Knowing how to tell if someone has a crush on you is as easy as paying attention. Which won’t be too hard if you’re crushing too — you’re already probably watching them. Here are 8 clear signs and 6 not-so-clear signs to help you know if someone is pining for you.
8 Clear Signs That Someone Has a Crush on You
Some signs that someone may have a crush on you are hidden, waiting for you to coax them out. Others, though, are like a siren barreling you toward your next romance.
Prolonged eye contact
If they’re always catching your gaze, it’s a surefire sign they’re interested. Eye contact is one of the most powerful forms of nonverbal communication, often signaling a desire for connection and intimacy.
In fact, a 2020 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences rated nonverbal cues, including eye contact, as one of the most telling signs of flirting.[1]
When someone is constantly staring at you or searching for your gaze, it shows that they are remaining locked in and focused on you, which is a strong indicator of attraction. This type of direct gaze can promote a firm sense of closeness and trust.
Proximity and casual touching
If they’re always finding ways to be close — whether it’s sitting next to you or “accidentally” brushing against you — they’re definitely interested.
A 2018 study in the Psychological Bulletin sought to decipher the connection between proximity and emotional response. Authors Montoya et al. determined that proximity is a strong indicator of attraction because it reflects a desire to be near you and create a sense of connection.[2]
When someone intentionally positions themselves close to you, it’s often a subconscious way of signaling their interest and wanting to build intimacy.
Adding subtle touches to proximity doubles-down on the theory that proximity indicates attraction. If your would-be admirer brushes up against you every chance they get, you can be sure it’s no accident.
Flirtatious teasing
Feeling like you’re back on the kindergarten playground lately? If they’re throwing playful jabs your way, it’s their sneaky way of flirting. It’s how they test the waters while building that connection.
Playful teasing is a common and effective way to express romantic interest without being too direct. By engaging in light-hearted banter or gentle ribbing, they’re not only trying to make you laugh but also gauging your reactions and comfort level.
This kind of teasing often creates a fun and flirty atmosphere, allowing them to bond with you while keeping the mood light. It’s a way to show affection and interest by encouraging interaction and opens the door for deeper connections.
Reaching out for communication
If they’re always the one striking up conversations, it’s a big hint they’re eager to get to know you better.
When looking at the link between conversation and the expression of interest, psychologists Sprecher et al. reveal that initiating conversation is a clear sign of interest because it shows they’re making an effort to connect with you on a deeper level.[3]
Whether they’re asking about your day, sharing stories, or finding reasons to talk, this consistent engagement reflects a genuine curiosity and desire to learn more about you.
Talking about you
When your name starts getting dropped in their conversations more than Taylor Swift drops albums, it’s a clear sign you’re on their mind.
Whether they’re bringing you up while talking about weekend plans or casually mentioning your quirky love for The Office during happy hour, it’s more than just small talk. He cares about you!
It’s like you’ve become the headline of their personal gossip column. If you’re suddenly the topic of their stories, chances are you’re the main character in their thoughts too. So keep your ears open for word from the grapevine that your name’s been on their lips of late.
Showering you with gifts and favors
If they’re suddenly volunteering to do favors for you, from picking up lunch to helping with a project, it’s their “grand gesture” moment, a la 10 Things I Hate About You — minus the stadium serenade, but just as meaningful.
Showering you with gifts, even if it’s just coffee, isn’t just a major green flag, it’s a sign he wants to make you coffee in the morning, at his place.
These little acts of kindness are their way of showing they care without being too obvious, and let’s be honest, when someone’s this eager to help, they’re definitely interested.
Expressing jealousy
When they start throwing shade at anyone who gets too close to you, or their mood shifts when you mention someone else, it’s a clear sign they’re feeling a bit jealous. Jealousy can be that not-so-subtle hint that they’re catching serious feelings.
If they’re acting a little possessive, it’s likely because they’re secretly hoping to be the only star in your rom-com, definitely in a script with no love triangles!
Sweet talk
Ah, the sweet serenade of a voice dipped in honey — if they’re speaking to you like you’re the last piece of chocolate cake, take note. Showering you with compliments, as well, is a form of sweet talk that surely won’t go unnoticed.
“That color you’re wearing really makes your eyes pop” is practically a romance novel in the works. That extra effort in telling you how amazing you look and the gentle, tender way they say your name are the verbal equivalent of a handwritten love letter in a world full of DMs.
So, if their voice drops to a whisper and they’re suddenly showering you with praise, consider it your cue that they’re head over heels — because let’s be real, nobody pulls out the soft voice and the compliments unless they’re ready to sweep you off your feet.
6 Subtle Signs That Someone Likes You
Other types of behavior could just indicate your possible paramour is a nice person. But you may see any of the above obvious signs combined with these more understated indicators.
Smiling
A smile is worth a thousand words. It’s also another strong indicator that someone is definitely feeling you. So, if they light up like a Christmas tree when you’re around, they’re definitely enjoying your company.
Smiling is one of the most universally recognized signals of warmth and happiness, and when someone frequently smiles at you, according to a study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly, it’s a strong indicator that they feel comfortable and pleased in your presence.[4]
Of course, a smile could also just indicate that the smiler is a happy, content, and altogether pleasant person. If he smiles at you with his bedroom eyes, though, well . . .
Body language
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s catching feelings after all?
Mirroring your movement, such as crossing and uncrossing their legs after you cross and uncross your legs, is a telltale sign of attraction. This is because mirroring another’s physical expressions and movements “creates comfort and emotional availability, contributes to identifying and labeling feeling, and contributes to arousing intimacy and desire.”[5]
Other, more subtle, body language cues can indicate someone is interested.
Leaning in toward you when you speak, raising their eyebrows, turning their body toward you, and dilated pupils are all body-based hints to help find out if someone likes you.
Nervous tells
If they’re suddenly displaying signs of nervousness like being extra fidgety, or blushing like they’ve been caught binge-watching Love Island, they’re definitely into you but trying their best right now to play it cool.
In fact, a study covering the five flirting styles determined that if they’re displaying signs of nervousness, it adds a layer of sincerity to the whole thing![6]
Think of your favorite rom-com moment where the star, probably a lovely but introverted guy, gets a bit too tongue-tied around their crush, and we’re all sitting there thinking, “Aww, they’ve got it bad.”
So take note, if they’re stumbling over their words or can’t seem to keep still, don’t worry — they’re just trying to keep their cool while secretly hoping you feel the same.
Lingering chat
When they’re dragging out conversations over the most random, silly topics — like debating the best Friends character (Joey, obvs) or discussing the merits of pineapple on pizza — you’ve got a clear sign they’re hooked.
It’s not really about the topic at hand; it’s about finding any excuse to keep chatting with you. Think of it as their subtle way of hitting the “continue watching” button on Netflix — they’re not ready for this moment to end.
Attention
When someone’s giving you that main character energy, making you feel like you’re the only person in a crowded room, you can bet they’re more than a little interested.
If they’re hanging on your every word, or their focus on you is sharper than a plot twist in a Shonda Rhimes series, it’s a dead giveaway they’re falling hard.
But it doesn’t stop there — if they’re taking a genuine interest in your hobbies, remembering details from your last conversation, and even following up on them later, it’s like they’re binge-watching a series starring you.
And if they’re practically tuning out the rest of the world when you’re around, ignoring everyone else like you’re the only one in the room, it’s safe to say they’re fully invested in your storyline.
Upgrading his appearance
When someone starts putting extra effort into their appearance around you, they may be stepping up their game for a red-carpet moment in your personal rom-com. Whether it’s a new hairstyle, a sharp outfit, or just a little extra grooming, they may not just be dressing to impress — they may be doing it all for you.
If you notice them suddenly swapping out their usual casual look for something that screams “date night” whenever you’re around, it’s a good sign they’re hoping you’ll notice them as much as they’ve noticed you.
But take this as confirmation if it’s the only sign. Anyone can upgrade their wardrobe on a whim. You don’t want to embarrass yourself assuming his new jeans are all about you.
Conclusion
Decoding the signs of a crush is like catching those inside jokes as an adult watching a Disney film — once you notice, it all clicks. Sure, the lingering eye contact and casual touches are the obvious giveaways, but it’s the sneaky signals — like mirroring your moves or new haircut — that spill the real tea.
Think of these cues as your backstage pass to navigating the romance game with confidence. So, the next time you need to know how to tell if someone has a crush on you, you’ve already got the script — you just need to read between the lines.
Need advice on how to start a relationship? We’ve got a dedicated page for that — check out the link.
FAQ
How do guys act when they have a crush?
When a guy has a crush on you, how he’ll act depends on his personality. Bolder guys may shower you with compliments and get up close and personal. A more reserved guy may act protective, try to impress you, or seem a bit nervous around you.
What are the symptoms of a crush?
The symptoms of a crush include “butterflies in the stomach,” increased heart rate, thinking about the person constantly, and feeling giddy when you’re around them.
Can you sense when someone has a crush on you?
You can sense when someone has a crush on you by paying attention to their body language and actions. Look for increased attention and subtle changes to their behavior when around you, such as casual touching, eye contact, and flirtatious teasing.
References
1. Apostolou, M., & Christoforou, C. (2020). The art of flirting: What are the traits that make it effective? Personality and Individual Differences, 158, 109866.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2020.109866
2. Montoya, R. M., Kershaw, C., & Prosser, J. L. (2018). A meta-analytic investigation of the relation between interpersonal attraction and enacted behavior. Psychological Bulletin, 144(7), 673.
https://psycnet.apa.org/buy/2018-20764-001
3. Sprecher, S., Felmlee, D., Metts, S., & Cupach, W. (2015). Relationship initiation and development. In M. Mikulincer, P. R. Shaver, J. A. Simpson, & J. F. Dovidio (Eds.), APA handbook of personality and social psychology, Vol. 3. Interpersonal relations (pp. 211–245). American Psychological Association.
https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/14344-008
4. Deutsch, F. M., LeBaron, D., & Fryer, M. M. (1987). What is in a smile? Psychology of Women Quarterly, 11(3), 341–352.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1471-6402.1987.tb00908.x
5. Shuper Engelhard, E. (2019). Embodying the couple relationship: kinesthetic empathy and somatic mirroring in couples therapy. Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy, 18(2), 126–147.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15332691.2018.1481801
6. Hall, J. A., & Xing, C. (2015). The verbal and nonverbal correlates of the five flirting styles. Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, 39, 41–68.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10919-014-0199-8
