Navigating the signs of potential romantic interests

Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson, MA
Updated January 17, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Determining if someone has an interest in you might be difficult. There may be times when your potential romantic is shy and unable to tell you how they feel. To better understand someone's behaviors and nonverbal cues, such as body language, facial expressions, and gestures, it is ideal to become aware of the signs that someone might be interested in you and learn how to tell if a guy likes you. This can help you to navigate the complex world of relationships and increase your chances of forming a meaningful connection with someone. Therefore, understanding these indicators may help you determine if someone likes you. We will inform you of some ways to tell if someone likes you.

What is a potential romantic interest?

A potential romantic interest is somebody who shows signs of wanting to be in a romantic relationship with you. They may want to make you feel appreciated, valued, and special. This interest might come in many forms, such as kindness, respect, loyalty, and trust.

Why is it so difficult to determine if someone likes you?

Discovering if someone likes you in a romantic sense may be tricky. Some of the reasons might be because each person shows their affection differently, so what you might interpret as a sign of interest may not necessarily be that, but just a sign of friendliness. And then there's the potential that your romantic interest might be shy. 

It may take time, attention, and open communication before both parties might understand each other's feelings and thoughts. Still, it is possible to reach a place of mutual understanding with patience and trust.

Four signs that someone might like you

Recognizing if someone is interested in you may be difficult, but if you become aware of the signs, that could take some of the guesswork out of the equation. Let's go over four different ways someone may show that they are interested in you.

Nonverbal cues

Nonverbal cues may be an indicator of someone who has feelings for you. There are some possible things to look out for, such as a person showing open body language when around you, when you are speaking to them, maintaining good eye contact with a relaxed stance, or they may touch certain parts of their body, such as hair or face, when in the proximity of you. If they smile at you often or even make slight physical contact with you, such as lightly touching your arm while talking, these could indicate romantic interest.

Facial expressions

Being liked by someone isn't always easy to determine, but facial expressions may provide valuable clues. A smile that lingers long after whatever triggered it, or a cheeky glint in their eyes, suggests a sense of admiration and attention. Glances at you, which are more frequent than usual, may suggest that someone may have taken an interest in you.

Verbal cues

Some people tend to give verbal clues when they are attracted to someone. They may compliment you by talking about how great you look or how skilled you are at something; these things may be indications that a person likes you. They may throw in a few jokes or tease you playfully as an invitation to flirt and connect. They might also ask you more questions and express active attention in your interests.

Gestures

When figuring out if someone likes us, it might be helpful to note how they interact. Certain gestures and signs may be indicative of particular interest. If a person goes out of their way to help you, like grabbing your food or drinks, offers to spend time with you, and puts effort into pleasing you, these could be signs that the person is interested in getting to know you better.

How to know if the signals you notice are accurate

Remember that people express their feelings differently. While the above are decent indicators that they may be attracted, often the only way to know for certain if a person is romantically interested in you is to ask them or be told directly. Once again, it might take time, attention, and open communication before both parties might understand each other's feelings and thoughts. 

What should I do if that person does like me?

If you're positive about your "Do I really like him?" query and you're confident that the person likes you and they are someone you could see yourself connecting with, then it may be a good idea to make the first move. The best way to do this is to express your feelings honestly and openly. Be clear about what you want and may need, and ensure that the person feels comfortable enough to talk about their feelings. Once both parties feel comfortable and safe to discuss their feelings, you may decide together if you want to take it a step further.

What if I'm unsure how to start a conversation with someone I like?

If you are looking for a way to start conversations with someone you like, it is best to keep things simple. A great way to begin is by introducing yourself and complimenting the person. You could also ask them questions about themselves, such as their hobbies or interests. Showing genuine interest in the person might help create a space for conversation and connection, showcasing your desire to connect with them. 

Additionally, remember that it is alright to feel nervous when talking to someone you like; just be yourself and be confident! With patience and practice, it will soon become more manageable

How online therapy can help you with potential romance

Determining if someone may like you is not an easy task, but with the help of online therapy from sources like BetterHelp, you can gain the tools you need to express what you have observed to your potential love interest. This may be beneficial in helping to understand the person further and develop a stronger connection. Thus, it is an opportunity for you to open up and reflect on why you may feel uncertain about the relationship or situation so that you have the ability to move forward with confidence.

Effectiveness of online therapy

Research has demonstrated that online therapy might be very effective in determining if someone likes you. A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that participants could accurately identify signs of affection from an online source. The research found that those receiving online counseling had a more precise ability to identify meaningful nonverbal cues and evaluate the level of interest and attachment in the relationship. These findings suggest that online therapy may help decipher whether someone is interested in you, allowing for a greater understanding and connection with them.

Studies have shown that about 91% of online counseling participants reported feeling closer to their partners after receiving help from a therapist. This indicates that online therapy might be beneficial in understanding the feelings of someone you like and developing a stronger connection with them.

Takeaway

Romantic attraction can be a challenge to navigate if you don’t have an open line of communication with your potential romantic interest. Watch for the signs given above and aim for open discussion. Online therapy can help you achieve that and feel confident in your conversations.

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