25 Signs A Guy Is Attracted To You, According To Dating Experts

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Ever caught yourself staring at your phone, decoding a single smile or emoji from a guy, like it’s a secret message? We’ve all done it, while losing sleep over, “Does he even like me?” It’s totally normal to spiral into all sorts of scenarios. Honestly, guys can send out all sorts of mixed signals, even if their feelings for you are real. One minute he’s texting like crazy, the next he’s radio silent, triggering a tizzy of what, why, and how in your head. However, dating experts say decoding the signs a guy is attracted to you is not as complicated as it seems.

That’s exactly why we made this guide. Think of it as your personal clue decoder of signs a man is attracted to you but hiding it or not ready to show it yet, backed by expert insights and real-life experiences of women who have been through this wringer. We’re not handing you a magic formula, but these insights will definitely help cut through the guesswork. Ready to see what’s really going on? Let’s get to it.

25 Signs a Guy Is Attracted to You—Decoded by Dating Experts

Table of Contents

Think of each of these 25 signs a guy is attracted to you like a piece of a puzzle. One clue alone doesn’t show you the whole picture. Dating coach Geetarsh Kaur says, “When it comes to decoding another person’s feelings, no single sign can be a guarantee of romantic interest.” If you want an answer to, “Does he like me?”, you need to pay attention to the overall patterns of his behavior around you. And powerful signs of male attraction will begin to emerge. Read through the list and you’ll likely notice a theme in his behavior:

1. He makes intense eye contact

how to tell if a man is attracted to you — Eye contact attraction plays a big role in revealing a shy guy’s feelings

“Eye contact is an important, natural component of communication used to convey liking and attraction,” says psychologist Wendy L. Patric. Likewise, body-language expert Vanessa Van Edwards reiterates, “Men often convey feelings of attraction through eye contact.

If he’s catching your gaze and holding it, especially with a smile, it’s one of the most classic body language signs a guy likes you. He may often catch your eye across a room or at work. When you glance his way and he holds the gaze, instead of quickly looking away, it’s a pretty clear expression of his interest. Another tell-tale indicator is that he locks eyes with you in conversation, even when others are around.

2. He leans in and stands openly around you

Long before he expresses his feelings or is even sure of them, body language signs a guy likes you begin to emerge. Here is what they may look like:

When you’re talking, he’ll tilt his body toward you and maybe lean in so he hears every word
In a group, he moves to stand or sit next to you
His feet and shoulders point in your direction, showing you’re the center of his attention
He may bend closer when you speak in a noisy room, making an effort to hear you

Psychotherapist Dr. Alison Tarlow explains, “When a person is interested in you, they will naturally lean toward you. This is a subconscious expression of their inherent desire to be close to you.

Related Reading: 21 Texting Habits Of A Guy Who Likes You – With Examples

3. He mirrors your gestures and interests

Forbes columnist Nick Hobson notes, “If a person likes you, they will spontaneously mimic your physical gestures.” Here is what the physical signs of attraction from a man may look like:

When you cross your arms, he often will too
If you laugh or use a particular gesture, he often does it right after you
In conversation, he starts adopting your expressions or phrases
He might suddenly enjoy the same hobbies or even mention liking your favorite music or shows

This tendency to mirror actions and behaviors can sometimes become too obvious to ignore. As a Reddit user notes on r/offmychest, “He likes every single thing I say I like…It’s almost like we are the same exact person.” That’s how she was able to figure out this guy had a crush on her. Talk about an interest-mirroring gone meta!

4. He gives you his undivided attention

A man who’s into you will be a great listener. Dating coach Vin Serai explains, “He’ll look at you while you speak, nod and make encouraging sounds, showing he’s really hearing you.” If you’re looking for the signs a guy is attracted to you, notice if:

In conversation, he never checks his phone or looks around
His eyes stay on yours
He asks follow-up questions and brings up topics you mentioned days or weeks ago
He doesn’t interrupt or dismiss your comments
Whether you share something important or trivial, he acts like it matters. “You like chamomile tea, right? I remember!”

He remembers what you say without needing reminders because he hangs on to every word you say. That only happens when a guy is really invested in you.

5. He opens up to you

body language signs of male attraction — He doesn’t shy away from vulnerability

People often guard personal details around acquaintances or even friends, to some extent. But when a guy is attracted to you, he will let his guard down, and

Volunteers stories about his childhood or family
Tells you about things he’s never shared with others like a hidden talent or a fear
Talk about touchy topics like exes or past failures
Admit how he feels

This can feel like he’s pulling the curtain back on his life and giving you a peek into aspects of his life he usually keeps hidden from the world. Relationship writer Sylvia Smith says, “When he tells you personal stuff, it’s the act of a man being vulnerable with a woman, and that doesn’t happen unless he wants to be emotionally intimate with you.” This sharing of vulnerabilities is his way of saying he trusts you.

A Reddit user described this dynamic she has with her coworker, saying, “He seems to have this need for me to know absolutely everything. The weird part is that it seems completely natural. I trust him completely and have opened up to him as well. It just feels like healthy open communication between two people who like each other.”

Related Reading: 21 Subtle Signs A Shy Guy Likes You

6. He notices even small changes in you

One of the most powerful signs of male attraction is his attentiveness. When a guy has genuine feelings for you, he will spot even tiny changes in your appearance, behavior, mood, or demeanor. Dating coach Sneha Tete reiterates, “If he notices your clothes, your hair, and your makeup and compliments you on any of these, he is totally into you.” You can stop tormenting yourself with the question, “Does he like me?”, if any of this has happened to you:

You put on a new lipstick shade? He’s the first to say, “Wow, this color is great on you.”
He notices when you switch glasses or change your perfume
Even if you think no one saw a small change you made in your appearance, he won’t miss mentioning it. “New earrings? They suit you.”

These compliments are usually spontaneous and feel heartfelt. So much so that you begin to look forward to them. If he doesn’t remember that you had a haircut appointment and asks you to share a picture, you feel like the entire purpose of getting one has been defeated.

7. He gets nervous and blushes

Attraction often comes with a little nervous energy. Writer Sean Jameson says that if he “blushes easily when you’re around, seems to stumble on his words, looks shy, or otherwise appears nervous, chances are awesome that he’s into you!” When a guy has feelings for you, he will inevitably display one or more of these classic signs of butterflies in the stomach around you:

He might laugh nervously at even a mild joke
Shake a bit
Look away as soon as you catch him staring
His cheeks could turn pink when you compliment him
He may stammer slightly if you ask him a direct question

Related Reading: Can You Sense When Someone Likes You? 9 Things You May Feel

8. He finds excuses to touch you

Heidi, a children’s counselor, noticed that one of her students’ fathers always made it a point to talk to her whenever he was on the school campus, be it for PTAs or to pick up or drop off his kid. As they became pally, he’d find ways to make physical contact with her. A gentle tap on the shoulder or a casual rub on the arm. Every time it happened, Heidi would find herself wondering what it was all about until he finally asked her out.

Psychotherapist Kristie Tse explains, “Casual physical touch like a light touch on the arm or shoulder can suggest a desire for closeness.” If you’re looking for physical signs of attraction from a man, pay attention to these:

He briefly rests a hand on your shoulder when walking by or squeezes your arm in a playful jab
He hugs you with a “squeeze” farewell
During conversations, he might reach out to fix something on you, like tucking your hair behind your ear
Even small or “accidental” brushes, like his hand accidentally on your back or thigh, often have a purpose

9. He laughs at ALL your jokes

When a guy is into you, he’ll often play the role of an enthusiastic fan. You may notice that he laughs uncontrollably, whether you make a silly pun or tell a casual story, make it seem as if it’s comedy gold, even when the humor quotient in what you said is average at best. He may also smile at you constantly, radiating that warm grin at your presence. Sometimes you might catch him chuckling at things you say that aren’t objectively funny, because he finds you funny. All in all, if he is forever glad to be in your company and acts like your personal cheerleader, it’s among the clear signs a guy is attracted to you.

10. He actively engages with you online

signs he’s emotionally into you — He is prompt in his replies and reactions

Signs of attraction from a guy aren’t just limited to in-person interaction but also play in virtual interactions, be it over text or social media, too. He will invariably,

Text you back within minutes, even about random things like, “Saw a cat that looks like yours!”
Peppers his messages with emojis 😊❤️😜 or funny GIFs. Yes, a guy’s choice of emojis can tell he likes you
Irrespective of whether you text late at night or early in the morning, he replies just as promptly
Double text to see if you’re okay if you vanish from chat for a day
Find a way to DM you something sweet even in group chats

Related Reading: 18 Early Dating Signs He Likes You

11. He compliments your appearance often

A guy into you will notice and mention how you look, and his compliments and words of appreciation won’t just be casual or generic, but he will find meaningful ways to make you feel special with his words, such as:

“Wow, you look amazing in that dress!”
“Your eyes are really something.”
“You smell great, what are you wearing today?”
“Your haircut really suits you.”

The most important thing is that these compliments often catch you off-guard in a nice way and leave you thinking about him for quite some time.

12. He compliments your personality or actions

Speaking of compliments, his appreciation for you isn’t limited to your looks. Men often let you know they like you by praising who you are, and driving home the point that they appreciate your personality, actions, and attitude. For example,

When you solve a problem or do something thoughtful, he says, “You’re so smart” or “That was really kind of you.”
He admires your sense of humor and says, “You’re hilarious!”
He shows appreciation for your work ethic by saying, “I’ve never met anyone so dedicated.”

These compliments from him often come when you least expect them and are clear clues that he notices even the smallest of things about you.

Related Reading: 17 Sureshot Signs He Likes You But Is Playing It Cool

13. He follows through on his word

Dating expert Susan Winter emphasizes, “When a man has serious feelings for a woman, his words and actions automatically sync up.” In plain terms: if he makes plans or promises, he actually keeps them.

If he says he’ll call you on Thursday, he does
He clears his schedule to see you
He arrives when he says he will instead of cancelling on you last minute
If you mention something you want, be it a book, your favorite dessert, or a drink you love, he will make sure you have it

This consistency speaks volumes about his intentions. It’s his way of saying, “I’m here for you. You can count on me.”

14. He preens himself when you notice

Preening behavior is another subconscious sign of attraction in men. People do little things to look their best around someone they like. Edwards says, “You might catch him adjusting his clothes or hair as you approach. He’s not self-conscious, he’s “polishing” his image for you. What does this preening behavior look like? Here are some signs to look out for:

When he sees you nearby or catches you looking, he might immediately straighten his shirt collar, brush lint off, or run fingers through his hair
If you give him a compliment, he might do a small shrug and play with his hair shyly
He might check himself in reflective surfaces more often when you’re around

15. He asks you deep or revealing questions

how guys act around a woman they like — He makes an effort to get to know you better

If he’s attracted, he’ll be genuinely curious about you. Dr. Tse notes, “He may ask deeper questions about your thoughts and feelings, and not limit himself to surface-level talk. By trying to know you on a personal level, he’s signaling he cares. So,

Rather than just “How was your day?”, he asks “What was the best part of your week?” or “How do you feel about that?”
He inquires about your dreams, family, or life opinions
He might even playfully debate you on values or discuss future plans, wanting to understand your mindset

When you talk, he probes because he truly wants to know you like the back of his hand. This is one of the most telling signs a man is attracted to you but hiding it or not ready to express his feelings yet.

Related Reading: Why Would A Guy Reject You If He Likes You?

16. He playfully teases you

Teasing is a classic flirting move and one of the lesser-recognized physical and sexual tension signs from a man. As one Redditor says, “Teasing is the easiest and best way to flirt with someone you like without coming off as creepy or desperate.” When he jokes around with you, in a light, back-and-forth way, it often means he’s comfortable and interested. The signs of attraction from a man aren’t always mushy and romantic; they may also look like:

Giving you a hard time about something in a gentle way
Poking fun at a quirk of yours
Laughing when you tease him back
Using funny nicknames

The real clincher is that his teasing is never mean but warm and playful. This banter is his way of building a connection with you in a fun way.

17. He helps and supports you

A guy who likes you will often go out of his way to be helpful. Whether it is sharing the load when you have a lot on your plate or giving advice or lending his expertise for a project you’re working on, he’s always there for you. If you’re struggling with something, be it a work project, moving errands, or studying late, he volunteers to help or even shows up to assist without being asked.

He offers resources or connections to assist you the best he can and cheers on your goals, attends your events, or simply encourages you when you’re down. This is his way of showing his support for you, and in turn, signaling he cares about your well-being and success.

Related Reading: 21 Expert-Validated Psychological Signs Someone Likes You

18. He brings you into his circle

Does he like me? Is he attracted to me? If you’ve been wondering on similar lines, watch how he behaves with you in group settings. If he’s attracted to you, he’ll bring you into the conversation or invite you into his circle by asking for your opinion or asking you to join in on his plans. In addition to this,

In a group hangout, he sits or stands next to you, often involving you in the topic
He might tell stories that involve you, showing you off
He’ll specifically ask you a question in a crowd, spotlighting you
If planning something, he naturally extends an invitation to you

In other words, he makes sure you’re included and visible among his friends or colleagues. This inclusion means he cares about you enough to make you part of his world.

19. He smiles a lot when he sees you

Genuine, warm smiles are hard to fake. Notice if he lights up when you appear. Body-language studies say a “Duchenne smile”, the kind that makes eyes crinkle, appears when someone is truly happy. Simply put, if you make him grin every time in a way that reaches his eyes, it’s an encouraging sign. His constant smiles mean your presence brings him joy.

infohraphic on Signs a Guy Is Attracted to You — How a shy guy conveys his feelings

20. He has taken an interest in your friends and family

A man who’s interested in you wouldn’t just want you to meet his people but will also take an equal interest in your inner circle, be it close friends or family. You may notice that,

He listens intently when you share stories about your friends and family
Even asks follow-up questions. Like, “So, how did Megan’s interview go?” or “How was lunch with your mom?”
Slowly but surely, he will express interest in being introduced to them
Before you know it, he will be an integral part of your inner circle

Related Reading: 21 Undeniable Signs That He Likes You

21. His pupils dilate when he looks at you

One of the subtle but surefire body language signs a guy likes you is that his pupils dilate when he sees you. There is a scientific reason for it. Research has shown that attraction physically dilates pupils because when you see someone you like, your sympathetic nervous system kicks in. This is hard to fake because it happens unconsciously when he first sees you after a break, or when you two are talking. Your own pupils do the same; he might be attracted by your eyes, too. This “big eyes” reaction is a physiological love signal.

22. He dresses up when he knows he’ll see you

If you’re looking for powerful signs of male attraction, pay attention to his grooming. If a guy suddenly sharpens up his style, even in settings that don’t warrant it, like at the gym or in school, it might be because he knows you’re watching.

On days he expects to meet you, he opts for nicer clothes or styles his hair differently. If he usually dresses casually but you see him making an effort, it’s not by accident. Even subtle changes like fresh cologne and polished shoes are ways of showing you he cares about his appearance for you.

Related Reading: 15 Clear Signs He Likes You More Than You Think

23. He invites you into his future plans

When a guy really likes you, he starts thinking ahead and involves you in his future plans. You might notice, he tries to include you whenever he talks about upcoming events or plans because he wants to spend as much quality time with you as possible. For example,

“We should go to that concert next month.”
“Can you come to my friend’s party?”
“I’m going hiking Saturday; want to come?”
“I have this event next week, you should come with.”
“We could try that movie everyone’s talking about.”

24. He’s protective of you

When a guy is attracted to you, he is likely to show a protective streak.

He offers to walk you to your car or help you carry things
He checks in if you sound off-colour or stressed
He stands by you in tough moments or helps you deal with problems
He might even step in if someone bugs you

This kind of attentiveness shows he values your safety and happiness and aligns with the inherent fundamentals of support that emerge when people begin to care for someone.

25. He keeps you laughing and engaged

Finally, notice if he continues the fun. When he’s attracted, he will happily go the extra mile to keep your conversation lively. He remembers what tickles you, from your favorite jokes to your sense of humor, and uses that to make you laugh. He may send you funny memes or jokes because he knows they’ll make you smile. He starts inside jokes that only you share. During conversations, he deliberately steers toward topics that you enjoy. Basically, he becomes your personal entertainer because nothing brings him more joy than seeing you happy.

Final Thoughts

Look, attraction isn’t an on/off switch, it’s messy. You probably won’t tick every box on this list, and that’s totally fine. What really matters is the overall pattern of how he acts over time. After all, no single grin, text, or gesture confirms everything on its own. Instead, notice the cues that happen again and again. And hey, keep being your awesome self through it all. Pay attention to the clues and trust the overall vibe, but try not to lose sleep over it. Eventually, things will start to make sense. You’ve got this.

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