How to Tell if a Guy Likes You: 20 Signs and What You Need to Do

Learn how to tell if a guy likes you with these 20 subtle signs and what you should do and not do.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Dating can be confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out how someone feels about you. Learning how to tell if a guy likes you can help you understand where you stand with him. When a man is interested, he often shows his feelings through his actions, body language, and the way he communicates with you.

Have you ever wondered if that special guy is just being friendly or if there's something more? Maybe he texts you often, remembers small details about you, or seems nervous when you're around. These could be signs that he has feelings for you, but sometimes, it's hard to be sure without more information.

So, how to tell if a guy likes you? In this article, we will explore the most common signs that can help you understand if a guy likes you. We will look at both obvious and hidden signs of interest and give you advice on what to do (and what not to do) when you discover a guy has feelings for you. We wrote this guide on Thursday (5/2/2026).

How to Tell if a Guy Likes You

Here are 10 clear signs that can help you understand how to tell if a guy likes you:

1. He maintains eye contact - When he looks at you longer than normal and doesn't look away when you catch him staring, he's showing interest through his eyes and enjoying the visual connection.

2. He remembers small details - If he recalls your favorite song, the name of your childhood pet, or stories you shared weeks ago, he's paying special attention to everything you say.

3. He finds reasons to touch you - Casual touches like brushing your arm, fixing your hair, or sitting close enough that your knees touch show he wants physical connection without being too forward.

4. He texts you consistently - When he messages you throughout the day about random thoughts or sends good morning texts, he's making you a priority and keeping the connection alive.

5. He adjusts his schedule for you - A guy who rearranges his plans to spend time with you or always finds time in his busy week to see you is demonstrating that you're important to him.

6. He includes you in future plans - When he talks about concerts next month or trips next season with you in mind, he's mentally including you in his life beyond just the present moment.

7. He introduces you to important people - Meeting his close friends or family members is a significant step that shows he values you and wants you to be part of his wider social circle.

8. His body language is open around you - When he faces you directly, keeps his arms uncrossed, and leans toward you during conversations, his body is subconsciously expressing interest and engagement.

9. He offers help without being asked - If he volunteers to fix your computer, help you move furniture, or assist with problems you mention, he's looking for ways to be valuable in your life.

10. He shows genuine interest in your opinions - When he asks what you think about various topics and truly listens to your answers, he values your mind and wants to understand your perspective.

How to Tell if a Guy Secretly Likes You

When learning how to tell if a guy likes you secretly, look for these 10 subtle signs:

1. He acts nervous around you - If a usually confident guy suddenly stumbles over words, fidgets with his hands, or seems flustered in your presence, his hidden feelings might be causing this change.

2. His friends behave differently when you appear - When his friends give knowing smiles, tease him when you arrive, or suddenly leave you two alone, they likely know about his secret feelings for you.

3. He shows subtle jealousy - If he asks casual questions about other men in your life or his mood changes when you mention male friends, he may be hiding feelings of possessiveness.

4. He behaves differently one-on-one versus in groups - A notable shift in his personality, when you're alone together compared to group settings, might indicate he's more comfortable showing his true self privately.

5. He creates reasons to contact you - When he asks questions he likely knows the answers to or seeks your help with simple tasks, he's creating opportunities for interaction without revealing his intentions.

6. He engages with your social media - Consistent likes on your posts, especially on older content, suggests he's spending time looking through your profile due to his special interest in you.

7. He mirrors your body language subconsciously - If you notice him adopting similar postures, gestures, or speaking patterns as yours during conversations, his body is unconsciously trying to connect with you.

8. He finds your jokes unusually funny - When he laughs heartily at even your mediocre jokes or remembers funny comments you made weeks ago, he's emotionally connecting with your sense of humor.

9. He notices small changes in your appearance - Comments about your new hairstyle, different earrings, or subtle changes others miss show he's paying extraordinarily close attention to how you look.

10. He positions himself near you in group settings - If he consistently manages to end up sitting or standing next to you in gatherings without obvious effort, he's strategically placing himself in your vicinity.

What to Do When a Guy Likes You

When you discover a guy has feelings for you, here are 10 positive steps you can take:

1. Examine your own feelings first - Before responding to his interest, take time to understand what you truly feel about him. Knowing your own emotions will help you react honestly and avoid sending mixed signals.

2. Show similar interest back - If you like him too, respond with the same friendly signals by keeping eye contact, smiling when you see him, and showing you are happy in his presence to encourage him.

3. Initiate meaningful conversations - Take the initiative to start conversations about topics you both enjoy. Asking thoughtful questions shows you're interested in knowing him better and value his thoughts and opinions.

4. Suggest activities you both enjoy - Create opportunities to spend time together by proposing activities that match your shared interests. This provides natural settings for your connection to develop without pressure.

5. Be responsive to his messages - Show enthusiasm in your communications by responding to his texts in a timely manner. This positive feedback tells him his attention is welcome and encourages him to continue pursuing a connection.

6. Offer genuine compliments - Notice and comment on things you genuinely appreciate about him, whether it's his sense of humor, kindness to others, or talents. Specific compliments show thoughtful observation.

7. Create opportunities for one-on-one time - Spending time together without other friends around allows for deeper conversations and stronger connections. Accept his invitations or create situations where you can be alone together.

8. Be patient with developing feelings - Understand that everyone moves at different speeds in relationships. Give him space to express himself at his own pace, especially if he seems shy or has been hurt before.

9. Show interest in his life - Ask about his hobbies, work, family, and friends to demonstrate that you care about his whole life. Your genuine interest shows that you value him as a complete person.

10. Communicate openly but appropriately - While honesty is important, share your feelings at a pace that matches the relationship's development. Gradually increase emotional openness as trust and comfort grow between you.

Things You Shouldn't Do When a Guy Likes You

When discovering how to tell if a guy likes you and responding to his interest, avoid these 10 common mistakes:

1. Don't play mind games - Pretending disinterest when you're actually interested or vice versa creates unnecessary confusion. Such manipulation damages trust and prevents an authentic connection from forming naturally.

2. Avoid broadcasting his feelings to others - Telling friends or posting on social media about his interests can embarrass him, especially if he's private or shy. Respect his vulnerability by keeping his feelings confidential.

3. Don't compare him to previous partners - Each person is unique, so comparing him to exes or friends' partners creates unfair expectations. These comparisons can make him feel inadequate or that he's living in someone's shadow.

4. Don't lead him on - If you don't share his feelings, be honest rather than giving false hope. Being clear about just wanting friendship is kinder than letting him think there might be a chance for romance.

5. Never change your personality to please him - Pretending to like his interests or altering core aspects of yourself might work temporarily but isn't sustainable. Authentic connections only form when both people are being their genuine selves.

6. Don't rush the relationship timeline - Pushing for quick commitment or relationship labels before both of you are ready creates unnecessary pressure. Allow the connection to develop at a natural pace that feels comfortable for both parties.

7. Avoid testing his interest with tricks - Creating artificial scenarios to "test" his feelings or commitment is manipulative and destroys trust. Healthy relationships are built on honesty, not contrived loyalty tests.

8. Don't ignore relationship red flags - Being excited about his interest shouldn't blind you to concerning behaviors or incompatibilities. Pay attention to warning signs that indicate potential problems in a future relationship.

9. Avoid making assumptions about his intentions - Just because he shows interest doesn't automatically mean he wants a serious relationship. Don't project your desires onto his actions without clear communication about expectations.

10. Don't sacrifice your boundaries - Accommodating his every wish or neglecting your own needs to please him creates an unhealthy foundation. Maintain your personal boundaries and self-respect throughout your interactions.