25 signs he likes you but is hiding it: How to tell if a guy is into you
Determining if a man likes you can be hard if he does not tell you. Guys are complex creatures, and girls sometimes have difficulty reading their signals. When you throw romance into the mix, it's challenging to tell the signs he likes you. Valerie Nwoji, a certified relationship expert and self-discovery coach, provides insights into recognizing signs that indicate a guy is in love with you.
Source: UGC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key takeaways
- 25 obvious signs he likes you but is hiding it
- 1. He declares his relationship status
- 2. He makes jokes about liking you
- 3. He may try to make you jealous
- 4. He invites you to hangout
- 5. He makes eye contact
- 6. He tries to talk to you all the time
- 7. He rarely talks about other girls
- 8. He tries to get close to you
- 9. He is supportive in many ways
- 10. He wants to meet your friends
- 11. He treats your friends well
- 12. He introduces you to his friends
- 13. He is jealous and overprotective
- 14. He is there for you when you need him
- 15. He tries to impress you
- 16. He asks questions about you and things you like
- 17. He acts weird around you, but in a good way
- 18. He replies to your calls and texts consistently
- 19. He wants to know your relationship status
- 20. He remembers your conversations
- 21. He subconsciously mimics your movements
- 22. He touches you but in an appropriate way
- 23. He maintains a good and relaxed posture
- 24. He is always well-groomed whenever he meets you
- 25. He respects your boundaries
- How do you know if a man is hiding his feelings for you?
- How can you tell if there is an unspoken attraction?
- How do you tell when a guy is interested in you?
- What are the 7 obvious signs he likes you?
- How do you know if a girl secretly likes you?
- Difference between genuine and misleading signals
- How to overcome the fear of expressing your feelings
- What is the 3-3-3 rule in dating?
Key takeaways
- He is showing you signs he likes you, but is playing it cool because he wants to be as close to you as possible without making it awkward.
- His actions might also be out of fear of rejection, fear of ruining the friendship, or general shyness.
- He could also be confused about his own feelings or trying to appear "cool" and unbothered.
- If all signs say that he likes you but is hiding it, you can be open about your feelings and tell the person how their mixed signals impact you.
25 obvious signs he likes you but is hiding it
If you're not sure whether a guy you are crushing on likes you too, do not be quick to jump to a conclusion. A guy might like you but not want to let you know just yet. If you are thinking, "Does he like me, or is he just friendly?" Here are the signs he secretly wants you but is hiding it:
1. He declares his relationship status
If he likes you but tries to hide it, he will tell you he is single and indicate that you're the only girl he could date. He doesn't want to be mistaken for being in a relationship.
2. He makes jokes about liking you
One of the most common psychological signs that someone likes you is when they engage in flirty banter about liking you. A man who has feelings for you will try to throw jokes here and there so that he likes you to see your reaction.
He can even crack a joke about you two going on a date. If you react negatively, he pulls back to spare his ego. So if you hear such jokes, know he likes you but is afraid of saying it.
3. He may try to make you jealous
Another sign he likes you but is playing it cool is if he tries to make you jealous. He mentions his dating life and talks about the people he's been seeing to see if you get jealous.
He wants to see your reaction so he knows if you're interested. He'll ask your opinion of what you think he should do in situations with other girls, but he'll be careful not to put you off.
4. He invites you to hangout
One way to tell if a man is attracted to you but hiding it is if he keeps wanting to see you. He may also ask you to hang out with him, but not like a date.
Instead, he may say he's heading your way and ask if you want to meet. In reality, this is a less intimidating way for him to ask you out without being obvious. If he asks you to hang out, this can mean that he's into you.
5. He makes eye contact
Eye contact is one of the signs that he likes you more than a friend. He will constantly look at you when you're not looking, and when you look his way, he will immediately pretend he isn't staring at you.
Eye contact is one way to show that he is admiring you. Men are eye creatures and cannot help but stare at something they like. So when he likes you, he can't keep his eyes off you.
Source: UGC
6. He tries to talk to you all the time
Regular friends don't talk that often, but a man who likes you will always find a reason to call you and has many things to discuss. He will also ask many questions and encourage you to continue the conversation.
This is a sign that he wants to get to know you better. So when you see a guy always wanting to talk to you, he may have feelings for you.
7. He rarely talks about other girls
If he never mentions other girls to you, know there's a reason. He is afraid you might think he likes someone else. So even if he meets another girl, he doesn't tell you about it.
This is also evident when hanging out with a group of friends. He never mentions any other women, either. He is also quick to deny seeing other women if the question pops up during a conversation.
8. He tries to get close to you
One of the things guys do when they secretly like you is that they want to be close to you all the time. For instance, he will invite you to events he is attending, accept your invitations, and leave the venue when you leave.
When you are hanging out in a group, one of the top signs he loves you is when he sits by your side or slows down his pace to walk with you. You can tell a man likes you when you see him, and he always pops up wherever you are, e.g., at the cafes, gym, events, etc.
9. He is supportive in many ways
He may not tell you he has feelings for you, but his actions will show you how much he cares about you. He will support everything you do and offer help even before you ask.
Even if he doesn't agree with you in a discussion, he will still support your point of view. He will be interested in your goals and encourage you to achieve them. When you experience all this support, fill in the blanks for yourself. He is into you, girl.
10. He wants to meet your friends
A man may want to meet your friends and other people close to you before meeting your family. It means he is into you, and interacting with people from your circle can help him know you better.
If he met your friends first, you can figure out that they want you to be with him when they talk about the person more than you do. They will assure you that he is a good person and invite both of you to events so that you can interact with him more.
Source: UGC
11. He treats your friends well
Guys know that girls' friendships are very important and can make or break a relationship. A guy who likes you will also want your friends to like him. He knows you value their opinion and will do his best to be in their good books. He will act nicely towards your friends and wants to get close to them.
12. He introduces you to his friends
A man will only include you in his social circle if he likes you more than a friend. He is proud to be with you and wants his close friends to see the woman who has captured his heart.
If the man has good friends, they'll be cordial with you, be nice to you, and respect you. For instance, they will hang with you without him, side with you when you argue with him, include you when pranking him, invite you on double dates, etc.
13. He is jealous and overprotective
Men are very jealous and protective of the women they like. If a guy likes you, the green-eyed monster will emerge even when little things are involved. If you're talking about another guy, you will notice obvious jealousy on his face. His actions will sell him out when he sees other guys flirting with you, even if he's trying to hide it.
14. He is there for you when you need him
A man who jumps in to help you whenever you are in need is one way to tell if he likes you, but is hiding it. Guys always help those girls they like. So, if he has time, he will stay with you until you feel better emotionally, physically, and psychologically.
If you want a sign that a guy likes you, tell him you are in trouble and check whether he will always be there for you. A man who makes excuses is letting you know that you're not as important to him as whatever it is he's busy with, whether he realizes it or not.
15. He tries to impress you
If he always tries to impress a woman, he has feelings for her but isn't ready to disclose them. He can also say things about himself that he knows will impress you.
He wants to make her like him and think highly of him before he shares his feelings. For example, he can mention that he owns a house, attended a prestigious university, or has an excellent job.
He can also buy her gifts, hold the door, pull a chair, give her his jacket, and do other things to please her. All this is to tell you he is doing well and would like you to like him.
Source: UGC
16. He asks questions about you and things you like
When a guy is interested in a girl, he asks many questions about her. A man who likes you will want to know everything about you, and he does this by asking questions. If he doesn't like you, he won't bother to know anything about you.
17. He acts weird around you, but in a good way
You should watch out for weird signs that a guy likes you. If you know him too well and catch him behaving strangely around you, he might be interested in you.
You can pay attention to the small details, such as how he acts around you, like his voice, etc. If he is usually confident, he may stutter when talking to you. This is because he is nervous and trying hard to impress you.
18. He replies to your calls and texts consistently
If he replies to your messages immediately, he is interested in you. He doesn't want you to think he is a creep, so he will instantly respond to your texts. Since he aims to keep you interested in him, he won't make you wait too long.
19. He wants to know your relationship status
If you are looking for signs he likes you more than you think, one of them is if he wants to know your relationship status. Most guys will ask this question early enough to avoid being disappointed later. If a guy doesn't ask if you are single, he might not be interested in you.
20. He remembers your conversations
A man who is interested in you will remember key details about you and many things you tell him. He will remember things you mentioned briefly, such as your hobbies, favorite food, food you dislike, places you have visited or plan to visit, and so on.
Source: UGC
21. He subconsciously mimics your movements
If you observe him closely, you might discover how he subconsciously mirrors your behavior. The person might imitate your facial expressions, speech patterns, attitude, and gestures. Mirroring often goes unnoticed by both parties. If you like him, you might find yourself mimicking his movements, too.
22. He touches you but in an appropriate way
The man will frequently want to touch you, but in an appropriate manner. For instance, he might brush your arm, hold your hands, give you hugs, touch your shoulder gently, or playfully wrap his arms around your waist without having anything sexual in mind.
23. He maintains a good and relaxed posture
The man will sit upright or stand up straight while facing you. His feet will face you, and he will make eye contact when talking to you.
Alternatively, he can lean in to be close and pay attention to you. It shows he values the conversation and wants to engage in it fully.
You will also notice that the man will not fidget, cross his arms, or fold your hands before you. Instead, he might stretch his arms out, highlighting the biceps and making his chest appear larger.
Some men lower their voice pitch slightly when talking to women they like. A softer, deeper voice can signify affection, indicating he is emotionally connected to you.
24. He is always well-groomed whenever he meets you
Women prefer clean men who shave or groom their beards and hair and keep short, tidy nails. So, a well-groomed man is trying to look his best to impress you. You may notice that he adjusts his clothing, hair, or appearance when he knows he'll be around you because he cares about how you perceive him.
25. He respects your boundaries
A man who has good intentions towards you respects your boundaries without trying to convince you to do what he wants. Sweet-talking or using logical arguments to make you go against your principles is the epitome of a red flag.
He should feel good when you express your boundaries because that will help him know what works and what doesn't work for you. If he values you, he will respect those boundaries rather than ignore them.
Source: UGC
How do you know if a man is hiding his feelings for you?
During an interview with Valerie Nwoji, a certified relationship expert and self-discovery coach, she emphasized the complexity of interpreting non-verbal signs indicating hidden romantic interest. Nwoji shared some common hidden signs a man is falling in love with you, which include:
- Eye Contact: Intentional eye contact can strongly indicate a romantic interest. Maintaining consistent eye contact can mean someone is interested in you.
- Body Language: When speaking with someone, take note of how they lean in; this body movement can suggest an interest in you.
- Compliments: Constant compliments on looks or your style can create an impression.
- Initiating Conversations: If someone constantly starts a conversation with you, it may indicate romantic interest.
- Active Listening: People interested in you will actively listen to you and contribute to most of your discussions. Some go to the length of agreeing with almost everything you say.
- Consistency: Look for consistent behavior; doing something once or twice might not hold water, but a constant act means a lot.
Nwoji added that the best way to navigate mixed signals is to communicate with her about your feelings and intentions, give her time to know how she truly feels, respect her boundaries, and be observant to ensure you don't mistake friendly gestures for romantic gestures.
How can you tell if there is an unspoken attraction?
Check out these obvious early dating signs he likes you:
- He asks for your contact details, i.e., phone number or social media name.
- He sends you friend requests on social media.
- He likes or comments on your social media posts.
- He likes to chat with you on social media via direct messages.
- He "accidentally" touches you but in an appropriate manner.
- He sneaks a compliment here and there.
- He smiles or laughs a lot when he is around you.
- He looks at your lips.
- He asks you on a date or always tries to hang around you.
- He initiates a way to see you again.
- He constantly looks at you with a smile.
- He pays attention to you when you are around.
- He talks to you almost every day.
- He never talks about other women when you are around.
- He likes your friends.
- He introduces you to his friends.
- He limits distractions like using his phone when he is around you.
- He supports your ambitions and dreams.
- He is always well-groomed whenever he meets you.
- He respects your boundaries.
Source: UGC
How do you tell when a guy is interested in you?
If you have been wondering "Is he attracted to me, or am I imagining it?" Here are signs he likes you during conversation:
- He makes eye contact or stares into your eyes when you are chatting.
- You catch him raising his eyebrows when you glance at him.
- He stares at your lips when you are talking.
- A shy man looks away when you stare at him.
- He smiles or laughs a lot when he is around you.
- He leans towards you to listen attentively.
- He frequently touches you in an appropriate manner.
- He maintains a good and relaxed posture.
- He subconsciously mimics your movements, such as leaning back or crossing his arms when you do so.
What are the 7 obvious signs he likes you?
The 7 obvious signs he likes you but is hiding it are:
- He makes eye contact and smiles when talking to you.
- He initiates physical contact. For instance, he may "accidentally" brush against you, or hold a hug a little longer than usual, showing he wants to be physically close.
- He remembers details, pays attention to what you say, and will bring up small details from past conversations. This shows he values your thoughts and connection.
- He tries to make you laugh. Notice if the man uses humor and playful teasing to get your attention and make you smile.
- He leans in when you talk. The guy will often physically turn his body toward you and lean in when you are speaking, showing he is engaged and focused on you.
- He asks questions about you. The man shows genuine curiosity about your life by asking personal questions about your hobbies, goals, and opinions.
- He introduces you to his circle. The guy wants his friends and family to meet you, which shows he considers you a significant part of his life.
How do you know if a girl secretly likes you?
Most body language signs that he likes you also apply to women. Nonetheless, while many signs are universal, some may appear with slightly different emphasis. Here are signs she likes you:
- She laughs at your jokes.
- She gives you compliments, especially personal and specific ones.
- She uses your name often when talking to you.
- She initiates conversations or goes out of her way to talk to you.
- She asks you questions about yourself.
- She remembers details you've told her.
Nwoji also highlighted that determining if a lady likes you is based on individual personality traits. She provided some guidelines to consider:
- Extra attention: When extra attention is given to something you like, or you say in passing, it can suggest she likes you.
- Emotional Moment: When a lady opens up to you on something very personal, it may signal a deep connection.
- Instinct: Trust your intuition; it hardly ever misleads you, but keep an open mind that you might be wrong.
Difference between genuine and misleading signals
Nwoji pointed out that misconceptions often arise, emphasizing that interpreting a friendly gesture as indicative of a romantic relationship can be one such misunderstanding. She said:
This happens a lot and needs to be corrected. Personally, direct questions have always worked to eradicate unnecessary assumptions. That's why I recommend open and honest communication rather than doing things based on assumptions.
This happens a lot among two friends who grew up together in the same environment, even attending the same school from primary to high institution. They will have been used to each other, and one might later develop affection along the line while the other fellow will be oblivious of it due to familiarity.
Misinterpretations might arise, so it's best to ask the other fellow directly or indirectly in the form of suggestions on your observation, perception, or feelings.
- Reduce the jokes or play to communicate your feelings. Know when best to share such intentions. I think saying your choice lazily might need to be taken more seriously.
- Be sensitive to everything they do and say.
- Your facial expression and body language also determine how you will be perceived.
Source: UGC
How to overcome the fear of expressing your feelings
In her conclusion, Nwoji expressed that overcoming shyness or the fear of expressing romantic interest is gradual. She likened it to a journey of self-discovery, where building confidence and self-improvement are essential starting points. Nwoji said:
Also, set realistic goals for yourself; only go for something as big as you. Start with a small task per day. For example, you can start by giving simple compliments. You can also listen to people's comments about you to observe your emotions and know your strengths better. Lastly, be authentic. Authenticity is the real deal. So, be sure to stay true to yourself and your feelings.
What is the 3-3-3 rule in dating?
The 3-3-3 rule in dating is a framework for evaluating a new relationship at three key time points: three dates, three weeks, and three months. The goal is to avoid rushing or getting overly attached by checking in on compatibility, communication, and commitment at each stage.
After three dates
Focus on basic connection, compatibility, and fun. Assess if there's mutual attraction and if you enjoy each other's company. Don't write someone off after a single awkward date; see if interest grows over a few meetups.
After three weeks
Focus on consistent behavior and communication. Is the person still making an effort to see you? Are they consistent in their communication, or do they disappear? This is a chance to see if the initial spark is sustainable beyond the "honeymoon phase".
After three months
Focus on long-term goals and commitment. By this point, you should have a clearer understanding of the other person's values and where the relationship could be heading. It’s a good time to have a more serious conversation about long-term goals and whether the relationship aligns with what you both want in the future.
When it comes to matters of the heart, guys are afraid to take the first step and admit their feelings. On the other hand, ladies find it difficult to tell if a guy likes them or not. The above signs he likes you but is hiding it will come a long way.
Legit.ng published an article about positive Eric Thomas quotes on relationships and grind. Eric Thomas is a popular YouTuber who gives great inspirational and relationship quotes. These quotes will encourage you to win both in life and in your relationship.
Eric Thomas's quotes are very popular online, as many people can relate to them. He's also known by many as the Hip-Hop Preacher. He had a tough time growing up, and his quotes will encourage you not to give up.
Source: Legit.ng
Peris Wamangu (Lifestyle writer) Peris Wamangu is a reporter who also has experience working as a content writer for three years. She joined Legit 's team in 2021. Peris graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Nairobi in 2019. She enjoys writing about various topics such as fashion, currency, biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Peris finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. Email: wamanguperis@gmail.com
Mary Ugbodaga (Lifestyle Journalist) Mary Ugbodaga is a Legit.ng journalist with 7 years of experience in journalism and media communications. She graduated from Covenant University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Mary previously worked as a journalist at TheCable, CNBC AFRICA, Voice of Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria. Email: mary.ugbodaga@corp.legit.ng.
