How to Tell if a Taiwanese Girl Likes You

Co-authored by Shana Tibi and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: May 16, 2022 References

So you’ve met the girl of your dreams and she just happens to be Taiwanese—how're you going to know she has feelings for you? Many of the signs are similar to those of people from all over the world, but some background knowledge about Taiwanese culture and traditions will make you feel confident that she’s being more than just friendly. If you want to know if your Taiwanese crush is into you, keep reading and look out for these signs!

1

She makes eye contact with you.

Eye contact is a near universal sign of attraction.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Shana Tibi
Certified Professional Matchmaker
Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} If a Taiwanese girl likes you, she’ll make lots of eye contact and look right at you while she’s talking. If she smiles or blushes as she looks away from you, it means she’s definitely got some butterflies in her stomach when you’re around.^{[2]
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- Show her you’re interested too by gazing right back at her. Avoid a flirty wink, though, since it’s considered nervous or impolite in Taiwan.

2

She touches your arm or hand.

In Taiwan, romantic touching is uncommon until you’re in a relationship. Hugging and other physical signs of affection are usually done in private since they’re considered informal. If she reaches out to touch your arm or hold your hand, especially in public or while she’s talking, it’s a sure sign she feels close to you.^{[3]
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- Let her reach out to you first. Relationships move slower in Taiwan, and you don’t want to risk pushing her away by moving too fast.
- Kissing and holding hands are usually just reserved for committed couples. If she wants to do these things with you, it probably means she wants to date you.
- Leaning in closer is another sign of interest.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Shana Tibi
  Certified Professional Matchmaker
  Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.}
- She might also touch her hair a little more.^{[5]
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  Shana Tibi
  Certified Professional Matchmaker
  Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.}

3

She asks you a lot of questions.

If she likes you, she’ll want to know all about you. She won’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and get the scoop on who you really are. The more curious she seems about your hobbies, interests, and life, the more likely it is that she’s feeling a connection with you.^{[6]
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- Talking about money is less taboo in Taiwan than in many Western countries, so don’t be caught off guard if she asks about your job or income early on.
- If there’s a spark between you, she’ll want to know all about your culture, too.

4

She invites you into her home.

An invitation to someone’s home is a big honor in Taiwan. In many Western cultures, an evening at someone’s home is considered more casual than going out. In Taiwan, a date night at home is considered a sure sign of a budding relationship.^{[7]
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- Many Taiwanese prefer to host their guests at restaurants or other public places. Be gracious and appreciative when you get a coveted invite over to her house.
- Many young Taiwanese adults live with their parents even though they are professionally and financially independent. Be prepared for some potential parent interaction when you head over.

5

She tells you how to impress her parents.

Her parents’ acceptance of you is important for a long term relationship. Impressing them is vital, so she’ll want you to do well when you meet them. If she fills you in on any customs or deal breakers before you meet the family, it means she’s into you!^{[8]
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- If you’re unsure how to act around her family, just ask her.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Shana Tibi
  Certified Professional Matchmaker
  Expert Interview. 19 October 2021.} The more she shares, the more invested she is in them approving of you.
- In general, elders should be greeted and tended to before younger people. Pay your respects to her parents first, and then you can relax into socializing with her and her siblings.
- Don’t be afraid of making a bad impression because of cultural differences. As long as you show genuine kindness and respect, her family will warm up to you.

6

She wants to meet your family.

If she likes you, she'll want to meet the people that shaped you. Family values are very strong in Taiwan, and she’ll want to know more about you and your background by meeting your family members. This is also a sign that she’s potentially interested in being with you long term.^{[10]
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- It’s likely that the more eager she seems to get to know your family, the more into you she is.

7

She leaves date-planning to you.

In Taiwan, men usually decide the time and place for dates. If she likes you and wants to go on the date, she’ll rearrange her schedule to join you (even if it’s inconvenient for her). This doesn’t mean she has no opinions on what to do and where to go—she’ll just expect you to plan something she likes.^{[11]
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- If you ask “What should we do?” and she replies “Up to you,” there’s a good chance she’s wanting to see if you’ve remembered her favorite places, foods, or activities. Pay attention!
- She may not text or call you very often because she doesn’t want to infringe on your time. Feel free to message her first and you’ll be treated to a lively conversation.

8

She tells you she likes you.

This is the biggest (and most obvious) sign she’s into you. In Taiwan, people usually say what they think in roundabout ways to minimize the risk of embarrassing someone. If she decides to go against this and simply tell you she likes you outright, that’s a major sign!^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How do I prepare to meet her parents?

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

Get some background info about them! Find out more about cultural norms, cultural expectations, along with religious norms and expectations. It also helps to clarify when and how you'll be meeting them—will it just be a meal, or are you going to a family event?