It’s hard to trust your judgment when it comes to how other people feel about you. Overconfidence or defensiveness might make simple and friendly gestures seem like flirting. Insecurity or dealing with failed relationships might make you feel like an unlikeable blobfish.

How we perceive how others treat us depends mainly on how we feel about ourselves. That’s why it can be confusing when you find someone giving you extra attention. Luckily, some signs can make recognizing this easier.

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Humans are social animals; we evolved as a group, which means social cues are built into our brains. So the easiest and first signs people give when they feel attracted to someone, whether they’re even aware of that or not, are often purely physical. 

Some people are good at masking them, some people can fake them, and some others don’t do them at all. But knowing what to look for can help you figure out whether this one person is just being friendly or is actually into you. This is an important skill to have since it can save you from really sticky situations.

Maybe a coworker started showing signs that they like you, or perhaps it’s a dear friend. Either way, missing these signs can lead to messy situations or missed opportunities.

You could maybe tell from the name that mirroring behavior is when someone copies your moves, tone of voice, and general attitude. 

We’re not talking about contagious yawning, but more like mirroring your facial expression, hand positions, and most notably, posture.

Ever noticed yourself moving things on the table aside while having a meaningful conversation? Our brains automatically do this behavior when we want to focus on what’s being said.

While we do this with people we’re not interested in romantically, it’s usually only done while discussing critical topics. So when you see someone doing that while you’re talking about your favorite restaurant or how you’re feeling, it’s probably a huge cue that they like you.

Body direction is probably one of the first body language signs that became widely known— thanks to crime TV shows like CSI. The direction that someone’s feet, belly button or chest, and shoulders face can be very telling.

If their whole body is facing you, that means they’re giving you their utmost attention and are comfortable around you. On the other hand, if their feet or body is directed closer to the exit or open space, it means they might be uncomfortable or just about ready to leave.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re disinterested in you, though. When it comes to body angles, it’s crucial to consider the environment you’re in.

Maybe you’re in a loud place, and they want to go somewhere quieter. Perhaps they’re physically exhausted and need to go home and rest but choose to be with you despite what their body is telling them.

Another sign is the angle at which people stand. For example, a torso leaning towards you, head tilted to the side while looking at you or tilted in your direction, or a neck extended closer to you. These are all signs that this person is interested in you.

Body Language

While physical cues are things you can see with your own eyes, people’s behavior is highly subjective to who they are and what they’re like. Nevertheless, if someone is romantically interested in you, they will be keen on getting to know you.

This prompts people to be more curious and caring than usual, casual interactions.

The first and one of the more evident signs that someone likes you is repeatedly finding and creating opportunities for you to meet, chat, or interact in any way.

This might take the form of actively trying to find new topics to talk about, reviving previous topics you might have discussed together or providing reasons for you to meet and do stuff together.

Now, we’re not talking about them asking you out, or you wouldn’t need to be looking at this post.

We’re talking seemingly small “excuses” to meet, like dropping off something you forgot with them or offering to help you with a boring errand.

When you’re interested in someone, talking to them might feel a little stalker-ish, just because of how your brain seems to be almost taking notes. This applies to just about everybody.

If someone is interested in you, they‘ll be actively listening and absorbing the personal stuff you say. To them, everything you share about yourself can be another reason why they like you.

Unlike a friendly conversation, someone who’s romantically interested in you will pay closer-than-usual attention to the specifics of what you're talking about.

No self-respecting rom-com movie will leave this scene out: the main character and their person of romantic interest coyly looking at each other from a distance. A hint of a smile on their faces, looking away when they notice that the other person is also looking at them.

While it’s highly exaggerated in movies, the “make eye contact then look away” action is rooted in reality for sure. Primarily because if someone likes you, they will feel admiration towards you. 

Behavior

So we’ve gone through signs that are just about impossible to suppress for the average person. But that’s just it; there is one key element in all those cues: they are strictly neurotypical.

Neurotypical individuals are no different than what our society considers "normal." Meaning, they have the typical or average brain neurology, which means the social cues mentioned work for them.

There are neurodiverse individuals, though, and those are opposite to neurotypicals.

A neurodivergent’s brain works differently from the average. Think people on the spectrum, people who have ADHD, OCD, Dyslexia, and other conditions.

Neurodiverse individuals often have a very different set of social cues. A considerable percentage of them are uncomfortable with eye contact, don’t like physical proximity or light touch, and are highly distractible.

Accordingly, neurodivergence will show their feelings in other ways than neurotypicals. Why is this important? Well, put together, neurodivergence makes up 20% of the human population. 

That is a lot, and it means you most definitely know at the very least one person who is neurodivergent. So it’s good to keep in mind that while these cues can be beneficial, they’re not one-size-fits-all by any means.

The Hard Truth About Social Cues

If you’ve made it this far in the post, you’re probably here because you have a strong feeling that someone likes you and is just looking for confirmation.

In this case, you need to know this: your brain has evolved to send out and interpret social cues. If you feel like someone is attracted to you, they are, at least on some level.

See how you feel about them, too. Whether or not it’s something you want, a conversation to test the waters or clear the air can be a good idea. Keep it casual and maybe see if they’re receptive. Being honest and forthcoming can save you both a lot of headaches.

How to Start a Conversation With a Girl 101

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How to Tell if Someone Likes You

Body Language

Behavior

Conclusion