How To Tell if a Guy Likes You? These 23 Subtle Signs Prove He’s Totally Into You

Wondering if he likes you? Here's how to know for sure.

It’s a truth universally acknowledged: Dating is the worst. You may think you may know a guy’s true feelings toward you, but then... they go and do something hurtful that leaves you in the dust. That's why figuring out exactly how to tell if a guy likes you can help you read between the lines and figure out exactly where you two stand.

However, knowing how to tell if a boy likes you isn't always as easy as we'd like it to be, which is why knowing how to spot the subtle signs a guy likes you is a must—especially if you want to navigate the dating game with finesse or are looking for true love.

So how do you know if a boy likes you enough to possibly become someone special? Here are some surefire signs he likes you that can help you decipher how he really feels.

How To Tell if a Guy Likes You

1. He is touching you.

Men are usually a little bit more physical than women. So, when a guy tries to touch you when it’s not necessary, it’s usually a great way to tell if he likes you. When he wants to emphasize something and he touches your hand or he accidentally touches you with his knee, they’re usually small signals to show you his true feelings.

2. He remembers small details about you.

If you met him a few times and he memorized some detail of your previous conversation, it's not for nothing. When he likes you, he’ll pay more attention to what you say because he may be trying to find a deeper meaning and connection.

3. You two are social media friends.

Guys do not send requests for friendship to girls that they are not their friends, family, or they do not like. More precise social media signs that he wants to take it to the next level are liking your photo or sliding into your DMs.

4. He gives you eye contact.

Your new crush may be trying to get direct eye contact with you to tell you indirectly that he likes you. If he maintains eye contact with you, he’s definitely interested. On the other hand, if he breaks eye contact with you and continues gazing around the room, then he may not be interested in you and you can go back to texting other people.

5. He makes an effort in the conversations you have.

If a guy likes you, he’ll make an effort to talk to you. What might start as an awkward conversation may blossom into a great chance to get to know one another. Sometimes guys don’t know what to say to add to the conversation, but in the end, they’ll show you they are interested with their listening skills and the tone of voice. If his voice seems to trail off when the two of you are talking, it’s not likely he is interested in you. But if his voice is deep and present, and asking questions about what you are saying; he is probably crushing on you too.

6. He’s using “alpha” body language.

Your new man wants to show you that he’s the leader of the pack that can take care of you. If he stands taller, pulls his stomach in and his shoulders back, and walks with confidence then that’s a great sign that he likes you.

Related: 13 Ways to Grow Stronger as a Couple—According to Relationship Expert Dr. John Gottman's Advice

7. He asks if you have a boyfriend.

Now it’s pretty obvious that if he asks you, "Do you have a boyfriend?” then he’s clearly interested in being your boyfriend. However, not many guys are going to be that direct. Instead, they’ll ask indirect questions to figure it out. Maybe, he’ll mention that he’s single in the hope that you will say “me too.”

8. He gets jealous when you talk to other guys.

If you’re talking to other guys whether online or in person, your crush might start looking over at you and wonder what’s going on. A guy that isn’t interested in you wouldn’t bother looking when you’re talking to other guys. Don’t worry, as soon as you signal that you only have eyes for him with a nice, beautiful smile, he’s sure to be all yours again.

9. He wants to help you with your problems.

Guys are natural problem solvers. And when it comes to the person they’re falling in love with, they want to find a solution to every problem they hear about. If you mention a problem you have, and he likes you, he’ll likely scan his brain searching for solutions. A guy that likes you will go the extra mile. They’ll want to be your knight in shining armor that saves the day.

Signs a Guy Likes You

10. He looks for your reaction when he makes a comment or joke.

This tip is great to watch for when you’re in a group of friends. If he makes a comment to the group or attempts to tell a joke, and then he looks at you to see your reaction, that’s a great sign that he’s into you! It shows that he’s seeking your approval or trying to impress you.

11. He’s letting you know about his future plans.

If he’s talking about his plans for the future that go beyond just a job promotion, then there’s a chance that he genuinely likes you for you! Why? Because he might potentially see you in his future and he’s trying to work out if you fit into his plans.

12. He drunk dials you.

You know the saying: “A drunk’s person’s words are a sober person’s thoughts.” Well, it definitely applies here! Alcohol has a way of making you honest with your emotions. So if they’re calling you or texting you when they’re drunk, it’s a great sign that they like you (be careful of those 2 a.m. booty calls though!).

13. He changes his behavior when you’re around.

Boys react differently to stress than girls. But if they behave a little differently than usual, like talking more or less, it’s possible that he likes you but doesn’t know how to show it.

14. He dresses to impress.

It’s simple. No girl wants to go out with a guy who looks like a slob. If he puts a little more effort into his appearance or wears fancy cologne when you’re around, it’s a fair assumption that a guy likes you!

15. He offers to buy you things.

A great way to tell if a guy likes you is if he offers to buy you dinner or support you when you’re in a financial rut. He wants to take care of his girl and keep her happy!

How Do You Know if a Boy Likes You

16. His friends leave you two alone.

If you come around to his place and his friends leave you two alone, there’s a high chance that he likes you. Why? Because he likely told his friends about his feelings for you and he is looking for some quality alone time.

17. He defends you when someone is insulting you.

If a guy acts up in a bar or his friends won’t let up teasing you, don’t be surprised if your crush comes to your defense. Not only is it super sweet but it’s a great sign of his true feelings.

18. He is your best companion when you are sick or not feeling well. 

If your new man offers to bring you some soup, ginger ale, or other goodies when you have the sniffles, it’s a surefire way to tell that he likes you.

Related: 250 Questions To Ask A Guy the Next Time You're Feeling Stuck

How To Know if a Guy Likes You

19. He supports your dreams.

Whether he reads your blog, listens to your music, or simply asks you more about your dream company or ideal career path, he just may be falling for you and can't help but want to encourage you.

20. He asks about your family.

It's not super common for acquaintances or casual friends to inquire about your family members—remembering specifics about your relationships with them or what is going on in their lives. So, if he circles back and asks you about a sibling or parent, he's subtly showing his feelings.

21. He tells you if something reminded him of you.

When things remind him of you and he mentions them either through text or when you're together, he's definitely making it known that he likes you.

22. He finds ways to be around you.

If you work together and he's lingering before and after his shift to be around you longer, or he checks to see if you're going to an event before he decides how to RSVP, you can bet he's catching feelings.

23. He makes time for you.

Whether he's responding to text messages in a super timely manner, signing up for tasks like helping you move, or making sure you know that he's around if you need anything at all, making time for you is one big sign to make note of.

Next: How to Show Your Partner You're Grateful for Them, Using Their Preferred Love Language