Signs He's into You can be as subtle as a smile or as bold as a grand romantic gesture. As someone who's spent an embarrassingly long amount of time trying to decode the male species (with a degree in psychology, mind you), I can assure you, I’ve seen and experienced it all. Welcome to 2024, the year where we'd like to think we've gotten pretty good at figuring out if a guy likes us—or not. But then again, some things never change.
First things first: let's talk eye contact. If he's gazing at you like you’re a rare unicorn in a room full of horses, it's one of the primary signs he's into you. Look, humans are quite simple beings; we look at what interests us. And if he's locking eyes with you even during mundane conversations, it's as clear as daylight. But beware of the "creepy stare," which is more unsettling than endearing. Balance is key here, people.
Then there's the classic matter of “body language.” If he’s leaning in closer, mirroring your actions, or maybe even lightly touching your arm as he laughs at your not-that-funny jokes, let’s just say, the guy's smitten. Remember those fine folks over at Body Language 101? They'd agree with this assessment.
Of course, we can’t ignore the ultimate awkward yet adorable indicator—nervous behavior. Guys, much like us, get jittery around someone they fancy. If he's fidgeting, stumbling over his words, or laughing awkwardly, it’s probably not because he’s practicing his next comedy routine. No, it’s more likely that he’s trying to impress you and failing spectacularly.
Let us not forget the era of digital romance. Oh yes, texting habits are a tell-tale giveaway. If he's sending you messages that go beyond the casual "hey," delving into the territory of "I've thought about you today" or the golden "good morning," it’s one of the most obvious signs he's into you. His emoji game might be a bit rusty, but hey, it’s still a sign of effort. And you know what they say, effort counts, especially in 2024 when half the battle of romance reportedly happens over text.
Speaking of effort, there’s also this somewhat cliché yet undeniable move—the compliments. If he's going out of his way to tell you how great you look or how your laugh is contagious, it’s one of the sure-fire signs he's into you. Sometimes, they’re not even that smooth. In fact, the more awkward his compliments, the more genuine they usually are. Let’s face it; guys aren't exactly poets most of the time.
These are just a few starting points. From spontaneous gifts to subtle protectiveness, each sign is a piece of a very intricate puzzle. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into these complex yet heart-fluttering nuances that scream, "Hey, I like you!"
My mother once gave me the best bit of dating advice ever: if a boy likes you, nothing will stop him from calling you. WAIT! I know what you’re thinking — does texting or instant messaging count? Well, sort of. A sure sign that he is into you is that he wants to actually speak to you, hear your voice, so a phone call is still the best indicator. Thanks, mom!
Certainly, in today's digital era, we're all glued to our smartphones, and it's far too easy to send off a quick emoji or GIF instead of engaging in a real conversation. However, when a guy goes the extra mile to call you, it's often because he wants to hear your reactions in real-time, share a laugh, or just enjoy the sound of your voice. This type of effort shows a desire for a deeper connection that texts can't fully satisfy. And if he's calling consistently, it's not just a fluke—it's intentional. He's making you a priority in his day.
When he sent you a friend request (or added you to his circle, or started following you on Twitter), you knew he was a little interested, but now that he comments or likes or re-tweets or plus ones all of your updates and photos, you know he’s into you. Semi cyber stalking on social networking sites (not in a creepy way!) is one of the sure signs that he is into you, for sure!
His virtual presence in your social media sphere goes beyond casual interactions. It’s as though he’s making a digital effort to be a part of your day-to-day life. Whenever you post a story, a status update, or share a new interest, he’s one of the first to show encouragement with a heart or a thumbs-up. It's not just the frequency of his interactions that's telling, but also the thoughtfulness behind his comments. He often leaves personalized responses that show he's really paying attention, not just mindlessly scrolling through his feeds.
Two weeks ago, over drinks, you mentioned your strawberry allergy, and tonight, at dinner he made sure your salad came without them. He’s paid attention, and remembered what you said — another sign he’s into you!
It's not just the big things he recalls, either. He'll bring up the name of your childhood pet or your favorite book from a conversation you had a month ago. This kind of attentive memory shows that he's genuinely engaged in what you're sharing. It's like he has a mental notebook titled "All About You," and it’s filled with your likes, dislikes, and anecdotes. That kind of thoughtfulness is more than just good manners; it’s a clear indication he's invested in you and cherishing the details that make you unique.
If he can’t keep his hands off you (in the non-sexual way), then he’s definitely into you! Examples of this would be holding your hand while crossing the street, putting his hand on your back or waist as you’re walking together, and even brushing your hair out of your eyes.
Every time you glance his way, he’s either grinning at you, or he looks away quickly, with a shy smile — you catch him looking at you all the time! Oh, girl, he’s got it bad. This is one sure sign he’s into you. By the way, if you’re always glancing over at him… that might mean you’re into him, too!
It's pretty much like being in a romantic movie, except it's your life, hun! That adorkable little game of eye-tag you're playing is more than just coincidental glances. If you feel a flutter in your tummy when your eyes meet, it's because there's a silent conversation going on. Those looks from him are sentences unspoken, drenched with the sweet language of attraction. And that shy smile? It's the punctuation at the end of a silent statement that screams, "I'm into you!" So, keep a lookout for that loving gaze – it’s telling you everything his words haven't yet.
He can’t wait for you to meet his friends, his family, his dog, his roommates, his co-workers, and the guys at the gym. If he’s set on introducing you around, then chances are, he’s into you. And he wants everyone he knows to know it, too!
This eagerness to bring you into his inner circle is a real indicator that he's proud to have you in his life. It's like he's showing you off, because in his eyes, you're a catch. Whether it’s a casual hangout or a formal family gathering, he's prepping them for your arrival. And let’s not forget those little glances he’ll shoot your way when someone says something impressive about you. He's beaming with pride, and that's because he sees a future with you that he's hoping to secure by solidifying your place in his present social circles.
Men who don’t intend to stick around don’t send small gifts or flowers for no reason. It’s that simple. If he’s sending you flowers or cards or little handmade friendship bracelets, then oh yes, he’s into you.
Try not to talk to him for a little and see what happens. If you don't answer him or initiate contact, how will he respond? If he reaches out to you after he hasn't heard from you for a while, then there's a good chance he's into you! Maybe he was even checking his phone constantly and started to miss you. Either way it's a good sign.
Taking a step back can really be telling. It's a bit like a dance, isn't it? If he can't help but reach out, asking how you've been or making some excuse just to chat, his interest is more than clear. Guys who are smitten will look for any sign you're still there, still interested. So if your phone pings with a message from him during your little test, take it as a solid hint that he's definitely got you on his mind.
Not every guy is like this, but usually when a guy maintains eye contact with you while talking it's a good sign. There are some guys who get nervous and just can't hold eye contact that much, but for the most part this is a good tell. Bonus points to you if you notice that his pupils get bigger. Supposedly our pupils grow when we look at someone that we have feelings for/are attracted to.
A lot of times if a guy is into you, he wants to show you what he likes to do and share that with you. Whether it's going for a hike, watching a game, or taking you to a concert of his favorite band it's a good sign. This also works if he wants to do things like this that you like. He's trying to show you more of himself and that's really hard for some people so appreciate it.
This may be hard to pick up on, but it's not impossible. Try to observe his behavior around other people and then compare it to how he is around you. Maybe you'll notice a nervous laugh, sweaty palms, or he blushes. They're small and subtle hints, but they're definitely good signs.
If you pay close attention, his body language can you tell you everything you need to know. If he leans into you, it shows that he's comfortable around you and wants to be close. Also, pay attention to where his feet are pointing. Supposedly, our feet point to what we want. It's a good little tip to know!
Beyond just leaning in, eye contact can be a major giveaway. If he holds your gaze longer than what would be considered casual, it's a sign he's focused on you and interested in what you have to say. Additionally, a guy who mirrors your own movements is subconsciously showing sympathy and connection. When you take a sip of your drink and he follows suit, or you cross your legs and he does the same, it's like an unspoken dance of camaraderie. Keep in mind these subtle cues – they're often louder than words.
If he's got no problem watching Channing Tatum in a rom-com with you, he's so into you... or Channing Tatum. LOL! Chances are he'd rather be home watching a football game so give him props that he's sitting through a sappy movie!
If he's verbal about his feelings with you, consider that a big deal. Most guys are so out of sync with their emotions! Opening up to you proves that he's comfortable with you and genuinely trusts you.
Many men have built-in reservations when it comes to expressing their innermost thoughts and vulnerabilities. It's a product of societal norms that often equate emotional openness with weakness. So, if he's sharing his fears, hopes, and dreams, it's a signal that he sees you as more than just a casual acquaintance. When a man allows his guard to go down and reveals parts of his heart, it's like he's lighting a beacon of trust. That emotional intimacy is a critical step toward deeper connection and, quite possibly, love.
He can show this in many different ways. If he makes sure you've eaten already, offers his coat when you’re cold, wants to take you to the doctor whenever you're sick, he truly cares about you.
These are the signs I use to tell if a certain guy is into me, and they’ve never let me down. The first one, with the advice from my own mother, is still the best! Which of these signs that he’s into you have you used before? Or is there another way you can tell? Please share!
This article was written in collaboration with editor Vanessa Salles.