Does he like you, or is he just being nice? That’s the question that keeps many women awake at night. 

It’s frustrating when you can’t figure out if those small gestures mean something more. The constant second-guessing and mixed signals can leave you feeling confused and unsure of where you stand.

Here’s some good news – men actually show clear signs when they’re interested in someone. These signs are like a secret code, and once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to spot them right away.

I’m going to share 23 tell-tale signs that show he’s definitely flirting with you.

The Psychology Behind Flirting: What It Means 

The way someone flirts tells us a lot about their personality and interest level. When a person flirts, their brain releases chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, which create those butterfly feelings we get.

Brain science shows us that real flirting isn’t just about the words used. It’s also about:

• Small gestures like fixing their clothes when they see you
• Finding reasons to start conversations
• Remembering tiny details you’ve mentioned before
• Laughing more at your jokes than others

The most reliable flirting signs are the ones people do without thinking.

When someone likes you, their brain makes them act in certain ways, even if they try to hide it.

Remember: True flirting combines both conscious and unconscious behaviors. One or two signs might not mean much, but when you notice several happening together, that’s when you can feel more sure about someone’s interest.

Difference Between Friendly and Flirty Behavior

Subtle Signs That He Is Flirting with You

Flirting can sometimes be hard to recognize, especially when it’s subtle.

Understanding the signs of flirting can help you gauge whether someone is genuinely interested in you or simply being friendly.

Whether it’s through body language, playful conversation, or small gestures, there are a few key signs to look for that suggest he may be flirting with you.

Here are 23 signs to keep an eye out for:

1. He Gives You Extra Attention

• He remembers details about you that others might overlook.
• He always seems to find excuses to interact with you, even in a group.
• He engages in prolonged eye contact, holding your gaze longer than usual.
• He listens intently when you speak, showing genuine interest in your words.

2. He Compliments You Often

• He notices little things about your appearance, such as a new hairstyle or outfit.
• He praises your intelligence, talents, or ideas during conversations.
• He expresses admiration for your sense of humor or personality.
• His compliments seem genuine and thoughtful, not just to get your attention.

3. His Body Language Shows Interest

Body language is one of the most telling signs of flirting.

If he’s interested in you, his body language will often subconsciously mirror his feelings. When he likes you, he’ll often make subtle physical gestures that reveal his interest.

For example, if he faces you directly with his body, leans in when you speak or maintains eye contact, these are clear indicators of attraction.

He may also subtly touch his hair or clothes to ensure he looks his best around you.

4. He Makes Light, Playful Touches

• He might touch your arm or shoulder during conversation.
• He finds reasons to casually brush against you in a crowd or sit beside you.
• He lightly taps or pokes you when joking or laughing together.
• The touches feel spontaneous and seem to happen more than with others.

5. He Talks About Future Plans with You

If he’s already thinking about spending more time with you, he might casually mention future activities he’d like to do together.

This shows he’s interested in seeing you again and building a deeper connection.

When a guy flirts by bringing up the future, it’s usually done in a way that makes it seem casual.

He might say things like, “We should grab coffee sometime,” or “I’d love to see that movie with you.” He may even suggest activities that reflect his interest in your hobbies or passions.

6. He Initiates Physical Proximity

• He frequently stands or sits beside you, even when there’s ample space.
• He may subtly adjust his body posture to face you more directly.
• He finds reasons to be in the same room or place, even if it’s not strictly necessary.

7. He Smiles at You A Lot

• His smile seems more genuine or prolonged when he’s with you.
• He often smiles during your interactions, even when there’s no clear reason to.
• His eyes light up with his smile, adding an extra layer of warmth to his expression.

8. He Finds Excuses to Talk to You

He often asks for your opinion on various topics, big or small. He sends you messages or calls even when there’s nothing urgent.

He’ll start a conversation out of nowhere just to have an excuse to talk to you.

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9. He Acts Nervous or Shy Around You

It’s common for people to feel nervous when they like someone. If he’s acting shy or uneasy around you, it might be a sign that he’s attracted but unsure of how to express it.

Nervousness can often manifest in physical behavior or the way he communicates.

He might avoid direct eye contact or get slightly flustered when you speak. You may notice him laughing awkwardly or fidgeting in his seat when he’s around you.

His nervous behavior is usually a sign that he cares about how you perceive him and wants to impress you, even if he doesn’t know how.

10. He Makes Time for You Despite His Busy Schedule

• He makes plans to meet up with you despite his hectic calendar.
• He checks in with you regularly, even during his busiest days.
• He cancels or reschedules plans to prioritize spending time with you.
• He will go out of his way to help or support you, even at the cost of his time.

11. He Acts Protective of You

A more subtle sign of flirting is when he begins to show protectiveness over you.

This doesn’t necessarily mean he’s stepping in to fight your battles, but he might act in ways that show he cares about your well-being.

For instance, he may offer to walk you to your car after work or check on you if you’ve been feeling down.

If he feels the need to intervene when someone is being rude or disrespectful to you, it could be because he wants to show that he values you and wants to protect you from harm, even in small ways.

12. He Tries to Make You Laugh

• He makes jokes about the situation, even if they’re a bit silly or corny.
• He tries to make funny impressions or mimic people just to make you laugh.
• When you laugh, he seems genuinely happy and often tries to make you laugh more.
• He might use playful banter to get a smile or giggle from you, even if it means poking fun at himself.

13. He Sends You Texts Just to Say “Hi”

If he’s reaching out to you just to check in or say hello, it may be an indication that he’s interested in you.

Unlike regular “checking in” texts, these are often random and just for the sake of starting a conversation.

You might receive texts at odd hours or just simple ones like, “How’s your day going?” or “I was thinking of you.” These messages might seem small, but they carry a lot of weight in terms of showing interest.

14. He Uses Playful or Flirty Language

If his language shifts toward flirtation, you might notice it’s more teasing or endearing than usual.

He might call you by a cute nickname or make comments that show his admiration.

His messages could be filled with fun banter or witty remarks.

Flirty language often comes with an undertone of interest, and the more he uses it, the more likely it is that he’s not just being friendly but actively trying to make a romantic connection.

 15. He Shows Interest in Your Hobbies

A key sign that he’s trying to build a deeper connection is when he takes a genuine interest in your hobbies or activities.

For example, he might ask you questions about your favorite pastimes and actively want to know more.

If he’s not only interested in your hobbies but suggests doing something together that relates to them, like visiting a museum or trying a new activity you love, it’s a strong sign that he’s invested in building a shared bond with you.

16. He Finds Reasons to Praise You in Front of Others

• He may talk about how smart or talented you are during group conversations.
• He points out how great you look when you’re together in front of his friends.
• He doesn’t hesitate to bring you up in conversation when others are around.
• He’s proud to show his admiration for you, even when others are present.

17. He Subtly Mimics Your Actions

• You might notice that he mirrors your gestures or posture, like crossing his arms when you do or leaning in when you speak.
• He may repeat certain phrases or words you use in conversation, mirroring your language patterns.
• His movements seem to sync with yours when you’re sitting together or walking in the same direction.
• This subconscious mimicry shows he’s subconsciously connecting with you and bonding.

18. He Wants to Know More About You

• He asks detailed questions about your past, your values, and your future goals.
• He remembers things you’ve shared in previous conversations and brings them up again.
• He listens closely to your responses and sometimes uses your answers to continue the conversation.
• His questions are thoughtful and reflect a genuine interest in understanding who you are.

19. He Becomes More Animated When You’re Around

• You may notice him becoming more expressive when speaking, using hand gestures or facial expressions.
• He might talk faster or more animatedly when sharing something with you.
• His mood brightens when you enter the room, and he seems to feed off your energy.
• Even mundane topics seem more engaging when you’re around, showing he’s trying to captivate your attention.

20. He Asks for Your Opinion or Advice

• He asks for your opinion on important decisions in his life, whether personal or professional.
• He seeks your advice on something he’s working on or a situation he’s dealing with.
• He values your insight and regularly asks for your input on various topics.

21. He Tries to Impress You

• He shares his achievements or something he’s proud of, hoping to impress you.
• He goes out of his way to display skills or knowledge that he thinks will catch your eye.
• He might tell you about his latest project or success story to highlight his capabilities.
• Even if he doesn’t brag, his subtle self-promotion shows that he values your opinion.

22. He Notices When You’re Around

• He might greet you the moment you enter a room, even if there’s a crowd.
• He seeks you out in social situations, always finding reasons to approach you.
• He’ll make it a point to engage with you during group activities or conversations.
• His attentiveness to your presence shows that he’s constantly thinking about you.

23. He Gets Jealous When Others Show Interest in You

• He might act distant or annoyed when someone else flirts with you.
• He may try to divert attention away from the person who’s giving you attention.
• He might subtly bring up topics to show you that he’s paying attention to what others are saying or doing around you.
• His reaction to other people’s interest is often a sign of his deeper feelings for you.

How to Respond to His Flirting 

Show genuine interest in what he says

• Listen actively when he speaks
• Ask follow-up questions about his stories
• Remember the details he shares and mention them later

Match his energy level

• If he’s playful, respond with light humor
• When he’s serious, engage thoughtfully
• Keep the back-and-forth flow natural

Use friendly body language

• Smile when you talk
• Turn toward him during conversations
• Keep comfortable eye contact

Keep conversations balanced

• Share your own stories, too
• Give him space to respond
• Don’t rush to fill silent moments

Be honest about your feelings

• If you like his flirting, show it through your responses
• Stay true to your personality
• Keep things light and fun

Set clear boundaries

• Stay comfortable with the conversation pace
• It’s okay to change topics if needed
• Trust your instincts about the interaction

Stay genuine in your responses. This builds better connections than trying too hard or using planned lines.

The Bottom Line

Picking up on flirting signals isn’t rocket science – it’s about paying attention to the small things.

When you notice several signs happening together, chances are he’s interested in you. Just remember to stay true to yourself when responding.

The best flirting happens naturally, so don’t overthink it.

Trust what you see, feel, and hear during your interactions. Most importantly, have fun with these moments – they’re special parts of getting to know someone.

Want to learn more about romance and relationships? Check out these helpful guides: Hot Flirty Quotes for Him – Spark some magic with words, How to Tell if Your Crush Likes You – Read the subtle signs