Trying to figure out if a shy guy is interested in you can be quite a mystery. You’ve caught him glancing at you and he does smile a bit more when you’re talking, but is that one of the signs a shy guy likes you romantically?
Zayn has had a crush on Rose since kindergarten but he’s never come close to explaining how he feels about her. All he can do in her presence is smile and agree with whatever she says. Rose has always felt Zayn looking at her fondly, and the biggest giveaway is that he always waits for her outside the campus with an ice cream in hand. But he never says anything, so how can she be sure if he’s into her or they’re just friends?
Shy guys are hard to read. It can be difficult to decipher if a shy guy has a crush on you or if he’s just being friendly. You turn to your friends, “Does he even like me?” Because asking him directly is scary when you’re shy yourself. Let’s try to declutter all the confusion and focus on the minute signs you could be missing out on.
The Science Behind Shyness
Did you know that if you’re shy, it is partly the result of the genes you’ve inherited? A 2019 study, The Genetic and Environmental Etiology of Shyness Through Childhood, concluded that the foundation of shyness is mainly accounted for by early, persistent genetic contributions – primary environment and caregivers.
So technically, you are born with shyness. The experience of shyness can produce discomfort and problems in the personal, social, and professional lives of shy individuals. These problems include feelings of loneliness, anxiety, difficulties meeting new people, and also in career-oriented decisions.
Related Reading: 15 Reasons Your Man Never Texts You First But Always Replies To You
This translates to dating and romance too. But you can still catch the signs a shy man likes you. Instead of asking your friends, “Does he like me?” every day, let’s learn about the things shy guys do when they like you.
21 Subtle Signs A Shy Guy Likes You
Trying to ask a shy guy directly if they like you may not be successful. They might end up avoiding the question and not providing enough clarity. The mixed signals are cumbersome and even worse is the missed opportunity; if only you both knew how much you like each other! Find out if being shy is a turn-off a man?
A worldwide phenomenon, a study on global shyness across cultures by the American Psychological Association found that the cultures experiencing shyness are 31% in Israel, 57% in Japan, and 55% in Taiwan. Approximately 40% of participants in the US, who also reported experiencing shyness, are similar to those surveyed in Canada, Germany, India, and Mexico.
The hazy signs a shy guy is attracted to you are right in front of you and here’s how you can spot them.
1. A shy guy gets nervous around you
Nervousness comes naturally to a shy person. And if their crush is just around, or in the same room, the nervous sweats begin. If you notice your friend is getting extra restless after seeing you, which sometimes translates into nail-biting, shallow breathing, shaky leg pouncing, and avoiding eye contact, it’s one of the signs a shy guy likes you but is trying not to show it. There are several signs that a guy is nervous around you and why.
We feel all sorts of ways when experiencing a crush. There is infatuation and unrest, so it makes total sense for a shy guy to be nervous about his feelings.
2. You catch him staring at you
A shy guy has a crush on you and he can’t help but steal glances. You’ll notice it happening sooner or later, he will look at you rather intently with half a smile. Shy guys have their own way of expressing interest, which is mostly subtle. Just a little bit of eye contact and a lot of made-up scenarios in their head. So if a guy has been doing this to you repeatedly, it’s one of the signs a shy man likes you. Find out what a guy is thinking when he stares at you!
3. He goes out of his way to be with you
Another sign a shy guy likes you, you somehow always stumble upon him at different venues. If there are groups being formed, he tries to team up with you. He always tries to find a way to meet you, no matter the circumstance. This is one of the signs that a man wants you to notice him and wants you badly!
4. He’s always there to listen to you
He is always around to listen to any of your rants, joys, and crazy stories. He listens carefully and shares insights when you’re looking for advice. Listening is really a shy guy’s forte!
5. His body language says a lot
He might not be able to say the right words or make the first move but his body language speaks a whole other story. You can notice if you pay attention. It is evident when he tries to get rid of lint from your blazer or straighten out your shirt. He may not be able to directly run into your arms or hold your hand, but all the other little ways he can have contact with you, he tries. There are expert-backed body language signs that a guy secretly likes you.
6. He is your religious follower on social media
Whenever you post something new, he’s one of the first to like (or even comment, if he’s not ‘that’ shy). No matter the subject of the post, he always tries to engage, compliments your skills, and supports you thoroughly.
He also tries to strike up a conversation by replying to your stories and helping with your social media game in whatever way he can, even if it means buying from you, recommending artists, or sending you topics of your interest.
Related Reading: How Do Introverts Flirt? 10 Ways They Try To Get Your Attention
You can notice such habits easily and if this is the case, then it is one of the signs a shy guy is into you.
7. He is giddy and clumsy around you
For him to spend any amount of time with you becomes the silver lining of his day. In your presence, he is more shy than usual. Blushing, stammering, and sometimes even falling over. His crush on you makes him even more nervous, that is, more tomato-faced around you. He loses his train of thought and speaks funny when he is around you and his full smile and red cheeks display all the love that he can’t confess.
8. He is always the first to help
Whenever you need a friend to accompany you, write you a helpful recommendation, give you good advice, or borrow things from, he is always the first to jump at the opportunity. It’s almost as if he is looking for an excuse to talk to you or just be around you. And yes, he is. Here’s how you can sense if this shy guy actually likes you!
9. He agrees with your ideas easily
Signs a shy guy likes you, he willingly follows through with your ideas and provides a helping hand. Timid guys don’t prefer confrontations. But somehow, he is way more agreeable when it comes to you. Because he likes you so much, he can’t help but agree with your opinions. He says just the right things and leaves you feeling comforted and heard.
10. His friends tease him in front of you
You’ve caught him blushing when his friends tease him, especially in front of you. He may not have told you about his crush on you, but his mates know all about it. They leave no chance to bring it to your attention by throwing funny glances at you both, and teasing him with your name. He can only laugh along and not look as embarrassed as he feels.
Related Reading: How To Flirt With Guys Over Text? 17 Tips To Do It Right
11. He usually prefers to be solo but always chooses your company
On the regular, he prefers to be alone and loves his own company. But when it comes to you, he can spend his time with you doing absolutely anything. Activities like shopping, walks, lunch and drinks would usually make him run the other way or he would take care of it all by himself. But now, he would choose to do it all in your company. There is a big possibility that this shy guy is an introvert and here are effective ways to date an introvert if you’re interested in him.
12. He tries to fit into your group
He tries to make his place in your world. Even though he isn’t close to your friends, he makes the effort. Even if he is clumsy, he cracks jokes and brings up common topics of discussion. Almost as if he may have prepared what to say the night before (he may have, it is a go-to for shy people). If you like the guy and want to see where it goes here’s how to respond to his compliments.
If someone goes so far for you, you’re bound to be a little surprised. Who can’t love this effort though! It’s a green flag.
13. He wants to learn more about you
He asks you questions about your life, interests, goals, dreams, and ideas. He is always keen and excited to learn more about you. He has a bunch of questions lined up when you start talking. And so the conversations flow, even though you might need to do more of the talking. An undeniable sign that a shy guy is totally in love with you yet may be scared to admit it.
14. He treats you differently than other girls
Another major sign a shy guy likes you, you’ve noticed him with other women and he behaves differently with them. Unless it’s a friend, he doesn’t even stand close to other girls and only speaks if spoken to. Their conversations end as soon as he’s able to wrap them up, but with you, it’s the complete opposite. He compliments you, and calls you beautiful or cute, which he could never say to anyone else.
15. He gives the most meaningful gifts
His gifts portray what he can’t say. You may have not even expected a gift from him but his best wishes and affections are always there with you. Even the surprise present he got you has a lot of value and meaning attached to it.
Whether it is expensive or not, his intent is inviting. Something you’ve wanted for a while now, or something that’s close to your heart and not many know about – that is his gift to you.
Related Reading: 7 Problems That A Shy Girl Faces When She’s In The Dating Zone
16. He is there for you
We’ve all had bad days. A thing that helps us get through them is a strong support system and he provides that. Always just one call away, ready with ice cream to help you out with any trouble. There are several signs that showcase that he wants to confess his feelings for you and can’t hold on much longer.
He asks you what you need instead of imposing his own solutions on you. Shy guys can be quite emotional and sensitive. They may not be able to show you, but they feel it all. Which is why he is your go-to friend when you need some pampering and care.
17. He recalls little details about you
The tiny details are what’s most important at times. He remembers tidbits about you and your life. Like what you were wearing the first time you both met, what was the first secret you told him, or if you’ve got a new haircut.
Shy guys are great observers and make you feel acknowledged, validated, and reassured.
18. He may prefer chatting online, but he is always ready to meet you
One of the signs a shy guy likes you through text is that he usually prefers texting over calls. Video calls give him quite the scare, making him feel out of control. Texting is easier because it gives him the opportunity to think, feel, and then reply. Meeting you in person may be his favorite thing but he is aware of his nervousness even more in your presence. Still, he doesn’t miss any chance to see you. There are special emojis he could be sending you that convey his feelings better than words could.
19. He is playful with you
He entertains you throughout. He may be shy but he knows how to surprise you, make you smile, and laugh. His antics are quite the show and it’s almost as if your inner child feels comfortable enough to play along with him.
Be it funny rapping, dancing, or simply who can tag the other first, it is always a lot of fun and you forget about all the other stressors of your day.
Related Reading: 8 Ultimate Tips On How To Make The First Move On A Guy
20. He is willing to go through anything for you
There aren’t many limitations for him when it comes to keeping you happy. He doesn’t mind much of anything and is willing to do anything for you. He always waits for you no matter the time, drops you home safe and sound, and most importantly, tries to fulfill all your needs. Even if he can’t get it right the first time, his efforts at making you happy don’t let up. If you have a crush on a shy guy, here’s how to find out they’re interested too!
21. He shares his secrets with you
This shy guy shares things about himself with you, things that he hasn’t told anyone else. Almost like he wants you to know how important you are to him. He opens up about his vulnerabilities with you as he trusts you wholeheartedly. He can’t help but share things as this only brings him closer to you. Here’s how to tell if that hug from a shy guy means something much more than that.
Now you know how to tell if a shy guy likes you. A shy lover may not be so shy once they’ve become comfortable with you. Then they will be vulnerable and share details about their life with glee. All you can do is be patient and supportive, and make the first move! Making the first move doesn’t have to be entitled to one gender. So go ahead. All these signs look promising, don’t they?
FAQs
Shy guys can be quite nervous around women in general. It is no wonder that shy guys prefer women that initiate conversation, don’t judge them, and are more outgoing. Women that make them feel comfortable, take it slow, and practice personal space. Shy guys like it if their partners can take charge, but not overwhelm them. Someone who’s patient and understanding. A shy guy’s type may even be a shy girl who makes him feel special and safe.
It can be hard to realize when to make the first move or how to. Shy guys appreciate a person who can make the first move. They get nervous around you and taking initiative is always tricky. If they are really interested, they might do something they are comfortable doing, like giving you a long hug. It may not be a direct first move but definitely an equivalent one.
