Attraction can be tricky to figure out.
One moment you’re wondering if a guy likes you, and the next, he’s sending mixed signals that leave you completely confused.
Maybe he laughs a little too hard at your jokes, or he lingers near you in a way that feels intimate, but you can’t be 100% sure if he’s into you or just being friendly.
Here’s the truth: men may not always come right out and say, “I find you attractive,” but their behavior almost always reveals it.
The challenging part is knowing how to read the signs. That’s what this guide is all about.
As a dating and relationship coach, I’ve worked with countless women who’ve asked me: “How do I know if he’s really attracted to me, or if he’s just being nice?
It’s really simple! Look for the subtle signals, the small behaviors that can’t be faked.
In this article, we explore nine telltale signs a guy finds you attractive.
You’ll learn how to decipher the body language, the actions, and even the little slip-ups that show he’s into you.
You’ll also find tips on what to do if you notice these signs, so you can feel confident navigating the situation. Here’s how to tell if a guy really likes you:
1. His body language gives him away
Men often communicate more through their bodies than their words, especially when it comes to attraction.
If you pay attention, you’ll notice subtle signals that reveal his interest. Some common giveaways include:
• Leaning in when you talk, even if there’s plenty of space. This is a subconscious desire to close the physical distance and make you his center of focus.
• Angling his torso or feet toward you, even if he’s chatting with someone else.
• Mirroring your movements, like sipping his drink right after you or crossing his legs the way you do.
This shows he’s completely focused on you and unconsciously trying to establish a connection.
• Fidgeting with his hair, adjusting his shirt collar, arranging his tie, or straightening his posture when he’s around you.
This is a subtle attempt to groom and make his appearance as appealing as possible.
When you’re drawn to someone, you naturally want to get closer. If a guy likes you, his body follows that instinct, even if he’s trying to play it cool.
Next time you’re with him, subtly test this out. Cross your arms, tilt your head, or lean back in your chair.
If he mirrors you within a few seconds, it’s a strong sign he’s tuned in and attracted to you.
2. He maintains eye contact that lingers
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and when attraction is involved, they certainly don’t lie.
When a guy finds you attractive, he’ll use his eyes to connect with you without even realizing it. For instance:
• He might hold your gaze just a little longer than is considered normal or polite. It’s a deliberate, yet soft attempt to create intimacy and sustain the connection.
• You catch him looking at you across the room, and instead of quickly looking away in embarrassment, he either holds the gaze with a warm smile or maintains eye contact as he walks over to you.
• When you walk into a room or approach him, his eyes seem to actually brighten or light up. His pupils might even dilate, which is an involuntary sign of attraction or interest.
Prolonged eye contact creates intimacy. If a guy is locking eyes with you frequently, it’s a sign that he’s drawn to you.
Of course, there should be a balance. Too much staring can be creepy. But when it’s warm, consistent, and paired with a smile, eye contact is one of the clearest signs of attraction.
Hold his gaze for a few seconds, then look away and smile. If he’s attracted, he’ll usually re-establish eye contact right away to try to maintain the connection.
3. He makes excuses to be near you
When a man likes you, he’ll find reasons to be around you.
It may not be obvious at first, but if you pay attention, you’ll notice he’s always finding a way to close the distance.
Watch out for the following telltale signs:
• He consistently chooses the seat next to you at a table, bar, or meeting, even if there are plenty of other options available.
• He seems to “accidentally” bump into you or linger near you in public spaces like the gym, the park, or the coffee shop a few blocks from your house.
• He finds reasons to be helpful, such as offering to carry something heavy, walking you to your car, or making sure you get home safely after a group outing.
• He starts showing up to social events he knows you’ll be at, even if he usually wouldn’t be interested in them.
It’s not always about what a guy says; it’s also about the effort he puts into being around you. If you’re interested, meet him halfway.
Next time he positions himself near you, lean into the moment with small talk or a smile.
That small action will validate his effort and permit him to try closing the distance further.
4. He goes out of his way to impress you
Men are wired to compete and showcase their best traits, especially around women they find attractive.
They want to be seen as valuable, competent, and desirable. If a guy likes you, he’ll look for opportunities to show off even in subtle ways.
Pay attention when:
• He talks about his career accomplishments, passions, or recent successes when you’re within earshot.
• He cracks more jokes or tries harder to be witty and funny just to make you laugh.
• He suddenly becomes extra “gentlemanly” around you by opening doors, pulling out chairs, giving you his jacket, or immediately offering to pay a bill. This is a conscious effort to appear protective and chivalrous.
• You notice he takes extra care with his appearance if he knows he’ll see you. His clothes are super clean, his hair is perfect, and he smells great.
Acknowledge his efforts without being over-the-top. A simple, “That’s really impressive,” or “You look good,” goes a long way and shows you see then value he’s trying to bring.
5. He gives you his undivided attention
In a world full of distractions, attention is the ultimate sign of attraction. If a guy finds you attractive, he’ll prioritize you in the moment.
For example:
• He puts away his phone when you’re talking to show that you are a priority.
• He leans in and nods as you speak, signaling that you have his full focus.
• He listens closely and remembers small, seemingly insignificant details you mention, like your favorite coffee or a movie you find absolutely boring.
• He reacts genuinely to your stories — laughing when you’re funny and sympathizing when you’re upset.
• He asks follow-up questions that show he was actively processing what you said, proving he’s deeply interested in getting to know you.
This kind of attentiveness means he’s not just hearing your words; he’s invested in you.
Share something genuinely meaningful or important to you and see how he responds.
If he recalls it later or brings it up again, it’s a strong sign his attraction runs deeper than surface level.
6. He gets a little nervous around you
Sometimes, when a guy is really attracted to you, he doesn’t act smooth at all — he gets nervous.
This is a common and adorable sign that you intimidate him in the best possible way.
Signs of nervous attraction include:
• Fidgeting constantly with his hands, his watch, his phone, or his drink.
• Stumbling over his words, talking too fast, or forgetting what he was about to say mid-sentence.
• Laughing a little too loudly at everything or trying to fill every moment of silence with excessive talking.
• Blushing or avoiding eye contact for a moment before looking back at you.
You may wonder why a certain guy acts all jittery around you. He’s nervous because he finds you attractive and cares about making the right impression.
If you sense he’s anxious, help him relax. Smile warmly, keep your tone light and encouraging, or make a playful comment to ease the tension. He’ll feel more comfortable opening up.
7. He compliments you often
Compliments are one of the most straightforward ways men express attraction. But the kind of compliment matters.
If a guy only comments on your looks (“You’re hot” or “You have nice curves”), that may suggest surface-level attraction.
But if he notices deeper things like your smile, your laugh, or your energy, it signals something more genuine.
Here are examples of meaningful compliments to watch out for:
• “You have such a calming vibe.”
• “I love the way your mind works.”
• “That color looks amazing on you.”
When compliments are thoughtful and specific, it’s a sign a guy is truly paying attention.
Accept the compliments gracefully. A simple, “Thank you, that means a lot, ” not only shows appreciation but also encourages him to keep opening up.
8. He touches you frequently
This is often the clearest, most undeniable sign of attraction because it breaks the “touch barrier,” transitioning the interaction from purely platonic to potentially intimate.
When a guy is genuinely attracted, he will instinctively seek physical contact. It’s not about being inappropriate; it’s about testing the waters and establishing a physical connection.
Look for moments where he initiates casual, prolonged, or frequent light touch.
This could be a hand lingering on your lower back for a moment longer than necessary when guiding you through a door, a gentle touch on your arm while laughing at your joke, or brushing your shoulder to get your attention.
These aren’t accidental bumps; they are intentional excuses to be close to you.
If he notices you respond positively (by smiling, leaning in, or not pulling away), he’s getting the green light and will likely increase the frequency and duration of these subtle touches.
This physical instinct is a powerful, non-verbal clue that he sees you as more than just a friend or acquaintance.
9. He finds ways to stay connected
Attraction doesn’t end when you leave the room; it shows in the consistent effort a person makes to keep in touch.
A guy who finds you attractive might:
• Text you just to check in or see how your day is going, without a specific need or reason.
• Send you random memes, songs, photos or things that genuinely made him think of you. This is a way of saying, “You are on my mind right now.”
• Respond quickly to your messages and actively work to keep the conversation flowing rather than letting it die with one-word answers.
• Casually drop references to future events. He might say “We should check out that new café sometime,” or “I’d love to see that movie when it comes out.”
Constant communication can be his way of maintaining the connection and reminding you that you matter to him.
Pay attention to consistency. A guy who makes an effort to stay in touch is showing genuine interest, not just passing attraction.
Conclusion
Attraction doesn’t always come with a bold declaration.
More often than not, it’s revealed in the little things; the way a guy leans in, remembers your stories, or lights up when you walk into the room.
If you’ve noticed several of these signs, chances are he finds you attractive. The real question is: what do you want to do with that information?
Whether you’re curious, cautious, or ready to explore something more, trust yourself and your instincts.
Attraction is just the beginning; what you do with it is entirely up to you.
So, the next time you catch a guy sneaking glances, leaning closer, or going out of his way to impress you, smile.
Because you’re not imagining it; he feels a special connection with you. And now, you know exactly how to recognize it.
Recommended reading:
How To Tell If A Guy Likes You