How to Tell if A Guy is Into You

Subtle talking and texting clues that he wants to be more than friends

Written by Jan & Jillian Yuhas | Edited by Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

Guys can be as puzzling as they are frustrating. Is he making a move, or just being a clueless boy again? Does he like you as a friend, or is he trying to tell you he’s into you in that other way? You can stop stressing, because we’ve come through with 25 hints that guys drop to tell you they like you. Take notes and study up, because you won’t want to miss these signs.

This article is based on an interview with our relationship coaches and boundary specialists, Jan & Jillian Yuhas, founders of Entwined Lifestyle. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

Guys that are into you often use lots of emojis, text first, or even double text.
Watch for in-person signs, like holding eye contact, respectful little touches, or leaning in close.
A follow-up text after a date or hangout, or a raincheck when he can’t make it are sure signs that he wants to spend more time with you.

1

He uses lots of emojis.

Emojis mean he’s trying to be playful and flirty. It’s true that deciphering emojis can be like trying to read a foreign language sometimes, but if he’s using tons of emojis and dropping a smiley or 2 into every message, then he’s trying to keep things light and make sure you’re comfortable chatting. Why? Because he’s definitely interested.
- Don’t be afraid to sprinkle the emojis into your own texts. A well-placed 😘 emoji is the perfect flirty response.

2

He double texts.

A double text shows enthusiasm, not desperation. It’s time to lay the double-text stigma to rest. Who needs a guy who doesn’t care enough to text you more than once in a row? Maybe he’s got a lot to say, or maybe he’s just making sure you got the message. Either way, it’s a great sign.^{[1]
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- Take the pressure off him by double or even triple texting yourself. There’s nothing more fun than an enthusiastic convo.

3

He puts his phone down when he’s around you.

Putting away his phone means he’s prioritizing you. A guy who can’t be bothered to be present and in the moment with you is not a guy who’s worth your time. But if the phone is off and away and it’s just the two of you together? That’s a green light right there.^{[2]
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- Show him the same courtesy by putting your own phone away. You don’t need to turn it completely off, but out of sight and out of mind.

4

He asks for a rain check.

He can’t hang this time, but he definitely wants to hang. Don’t worry, there’s a million valid reasons he can’t make it, and most of them have nothing to do with you. But if he reschedules, then he definitely wants to spend time with you, and he wants you to know that.^{[3]
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- Take him up on it! Make new plans ASAP to secure the date.

5

He responds to your texts right away.

A quick reply means he’s eager to talk to you. If you spot those 3 “Typing…” dots right after you sent that last text, then he’s taking full advantage of any opportunity to talk to you. And even if he doesn’t text right back, dont worry—he might just be busy (super valid) or away from his phone (also valid). He’ll get back to you!
- Keep the conversation going, and try not to take too long to text him back, as well

6

He makes time for you.

He goes out of his way to hang out with you. If he likes you, he’ll want to be around you whenever he can. If he’s carving time out of his calendar or even canceling plans to hang out with you, that’s definitely a good sign.
- If you like him, then make the same effort, and tell him how much you like spending time with him.

7

He asks you about yourself.

A guy who’s into you will want to know more about you. He asks you about your background, family, what you get up to in your free time, which TV shows you watch. Taking a genuine interest in your personal life might mean he’s interested in you as a romantic possibility, too.
- Ask him questions about his own interests, like his friends, family, books, music, etc.

8

He texts first.

Showing initiative is always a good sign. You don’t have to wait for him to make the first move, because he’s already made it. A guy who likes you won’t ever keep you waiting for that “You up?” text, because he wants to talk to you as much as you want to talk to him.^{[4]
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- Don’t keep him waiting if he texts first, and also be the one to send that first text of the day every now and then to show him you’re enthusiastic.

9

He remembers details about you.

An attentive and caring guy brings up small things you told him. He remembers your coffee order, no sweat, or you'll be having a conversation and he’ll bring up a detail you might not even remember telling him. He doesn’t just want to know about you; he’s storing that info for the long run.^{[5]
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- Jot down details about him after you talk, and offer the same gesture.

10

He says he wants to meet up.

He’d rather move the conversation past the texting phase. Talking over the phone just isn’t enough for him; he’s dying to take you out. Even if it’s just for coffee or to hang at the park, it’s a sign the two of you are on your way to romance.^{[6]
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- Make plans to meet in a public area that you’re comfortable in, and let someone else know where you’re going. If the date turns out to be a drag, you’ll have an escape plan.

11

He leans in close when he’s talking to you.

Getting closer to you is positive body language. He’s not just making sure you can hear him. When a guy likes you, he wants to be physically close to you, and talking to you is the perfect opportunity to do just that.
- If you’re into him, don’t shy away! You might even lean in yourself to match his energy.

12

He stares at you.

There’s a reason he can’t take his eyes off you. You catch him staring from across the room, and maybe he even quickly looks away, blushing. He likes what he sees, and he just can’t help himself.^{[7]
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- Give him a nod or a little wave to let him know you see him, too.

13

He holds eye contact.

He’s making sure you see him, and that you know he sees you. We all know how it feels to talk to a guy whose eyes are wandering—he’s spacey and not all that interested. But if he’s holding eye contact, especially holding it for a bit longer than he might usually, he’s probably trying to get you to notice him as much as you want him to notice you.
- Hold that eye contact! Let him know you’re comfortable, and then break it with a sly smile and a wink.

14

He sends good morning texts.

He wants to be the first thing you think about each day. This one’s a no-brainer. A guy who sends you a text the first thing in morning is one who’s definitely smitten. You were the first thing he thought of when he woke up, and he wants tot be the same to you.^{[8]
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- Say it back! A mutual good morning text is the perfect way to start your day.

15

He communicates clearly.

Open communication shows he’s serious about you. Sure, he may not come right out and say, “I like you,” but a guy who’s open about his feelings and sensitive about yours is a guy who trusts you, and wants you to trust him, too.
- Let him know you appreciate his openness, and that you enjoy having someone you can confide in.

16

He likes all your posts.

Consistently liking your posts is a sure sign of a crush. He doesn’t want to miss a single update, and he wants you to know that, too. And if he’s commenting on your posts, too, then there’s almost no question—you’ve got an admirer.^{[9]
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- Drop a like on his posts, and definitely drop a like on his comments to let him know you’ve read them.

17

He’s happy to see you.

A guy who’s into you will brighten up when you’re around. He just won’t be able to help himself. Take note of how he looks before he sees you, and then watch how wide he smiles when he does spot you. If he’s into you, you’re probably the highlight of his day, and it’ll show on his face.
- Smile right back to let him know you’re as happy to see him as he is to see you.

18

He offers advice.

Giving advice is a sign of a close bond, and that he’s paying attention. It takes a close relationship and a good listener to offer advice. If you’re telling him your problems and he’s trying to help you solve them, it means he cares about you and wants you to be happy.^{[10]
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- Tell him how much you appreciate talking to him and having him offer his help. He’ll appreciate how much you appreciate it.

19

He tries to makes you laugh.

Wanting to see you smile is a good hint he’s attracted to you. We want to see the people we care about smile, so it only makes sense that if he’s cracking jokes or acting goofy around you, he cares about you.^{[11]
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- Go ahead and laugh! And try cracking your own jokes right back.

20

He texts you whenever he thinks about you.

He wants you to know something reminded him of you. Maybe it’s a snap he wanted to share, or he saw a meme that he thought might make you laugh. You’re on his mind, and there’s no better place to be.^{[12]
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- Share your own memes or jokes with him to build up your inside jokes and shared humor.

21

He sends a follow-up text after a hangout.

If he liked spending time with you, he’ll want to keep talking. You won’t have to wonder if it went well, because he’ll let you know. He’s saying, “Keep your schedule open, because I’ll be hitting you up again.” So keep your schedule open!
- Let him know how much you enjoyed your time, too, and even suggest a plan for when you hang out next.

22

He says your name often when you talk.

Using your name often in conversation is a subtle sign he likes you. It’s a little bit of psychology: we like to hear our own names said, and we also love to hear the names of the people we love. If he’s using your name a bit more than usual in conversations with you, it means he likes the sound of it, and just can’t help saying it over and over.^{[13]
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- Two can play this game: drop his name here and there in conversation and watch his face as you say it. A slight smile or a blush is a sure sign that he liked hearing you say it.

23

He introduces you to his friends.

He’s letting you into his social circle to keep you around. It means he’s decided you’re cool enough to be a part of the gang. And if you’re part of the gang, it means he plans to spend more time with you. After all, if the 2 of you end up dating, then there’s no point in keeping you away from them.^{[14]
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- Introduce him to your own friends if you think the 2 of you have a future together. As a bonus, your friends are sure to tell you if they think he’s good enough for you.

24

He finds excuses to touch you.

Respectful physical contact is a green light. Your hands brush against each other when he hands you something, your shoulders touch when you sit next to each other, he gives you a big, perfect hug when he sees you. He wants to be close to you, and he’s taking every opportunity to do it.^{[15]
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- Reciprocate! Don’t be afraid to initiate a hug or playfully ruffle his hair. Match his energy, and he’ll get the message.

25

He tells you.

If he says he likes you, believe it! Some guys play games and getting past the will-they-won’t-they stage is exhausting. Other guys get right down to the point, and we’re big fans of those guys.
- Do you like him? Let him know! Life is too short to dance around love, you know?