Ever caught yourself wondering, “Does he like me, or am I just imagining things?” Maybe it’s that late-night “haha” text, the way he lingers by your desk, or those quick glances he thinks you don’t notice. If you have been trying to figure out how to know if he likes you? In today’s world where most flirting happens through DMs, emojis, and office banter decoding his signals can feel like solving a mystery.

But here’s the good news: Most attraction is shown through actions, not just words. As sex therapist Dr. Denise Renye says, “Intent shows up in actions, not just words.” So instead of decoding every text or smile, focus on his patterns. When several of these signs show up especially across texting, body language, and real-world effort chances are, he really does like you.

How to Know If He Likes You Through Text

Texting is the modern love language! If you’re wondering how to know if he likes you over text, here’s what to look for:

1. He Texts You First—A Lot

If he regularly starts the conversation (not just replying), that’s a big sign. Guys don’t initiate unless they want to talk to you.

2. Even When He’s Busy
Getting a fast response, or even a “busy but thinking of you” text, means you are on his mind.

3. Long, Thoughtful Messages
If his replies are more than just a “K” or “lol,” and he asks you questions or shares about his day, he’s investing in the chat.

4. Flirty Emojis and Teasing
Heart, wink, or smirk emojis (😏), inside jokes, or playful teasing are classic signs of attraction.

5. Remembers Small Details
If he asks, “How did your dentist appointment go?” or remembers your dog’s name, he’s paying real attention.

6. Double-Texts When You Don’t Reply
He follows up if you go quiet not because he is clingy, but because he cares about the conversation.

7. Good Morning/Good Night or Inside Joke Messages
You are the first or last person he talks to in a day, or he brings up your running jokes.

74% of men text their crush daily. (Pew Digital Romance Report, 2025)

Red Flag:
If he only texts you late at night (after 11pm) and ignores you during the day, he might just be bored, not interested.

How to Know If He Likes You But is Hiding It

Sometimes guys hide their feelings because they’re shy or scared of rejection. So, how to know if he likes you but is hiding it? Watch for these signs:

8. Steals Glances, Then Looks Away Quickly
If you catch him looking at you, and he immediately looks elsewhere, it’s classic secret crush behavior.

9. Nervous Fidgeting
Does he adjust his hair, sleeves, or phone when you are near? Nervous energy often signals attraction.

10. Accidental Run-Ins
He keeps showing up where you are—same coffee shop, same hallway, same events. Not always a coincidence!

11. Asks Friends About You

He checks your status or interests through mutual friends he is interested, just not ready to tell you directly.

Expert Quote:
“Mirroring, nervous habits, and ‘accidental’ run-ins are often subconscious signs of attraction.” — Dr. Laura Berman, Relationship Therapist

Why Hide It?
Fear of rejection, past heartbreak, or just plain shyness. If you spot several of these, try giving him an encouraging smile or starting a light conversation.

read more: dismissive avoidant attachment

How to Know If He Likes You More Than a Friend

How do you tell if a guy likes you as more than a friend? Look for these:

12. Lingering Touches or Casual Closeness
His hugs last a bit longer, he finds excuses to touch your arm, or sits close even when there’s space.

13. Makes Future Plans With You
Says things like, “We should try that new café,” or “Let’s go to that movie together.”

related read: relationship goals examples

14. Shares Vulnerabilities and Defends You
Opens up about personal things, or stands up for you in a group—he wants a deeper connection.

Friendzone Test:
If he never escalates things (no flirting, no personal plans), he is probably just a friend.

How to Know If He Likes You or is Just Being Nice

It’s easy to confuse politeness with interest. So, how to know if he likes you or just being nice?

• Just Nice:

Polite to everyone, says “Good job!” to the whole group, helps anyone who asks.

• Actually Likes You:

Remembers your favorite coffee, goes out of his way for you, and asks for one-on-one time (“Coffee, just us?”).

Test:
Invite him for a simple one-on-one hangout. If he says yes enthusiastically, it’s a strong sign he is interested.

How to Know If He Likes You at Work

Work crushes can be confusing! Here is how to know if he likes you at work:

17. Lingers at Your Desk or Offers Unasked Help
    He finds reasons to be near you, helps with tasks even when he doesn’t have to.
18. Texts After Hours About Non-Work Stuff
    Messages you about your weekend, your pet, or your favorite show—not just work projects.
19. Remembers Non-Work Details
    Remembers your coffee order, your favorite lunch spot, or brings up something you mentioned in passing.

Caution:
Always respect professional boundaries with workplace crushes.

How to Know If He Likes You Without Talking

You don’t need words to spot attraction. Here’s how to know if he likes you without talking:

20. Feet and Body Point Toward You
    Even in a group, his feet are aimed at you—a classic nonverbal sign.
21. Mirrors Your Posture and Gestures
    If you cross your arms, he might do the same. Mirroring is an unconscious sign of liking.
22. Prolonged Eye Contact and Genuine Smiles
    Holds your gaze for more than a second or two, and smiles that reach his eyes (they crinkle).

Stat:
93% of communication is nonverbal. (UCLA Study, 2025)

How to Know If He Likes You After a First Date

After a first meeting, does he:

• Text You Soon After (“Had fun!”)
• References Inside Jokes From the Date
• Suggests a Second Date Right Away

If yes, he is interested!
70% of interested guys plan a second date within 48 hours. (Hinge, 2025)

related read: Best First Date Questions

How to Know If He Likes You After a Hookup

If you are wondering after a hookup:

• He Cuddles or Chats Instead of Leaving Right Away
• Next-Day Check-In Text
• Suggests Non-Physical Hangouts (like brunch or a walk)

These are strong signs he’s interested in more than just physical.

Fast Body Language Cheat sheet

• Deeper Voice or Laughs at Your Jokes: He’s trying to impress you.
• Remembers Small Things: You are on his mind.
• Gives You His Full Attention: Puts down his phone when you talk.
• Respects Boundaries: He isn’t pushy or overstepping.

Modern Dating & Attraction: Latest Research

• 74% of men text their crush daily (Pew Digital Romance, 2025)
• 93% of communication is nonverbal (UCLA, 2025)
• 70% of interested men plan a second date within 48 hours (Hinge, 2025)
• Responsiveness and personalized attention are seen as top indicators of genuine interest (Forbes, 2025)

Examples

• Texting: He texts “Good morning,” remembers your dentist appointment, and sends a meme that only you’d get.
• Work: He helps with your project, then asks if you want to grab coffee after.
• Body Language: In a group, his feet point to you and he laughs loudest at your jokes.

What to Do Next

1. Look for Clusters: One sign might mean nothing. Three or more? That’s a pattern!
2. Flirt Lightly: Mirror his body language, give friendly signals, and see if he responds.
3. Ask for a One-on-One Plan: “Want to grab coffee?” is a simple test.
4. Protect Boundaries: Especially at work—be mindful and respectful.

read more: how to improve communication in relationships

Final Word: Trust the Patterns, Not the Excuses

Decoding how to know if he likes you isn’t magic—it’s about watching for consistent actions, not just sweet words. If he shows up for you in texts, in person, and with real effort, believe it: he’s probably into you. If you are ever unsure, remember—sometimes the clearest answer comes from simply asking or sharing your own feelings. You deserve clarity, not confusion!

“The right guy won’t make you guess. He’ll make you know.” — Alex, Your Dating Decoder

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