How to Tell if Someone Likes You: 33 Telling Signs

Have you ever caught someone looking at you from across the room, or noticed how they seem to find reasons to be near you? These little moments can leave you wondering: do they like me, or am I reading too much into it? 

Learning how to tell if someone likes you can save you from unnecessary confusion and help you make the next move with confidence. 

When someone has feelings for you, they often give off subtle hints that someone likes you, like leaning in when talking or remembering small details about you. Recognizing these signs can help you decode their intentions. 

In this article, we’ll explore 33 signs that can help you tell if someone likes you and what to do if you think the feeling is mutual.

How to tell if someone likes you: 33 signs to watch out for

When you’re trying to figure out how to tell if people like you, there are often subtle and not-so-subtle signs to watch for. Recognizing these indicators can help you understand someone’s intentions and gauge their interest in you. 

From body language to the way they interact with you in conversations, here are 33 telling signs that someone might have romantic or friendly feelings toward you.

1. They make lingering eye contact

Experiments have shown that if someone likes you, they try to make eye contact with you.

If the duration of this particular contact is more extended, say, 30-40 seconds, then it’s for sure that they are interested in you.

2. Their friends will know

If someone likes you, their friends will create jokes when you’re around. They might give you a mysterious look.

3. They want to know you better

If they want to know more and more about you, they will like to spend time with you. They can ask you to relish a cup of coffee with them.

They will probably sit with you; listen to you carefully for an extended period without getting bored. And, of course, they will ask about your likes and dislikes.

4. They value your opinion

Research Highlight= In Psychology, there’s a principle known as the ‘similarity principle.’ This principle can be observed when we’re meeting new friends and showcases an inclination to align with people who share similarities with you. 

If they agree with your point of view, they want to get along with you and share the same hobbies and interests. In an intimate relationship, they would also like your weak point of view.

5. They like the same things that you do

Someone who likes you will have the same interests as you do. They will love the same music, bands, songs, colors, and more.

If you’ve ever mentioned your favorite place to them, they will like to visit that with you. This proves that they like you.

6. They mimic you

Psychological tests have shown that if you like someone, you mimic them sitting alone or while being with them.

So, if someone mimics you while being around, they will likely like you.

7. They love to tease you

If someone plays modest jokes, it indicates that they like you.

8. They are always there for you

Being available when you need them most can signify that they like you.

According to Christiana Njoku, LPC:

If someone truly likes you, they will make an effort to be there for you, every step all the way.

These were some of the signs discussed which would aid you in finding if someone likes you. They might not apply to everyone, but you can use some of these to reveal someone’s perception of you.

9. There are casual touches

Here is another way to figure out how to tell if someone likes you. If you notice casual touches such as placing their hand on your shoulder or unknowingly touching your hand, then those are signs someone likes you romantically.

Remember that people don’t just do that to be friendly or sweet. They are aware of this action and do it because you are special.

In any event that you may feel uncomfortable, let this person know. 

10. They get nervous

One of the most adorable signs someone is attracted to you is when they stumble with their actions and words. Some people still act like they have seen their high-school crush, and it’s pretty cute.

This worsens once you notice them, too. You might even notice how cold their hands are.

11. Their feet point towards you

This may be a strange sign for some, but it belongs to the most common psychological signs someone likes you. If you think a person likes you, try looking at their feet.

If you notice that they always point their feet in your direction, this means that, subconsciously, they want to be near you or close to you. Remember, body language is one of the best giveaways when you like someone.

How aware are you of your body language? 

Georgia Dow, a Psychotherapist, explains this further. 

12. They are always happy when they’re with you

If you want to know how to tell if someone likes you, try paying attention to their mood when they are with you. A person who is infatuated or in love with you will always be happy around you.

Don’t worry, this person isn’t pretending. Love can make us feel complete and jolly.

13. They want to get close to you

A person who likes you will find ways to be close to you. From joining your group for lunch, asking to be in the same group, or even choosing to be on the same shift as you.

It’s subtle, but it’s one of the most obvious signs that a person is into you.

14. They remember everything about you

Here is how to know if someone likes you secretly. Have you ever encountered a person who remembers the littlest things about you?

We usually talk with our friends and say random things about ourselves. Now, a person who likes you will know every detail.

From your favorite dip for your chicken nuggets to your weirdest comfort food, this person even knows the reason behind them.

15. You see them blush

Your friends tease you, and this person blushes and loses focus. They may start saying weird things, stutter, and even turn bright red.

There is no denying it. This person likes you – a lot.

16. They always find time to contact you

As they say, it’s all about priorities. If you know that this person is busy but still finds time to call, text, and even chat with you, that is another way to tell if someone likes you.

You’ll always find the time if you are serious about something or someone.

17. Their posture improves when they are with you

Here is another one of the psychological signs someone likes you. When a person keeps the trunk of their body open and exposed, then this means they are lowering their guard.

How does this translate to affection? It shows that this person is opening up to you and being vulnerable.

18. They contact you when they are drunk

Alcohol can sometimes give us the courage to tell a person how we feel. If you want to know how to find out if someone likes you, drunk dialing is one sign to watch out for. For some, this is their only way to admit their feelings.

19. They open up with you

One of the signs someone likes you is when they open up to you. You might wonder, “Of all people, why is this person so trusting of me?”

Christiana Njoku highlights that:

If you notice that they easily open up to you, it simply shows that they trust you to confide in you and that’s a sign to know they like you

Either they treat you as their best friend, or they open up to you because they like you.

20. Your conversion seems light

A person who likes someone will always be happy. This person doesn’t want anything negative around you, the two of you. This ruins the mood.

If you’re happy and your conversations are light, there’s a chance to get closer, don’t you think?

21. They make an effort to make you smile

Aside from light conversations, a person who likes you will always try to make you smile.

They are not just there when you need them, and they would also make you smile and help you if you’re going through something.

22. They give you small gifts

Do you notice someone consistently giving you small gifts? Are you receiving chocolate bars, encouraging notes, coffee, or maybe a cute pillow? These are tokens of affection and a significant sign of how to know if someone likes you.

23. The tone of their voice changes

People close to this person would notice that when they are close to you, the tone of their voice changes.

We can’t control it; instead, our body automatically does this when we’re near a person we like.

24. They want to be their best when they are with you

When we’re with friends, we tease a lot. But what if someone develops feelings for you?

Expect that this person always wants to be the best in front of you. You might notice that they would feel off when someone makes fun of them when you’re around.

25. They would ask you for a “not an actual date” meet up

Another noticeable sign of how to tell if someone likes you is when they ask if you can hang out but not as an actual date.

A little bit defensive, but since they have feelings for you, they would show some obvious signs.

26. They love doing favors for you

You’ve noticed that this person is always eager to do favors for you. They may offer to get you coffee, get you breakfast, get your things from the office, and even accompany you with your grocery shopping.

27. They notice the littlest things about you

“Oh! This is your first time trying out this coffee flavor.”

This person notices the minor details that many won’t see because his focus is always on you. This is usually harmless, as long it won’t make you feel uncomfortable.

28. Sometimes, they can’t look at you straight

When someone likes someone, they have different ways of showing it. Some will do their best to show their best behavior, while others get nervous.

Either they can be close to you and sweet around you, or they could be someone who can never look you in the eye or talk to you.

29. Some may fidget – a lot

Fidgeting is also a sign of nervousness. If you’re together, this person might fidget a lot. While there could also be many other reasons a person does this, it’s also a sign that they like someone.

30. They are overprotective of you

How do you know when someone likes you? This one is cute. We’ve seen this sign in dramas. A person being overprotective is definitely caring for you and doesn’t want anything or anyone hurting you.

31. They mirror your emotions

If you’re wondering how to know if a stranger likes you, one subtle sign can be mirroring your emotions. If someone genuinely likes you, they’ll often unconsciously mirror how you’re feeling. 

For instance, if you’re excited or happy, they might also smile or show enthusiasm, even if they were feeling neutral before. This empathy-based response often reflects their emotional investment in how you feel.

32. They remember important dates or details

Can you tell when someone likes you? Sometimes, a clear sign is how they remember small but important details about you, like your birthday, your favorite snack, or even the name of your pet.

Someone who’s interested will pay attention to these details, showing that they genuinely care and are attentive to what matters to you. They may even surprise you with these details later, demonstrating their thoughtfulness and interest in getting closer to you.

33. They seem genuinely interested in your future

According to psychology, how to know if someone likes you often includes noticing how invested they are in your future. 

If someone consistently asks about your goals, plans, or dreams, it’s a strong indication they want to be a part of that future. They’ll likely be curious about your ambitions, and may even encourage and support you, showing a deeper level of care and commitment to your well-being.

What to do if you think someone likes you? 5 tips

Figuring out if someone likes you can be both exciting and confusing. When you notice signs of attraction, it’s natural to wonder how to tell if someone likes you and what steps to take next. 

If you’re uncertain but suspect someone has feelings for you, these tips will guide you on how to know when someone likes you and help you navigate the situation with confidence.

1. Gauge your own feelings

Before making any moves, assess how you feel about the person. Do you like them back, or are you unsure? It’s essential to be clear about your own emotions, as this will help guide how you respond to their potential feelings and whether you’re open to exploring a relationship.

2. Start small and engage in conversation

If you sense that someone likes you, take the initiative to engage in more conversations. Keep things light and see how they respond. Initiating casual chats allows both of you to gauge the connection and create a comfortable space to explore mutual interests without pressure.

3. Be open but not overly forward

If you’re comfortable, show interest without being overly direct. Compliment them or show appreciation for their qualities, but avoid rushing into anything. This allows them to feel valued and encourages them to open up about their feelings without feeling overwhelmed or put on the spot.

4. Observe their body language

Body language can tell you a lot about someone’s feelings. Pay attention to how they position themselves around you, their eye contact, or if they engage in light physical touch. These non-verbal cues can offer insight into their level of interest and help you gauge whether they’re comfortable with you.

To learn more about how to read someone’s body language, watch this video:

5. Be clear about your intentions

Once you have a sense of their feelings and are ready to make a move, it’s important to be clear and honest about your own intentions. Whether you’re looking for a romantic relationship or just want to stay friends, setting the tone helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures both of you are on the same page.

How can you tell if someone likes you or is just using you? 

It’s tricky to decipher if someone truly likes you or has ulterior motives. A balanced approach involves observing their actions and consistency. 

Do they prioritize spending quality time with you without any strings attached? Do their words match their actions? 

True liking involves mutual respect, genuine interest in your life, and consistent effort to connect with you on an emotional level. 

However, if someone only reaches out when they need something, dismisses your feelings, or consistently prioritizes their needs over yours, it might indicate they’re more focused on what you can offer them rather than a genuine connection.

Ask yourself: Questions to raise if you’re unsure if someone likes you

When you’re unsure whether someone likes you, it can leave you feeling confused and overanalyzing every interaction. Taking a moment to reflect on their behavior can provide clarity. Asking yourself specific questions can help identify patterns and uncover genuine interest versus friendly gestures. 

These questions focus on their actions, consistency, and how they make you feel, offering valuable insight into their true intentions.

• Do they prioritize spending time with me, even when they’re busy?
• Do they remember small details about me, like my favorite things or stories I’ve shared?
• Are they genuinely interested in my life and opinions, or do conversations feel one-sided?
• Do they reach out to me without needing a reason or favor?
• Do their actions consistently match their words?
• Do they support and encourage me when I need it most?
• Are they open and honest about their intentions toward me?
• Do they show signs of nervousness or excitement when we’re together?
• Do I feel good, appreciated, and valued when I’m with them?
• Do they make an effort to integrate me into their social circle or family?

Answering these questions can help you better understand their feelings and decide how to move forward.

Bottomline

Understanding how to tell if someone likes you can bring excitement, but clarity is essential before diving in. If you’ve noticed signs from someone and wonder about their intentions, take a step forward—engage, observe, and connect. 

Whether it’s noticing body language, consistent communication, or their attentiveness, these signs can reveal how to know when someone likes you. 

Trust your instincts and evaluate the quality of the connection. 

If they make you feel valued, respected, and genuinely seen, this may be the beginning of something meaningful. On the other hand, if you’re unsure, reflect on their actions and your own feelings. 

Above all, remember that authentic relationships come from mutual effort, respect, and an open heart—qualities worth waiting for and building on together.

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less