Early dating is tricky. You’re putting yourself out there and trying to figure out if the other person feels the same way you do. Is he really interested, or is he just looking for a casual fling? Is she being friendly, or is she flirting?
It’s easy to get caught up in your hopes and dreams. So, how do you know if someone is truly interested in building a real relationship?
Actions speak louder than words. You can tell a lot about a man’s feelings for you by the way he acts, not just what he says. Trust your gut, but look for patterns. One good deed doesn’t necessarily mean he’s head-over-heels. But if he consistently shows you he cares, that’s a good sign.
Here are some early dating signs he likes you. Use them to help you navigate the complexities of modern relationships and figure out where you stand.
Consistent Communication and Attention
Does your new guy remember the little things you tell him, or does he seem to forget every detail as soon as it leaves your lips? Is he always on his phone when you’re together, or is he fully engaged in the conversation?
Consistent attention to detail, remembering past conversations, and showing interest in your life are all signs of genuine romantic interest.
Remembering the Details
When a guy likes you, he’ll remember things you’ve told him, even offhand remarks. He’ll also ask questions that show he’s actively listening and values your input.
These questions will go beyond the basic “What are you doing?” to questions that show he’s trying to get to know you better. If he’s asking insightful questions about your tastes, opinions, and relationships, that’s a sign of deeper engagement.
Making Time for You
Does he always find a way to get in touch with you, even when he’s busy? Regular communication, whether through texts, calls, or shared interests, signifies engagement in the relationship.
If he’s making you a priority, that’s a great sign. Even if he’s already got a full life with work, friends, and family responsibilities, he’ll carve out space for you if he wants to build a connection with you.
Prioritizing Your Comfort and Boundaries
A man who likes you won’t pressure you to have sex. A respectful guy understands that intimacy is something that develops over time. If he’s pushing for sex right away, he might only be interested in a one-night stand, and that’s a huge red flag.
He’ll respect your boundaries. A man who’s genuinely interested in you as a person will prioritize your feelings and respect your limits. He’ll wait for your signal that it’s okay to get closer, physically and emotionally.
Pay attention to red flags. If a guy constantly pressures you to let him get closer, and it makes you increasingly anxious, be careful. He might not respect you or your boundaries. Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a situation that makes you uncomfortable, no matter how much you might want him to like you.
Non-Verbal Cues and Physical Closeness
Actions often speak louder than words, especially in the early stages of dating. Pay attention to these non-verbal cues:
- He inches closer and closer to you. Is he subtly trying to close the distance between you two? Does he sit closer than necessary? It’s a good sign if he is. Just remember that physical closeness should always be reciprocal and consensual. Don’t let anyone pressure you, and look for comfortable, non-forced proximity.
- He looks deep into your eyes. Prolonged eye contact is a powerful sign of attraction. It creates a sense of intimacy and connection, suggesting he’s truly engaged with you and what you’re saying.
- He does everything he can to see you smile. Is he trying to make you laugh? Does he tell jokes or stories to cheer you up? Someone who’s genuinely interested in you will want to bring you joy.
Beyond these, be aware of his overall body language. Is his posture open and inviting? Does he unconsciously mirror your actions? Does he find subtle ways to touch you, like a light brush of the arm or a gentle hand on your back? All of these can be indicators of interest.
Integration into His Social Circle
If a guy’s starting to see you as more than just a casual date, he’ll likely start integrating you into his social circle.
First, he might try to impress your friends, maybe even having done a little pre-date research on them so he can ask intelligent questions. Showing a genuine interest in your friends is a strong sign that he likes you. He wants them to like him, too, because he’s thinking about the future.
Next, he’ll probably start introducing you to his friends and family. This is a huge step! It means he’s seriously considering you as a long-term partner and wants to weave you into the fabric of his life. He wants his inner circle to meet you, get to know you, and hopefully, approve of you.
Finally, listen for how he talks about you when you’re around other people. If he’s constantly praising you and highlighting your positive qualities, it shows he’s proud to be with you and wants everyone to know it. Public displays of affection and admiration are clear indicators of his feelings.
Future-Oriented Language and Planning
What does he say, and what is he planning?
- He frequently asks you out on dates. If he’s planning and initiating dates with you, that’s a great sign. It indicates he’s willing to put in the effort to spend time with you. That consistent effort to spend time together is a sign that he’s interested in building intimacy and trust, no matter what stage of the relationship you’re in.
- He stops talking in the singular and begins to speak only in the plural. Does he use “we” and “us” a lot? A man who thinks of the relationship in the plural suggests he’s committed to the relationship. Those collective pronouns indicate that he sees you as a team.
- He makes future plans and includes you in them. Is he talking about things he wants to do next month or next year and specifically mentioning you? When he discusses future events and activities and makes sure you’re included, that’s a signal that he wants you in his life for the long haul.
What if he’s anxious or you’re in a same-sex relationship?
Some people want to date you but have a hard time showing it. Here are some things to keep in mind.
The anxious partner
If you’re a generally anxious person, the thought of being rejected can keep you from reaching out to someone you’re interested in. Be mindful of different communication styles and individual differences.
If you’re interested in someone who seems hesitant, you might ask them what their preferred form of communication is. Do they prefer texts to phone calls? Do they get nervous when asked out on a date? Find out what makes them tick.
Communication in same-sex relationships
For people in same-sex relationships, it can sometimes be hard to figure out who should do the asking out at the beginning. There’s no generally accepted etiquette, and you may not want to make assumptions.
Open communication is key. Talk to your date about your expectations and what you’re looking for in the relationship.
“Players” and superficial interest
If you’re looking for a long-term relationship, you’re probably not going to be interested in a “player.” Look for consistency and genuine effort, and avoid people who engage in low-value behaviors that can turn off potential partners.
It’s also important to look at the whole picture, and not just one or two isolated incidents. What’s the pattern of their behavior?
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if he likes me after the first date?
Figuring out if he’s into you after just one date can be tricky, but there are clues. Did he seem genuinely interested in what you had to say, asking follow-up questions and engaging in a real conversation? Look for signs like maintained eye contact, leaning in when you speak, and a generally enthusiastic demeanor. Most importantly, did he reach out soon after to say he had a good time or suggest a second date? A prompt follow-up is often a good indicator of interest.
How to tell if a guy you just started dating likes you?
When you’re early in the dating game, pay attention to consistency. Is he making an effort to see you regularly, even if it’s just for a quick coffee? Does he remember details you’ve shared about your life and bring them up later? Does he initiate contact, or are you always the one reaching out? Also, observe how he acts around you compared to others. Is he more attentive, playful, or eager to impress you? These small but consistent signs can show he’s developing feelings.
How do you know if a guy is slowly starting to like you?
Sometimes, a guy’s feelings grow gradually. He might start opening up more, sharing personal stories and vulnerabilities. He might also begin including you in his life more, inviting you to hang out with his friends or family. Is he making an effort to be there for you when you’re stressed or need support? Does he remember special dates or events that are important to you? These subtle gestures suggest that he’s not just casually dating you but is starting to see you as someone special in his life. A shift from surface-level conversation to more meaningful discussions is a key indicator.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, you have to trust your gut. Men can try to fake feelings, but it’s hard to keep up a facade for long. Pay attention to his actions, and you’ll get a good sense of whether he’s genuinely interested.
It’s also important to evaluate whether the relationship aligns with your goals. Are you looking for something serious, or are you just having fun? Are your core values compatible?
Remember, this is a two-way street. He should be evaluating you, too! Early dating signs are just the beginning. Keep communicating and assessing as the relationship progresses. A relationship is a journey of discovery, and you never truly know someone until you’ve spent a significant amount of time with them.