How to Know if Your Crush Knows You Like Them

Co-authored by Shana Tibi and Hunter Rising

Last Updated: October 28, 2021 References

Have you ever told a friend about a crush, but you’re worried that they told the person you’re interested in? Even though it might seem scary if your crush learns you like them, it could help you find out if the person feels the same way about you. You’ll notice some changes in how your crush behaves around you once they figure out you like them. We’ll cover how to tell if your crush starts thinking about you romantically, signs they’re into you, and ways they may convey they aren’t interested.

1

They make eye contact with you more often.

Gazing into your eyes shows that your crush may want to connect with you.^{[1]
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Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} If you pass each other in the halls or are in the same room together, try stealing a look in your crush’s direction. If your crush knows you’re into them, they’ll usually meet your gaze and hold it for a few seconds. They may also look more at your head and chest if they’re interested in you romantically.^{[2]
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- If your crush looks at your legs or feet more frequently than your face, they may only view you as a friend instead of a potential partner or they aren’t sure about their feelings yet.^{[3]
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- Try subtly smiling while you’re looking at your crush. Smile without your teeth and narrow your eyes slightly. If they smile back the same way or start doing something like playing with their hair, it might be a sign they want to get to know you more.^{[4]
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  Shana Tibi
  Certified Professional Matchmaker
  Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.}

2

They seem nervous when you run into them.

Your crush might be a little scared to say how they’re feeling. If your crush knows you like them, they’ll probably feel a lot more nervous than they were before they knew. Look for signs that your crush feels a little on edge when you’re near them, such as talking too much to fill awkward silences, getting tongue-tied, or fidgeting while you’re talking to them.^{[5]
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- Your crush might be nervous if they like you back or if they’re unsure of their feelings for you yet.
- Remember that your crush probably feels more vulnerable or anxious talking to you too, so don’t point out that they seem nervous.

3

They communicate with you more frequently.

If your crush is excited to chat, then they may like you or want to know you more. After your crush learns you like them, they may feel more eager to reach out if they’re feeling the same way or want to learn more about who you are. Pay attention to who starts conversations when you’re talking with your crush and how frequently they reach out to chat. They might start by making excuses to talk to you, like asking for advice or help, even if they don’t need it.^{[6]
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- Chatting more with your crush may mean that they want to get to know you better, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they want a relationship right away. They could still be working out their feelings.
- Check when the person reaches out to you. If it’s multiple times throughout the day, it could be genuine interest. However, if they only try to chat late at night, then they may just be looking for a hookup.

4

Their friends act differently when you’re around.

There’s a good chance the person told their friends about you. Once your crush finds out about you, they’re bound to get advice from their friends. When you’re around your crush or having a conversation with them, check if their friends are reacting nearby. If they make a big deal about you being with your crush, then your crush probably knows about you. They may want to get to know you better if you haven’t talked to them before or they could like you back.^{[7]
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- Their friends might also try to set you up with or get you to talk with your crush, especially if your crush is nervous.

5

They remember little details from conversations.

When your crush pays attention to what you say, they have genuine interest in you.^{[8]
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Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} Your crush may want to know you better to see if they like you back, so they’ll do what they can to remember what you’ve told them. When you’re having a conversation with them, pay attention to the topics they mention. If they say something that you talked about before and bring up a small detail you mentioned in passing, it might mean they’re trying to deepen their connection with you.^{[9]
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- For example, the person may bring up specific friends or family members you’ve brought up instead of only making small talk.

6

They give you lots of compliments.

Your crush will want to make you feel good if they like you back. Once your crush knows that you like them, they may feel more comfortable saying nice things about you. When you’re talking to your crush, listen if they say anything that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. If your crush frequently gives you compliments, then there’s a good chance they know you like them and they’re interested in you too.^{[10]
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Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.}
- Try giving the person a few compliments to make them feel good as well. For example, you could comment on something specific they’re wearing or something you appreciate about them.^{[11]
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7

They suddenly seem jealous when you’re with others.

Someone who likes you won’t like it when you’re with another person. If your crush knows that you like them and they like you back, you may start noticing that they’re bothered when you bring up other romantic interests. If you’re close with the person you have a crush on, they may close themselves off or mention flaws in the other people you’re interested in since they’ll want a closer relationship with you.^{[12]
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- If you know that your crush likes you, don’t actively go out of your way to make your crush jealous since it could seem like you’re playing with their feelings.

8

They start asking about your dating life.

People interested in you are more curious about your relationship status. While it may seem like your crush would avoid the topic of your romantic life, they’ll actually be more curious about your past relationships. If you’re talking with the person and they ask who you’ve dated, there’s a good chance they’re trying to learn more about you.^{[13]
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9

They're not interested if they suddenly seem distracted or unavailable.

If your crush used to give you their attention and abruptly stops, they’re not interested. Try reaching out to your crush and having a casual conversation with them. While you’re chatting, notice if your crush is giving you their full attention. If they’re looking away, checking their phone, or not responding when you ask them something, there’s a good chance that they want to move on and aren’t as into you.^{[14]
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- If conversations feel short or you’re only bringing up small-talk topics, your crush may not want to talk to you.^{[15]
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- When you’re texting your crush, they may write shorter replies or ghost you completely if they’re not interested.^{[16]
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10

They lost interest if they come up with excuses to avoid you.

Your crush may try to get out of seeing you so they don’t feel awkward. If you were close and spent time with your crush before, they may feel different once they know you like them. Try asking the person to hang out and if they agree, then they may like you or not even know you’re crushing on them. When your crush repeatedly comes up with new reasons not to see you, there’s a chance they’re not thinking of you romantically.^{[17]
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- If you were already friends with your crush, try asking them to hang out with a bigger group instead of doing something one-on-one so there’s less pressure to make it a “date.”

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I show a guy I like him over text?

Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Shana Tibi is a Certified Professional Matchmaker, Date and Relationship Coach, and the Founder of Curated Connections, a matchmaking service for single professionals. Shana specializes in understanding core values and personal preferences to curate dates. She holds a BA in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Prescott College and an MSW in Social Work from California State University, Hayward. She is an active member of the Global Love Institute where she earned her matchmaking certifications.

Shana Tibi

Certified Professional Matchmaker

Expert Answer

Send them some cute emojis! Responding to his texts in a timely way is another great way to subtly express your feelings.
Question

What body language shows you are attracted to someone?

Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Shana Tibi is a Certified Professional Matchmaker, Date and Relationship Coach, and the Founder of Curated Connections, a matchmaking service for single professionals. Shana specializes in understanding core values and personal preferences to curate dates. She holds a BA in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Prescott College and an MSW in Social Work from California State University, Hayward. She is an active member of the Global Love Institute where she earned her matchmaking certifications.

Shana Tibi

Certified Professional Matchmaker

Expert Answer

Leaning in, making eye contact, and touching one's hair are all potential signs that someone is interested and engaged.

Warnings

Avoid assuming the other person knows about your crush or that they like you back. If you want to find out how they feel for sure, try your best to build up the courage and tell them how you feel directly.^{[18]
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