You’ve known each other for a long time, yet lately, you’ve noticed that she’s acting a little too nervous in front of you.

Not unless she did something behind your back. There is a greater chance that she’s contemplating how to tell if a woman is attracted to another woman, and that’s you.

When you’re crushing on someone, it’s normal to get a little nervous in front of that person.

5. She knows everything about you

There can be many reasons for what attracts a woman to another woman, but remember that you will see the subtle signs if you just pay attention.

If you like someone, it’s just normal that you know everything about them, even the littlest details.

She knows that you love banana bread without walnuts, so she always gets you one without them. Your friend might be really sweet, or she might already be showing signs of female-to-female attraction.

6. She’s always close

Most of the time, your friends would love to stay close to you. You go out and spend time together, but there’s a difference when she’s already crushing on you.

If she’s already attracted to you, she may want always to be there when you go out, assist you with your errands, and even visit you when you least expect it.

7. She’s really touchy

Here is one of the important signs a woman is sexually attracted to another woman. Have you noticed her sitting closer than necessary or standing really close to you all the time?

What if she always touches your hand, arm, or even your hair?

Sometimes, a person who harbors attraction to you will unknowingly exhibit these actions.

8. She becomes flirty with you 

If you are really close, some women can playfully flirt without any intention; this is why it’s quite tricky to decipher this.

Do you know how to tell if a woman is flirting with another woman?

Kisses on the cheeks, flirty words, cuddling, staring, and being really touchy are just some ways that a woman can flirt with another woman.

If you feel like these so-called playful flirtings are causing sensuality and sexual tension, then you might be surprised by what it means.

9. She looks at you differently

Some women are too afraid to show that they are already attracted to a fellow woman, but the way you look is always a giveaway.

It’s one of the signs of attraction between two females.

Does her stare linger? Do you feel like it’s full of passion, admiration, and even attraction? If you do, then you are most probably right.

10. She showers you with attention

Many have asked, ” What attracts a woman to a woman? Is it her qualities, her beauty, or her kindness?

Maybe all the above, but one thing is for sure: one way or another, this affection will show through signs.

One of the most obvious ways is by showering you with attention. If you need someone to talk to, she’s there.

If you need a helping hand, a companion, or someone who will just be there, then she’s there for you. You have her undivided attention, and that’s how much you mean to her.

11. She is curious about your sexual preferences

Have you seen a straight woman in love with another woman? It’s not impossible, but most often, the signs a woman is interested in another woman are subtle, and these can include questions about your sexual preferences.

She may want to know if you’re open to dating people of the same sex or if you are against it. It may be pure curiosity, or she may want to test the waters before admitting this to you.

12. She is really happy when she’s with you

One of the signs a woman is attracted to you is when you notice that she’s always extra happy when you are together. She may laugh at the silliest things, touch you, flirt with you, and just have a good time.

She’s really comfortable with you and loves spending time with you. This is proof that even someone straight can find attraction and even love with the same gender.

13. Longer goodbyes

Do you ever get the feeling that she doesn’t want to be parted from you? This could be one of the signs a woman has a crush on another woman. 

She may drag out goodbyes, trying to find any reason to stay with you. Maybe she would even run after you, hug you, and tell you that she wishes you to be together.

If you feel that it’s out of her league to do that, maybe you are correct, because there are already female-to-female attraction signs.

14. Different body language 

Body language is said to be one of the most obvious signs when you are attracted to someone. Aside from the touches and closeness, there is also suggestive body language that could tell you if she likes you more than a friend.

She may use suggestive body language, such as biting her lip, lingering stares, leaning in close to you, or touching her own hair or neck.

15. She includes you in her future plans 

Here’s another one of those signs of female-to-female attraction. It’s when she includes you in her plans.

When you are friends, there may be times when you want to move close to her or go to the same school as her.

However, if she plans to move next to your home, invest in a business with you, or even do your grocery shopping together, that might be a little too far. This might suggest that her feelings for you are definitely more than just a friend. 

16. Mirroring behavior

When someone is attracted to another person, they may subconsciously mimic the other person’s gestures, expressions, or body language. 

If you notice that the woman you’re interacting with tends to mirror your movements, it could be a sign of attraction. This mirroring is a nonverbal way to establish a connection and show that she is tuned in to you.

17. Meaningful conversations about relationships

If she frequently initiates conversations about relationships, love, or sexuality, it could be an indirect way of gauging your views and openness to same-sex relationships. Asking about your past relationships or expressing curiosity about your romantic preferences suggests that she might be considering the possibility of a deeper connection.

It’s important to remember that interpreting these signs should be done cautiously, as people may express themselves differently, and context matters. Open and honest communication is the key to understanding each other’s feelings and intentions in any relationship.

What Should You Do if You Think Your Friend Is Attracted to You?

What will happen if you think someone you know, may it be a co-worker or someone you’ve just met, or maybe your best friend, is attracted to you?

Unless you know how to tell if a woman is flirting with another woman, you may need to rely on the signs you’re seeing.

If you feel like you are also attracted to her, then don’t be shy! Show some signs, too. If you feel like she’s trying to tell you something, it’s up to you whether you reciprocate the signs or go ahead and have “the talk.”

What if Her Attraction Makes You Uncomfortable?

A woman’s crush on another woman may be normal at some point, but what if you see bold signs that she really likes you? However, these signs are already making you uncomfortable. What can you do?

The first thing to do is to ask yourself why you feel uncomfortable. Then, plan what you need to do.

Never avoid her without telling her why. That’s bound to hurt both of you.

If you have attended any relationship counseling, you know that talking with each other is the primary key to understanding the situation that you are in.

Explain to this person how the signs she’s showing are starting to make you feel uncomfortable, but please, do it ever so gently.

We want to fix and save the friendship while also setting boundaries when you feel uncomfortable with the affection you’re receiving.  

Watch relationship therapist Esther Perel & psychologist Dr. Alexandra Solomon talk about making your date comfortable in this video:

FAQs

Attraction between women brings up a lot of the same questions, whether you’re noticing signs in someone else or sorting through your own feelings. Here are answers to the ones that come up most.

Embrace Your Feelings Without Judgment

Now that you know the signs of a female attraction to other females, you will know what to look out for. If you see them, or if you, yourself, are the one attracted to another woman, don’t fret.

These feelings aren’t a mistake, nor should you hide them. Embrace, acknowledge, and, if you can, talk about it. Don’t forget to analyze what type of attraction you are feeling to determine what you want from this attraction.

Attraction, in general, is something to value and not be ashamed of. Also, attraction is not limited to gender, age, or status. Once you’ve thought about these things, it’s time to discuss your feelings.

Continue exploring this topic

Talk to our Marriage.com AI Relationship Coach

Chat with me, ask questions and get help

Start Chatting

Marriage.com AI: Your Relationship Guide

Talk through what's on your mind.

Automated

Hi, I'm your relationship guide. What's on your mind?

YOU COULD START WITH

What are signs of female to female attraction?

How do women show attraction to other women?

AI guidance only - not therapy. In crisis? Call a helpline or Find a Therapist

Terms

Sylvia Smith Author

Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle... Read more in their lives too. Sylvia believes that every couple can transform their relationship into a happier, healthier one by taking purposeful and wholehearted action. Read less

Marriage.com Assessment

What Help Does Your Relationship Need Most Right Now Quiz

Reviewed byJennifer Schulz, LCSW

Backed by relationship science and evidence-based psychology, this assessment helps identify the area of your relationship that deserves the most attention right now, whether things feel strong or slightly off. Research shows that even healthy relat...

Questions: 20 | Last updated: Jan 23, 2026

Sample Question

When you and your partner talk about something important…

We listen with care — even hard talks feel safe and productive

We try to talk, but lately emotional closeness feels harder to reach

I want to be open, but part of me still guards my heart

Our discussions sometimes spiral or end unresolved

It’s hard to feel close because our physical intimacy hasn’t felt strong lately

We often see things differently about goals or priorities

Take the Quiz Now