15 Psychological Signs Someone Likes You, Even in the Earliest Stages

We may all feel insecure or uncertain when we begin new relationships, wondering if someone really likes us. None of us are mind readers, but our bodies and psychology can be telling. Luckily, there are some signs that clearly answer this question and can subtly let us know how someone really feels about us.

At Bright Side, we want you to be at ease and confident in your relationships. So we’re sharing these little-known signs to look out for in new relationships.

1. The direction of their feet

If their feet are facing toward you, this can show that they are interested. “Open body language is an indication that someone is curious and attentive to you,” says licensed therapist Shamyra Howard. Other signs can include leaning toward you with relaxed shoulders and uncrossed arms.

2. Whether you can see their hands

When someone is comfortable around you, you can usually see their hands. This could be a great indicator of a partner feeling safe and connected with you.

3. The 2-direction head tilt

If your crush tilts their head to the side when they’re listening to you talk, it can be a great sign. The head tilt can show that they’re curious and tuned in.

4. Their hands are clammy.

We might assume that this just means someone is hot or sweaty, but it can actually signify nerves. Being nervous is a sign they could have interest in you and don’t want to mess anything up, which is a good sign that they care!

5. They stumble over their words.

Another way someone could give away that they’re nervous is if they stumble over their words — especially if they’re usually confident or the center of attention. “When you know they’re not normally awkward, but they’re being awkward and can’t seem to formulate sentences around you, this could be a sign of interest,” says a relationship expert.

6. They stand or sit close to you.

If they stand inches away from you in situations where you’re together, it could be that they just can’t resist the urge to be as close to you as possible. If they’re not afraid of closeness, and they make their desire clear (but not in a creepy way), it’s likely that this is a good sign.

7. They rock a toothy smile.

A lot of us stop smiling in a way that shows our front teeth when we are around 5 years old, unless we’re super happy. So when they’re having loads of fun, look for teeth. If they are genuinely very happy, they won’t bother to cover up their front teeth when they smile.

8. They lock eyes with your full face.

Nonstop eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable nowadays. So if their eyes spend most of the time moving between your eyes, nose, and lips, it means they’re into you.

9. They lick their lips (in a cute way).

Science says that when you’re attracted to someone, your mouth produces extra saliva. So your crush might lick their lips or press them together when they’re around you if they’re very interested. Mind you, make sure this lip-licking isn’t creepy!

10. They make physical contact.

Physical contact can be a good way to test the waters to see how you respond to their touch. So small excuses to be in contact, like touching your knee or tucking your hair behind your ear, can signify that they want to be closer to you.

11. They touch their throat.

The throat is an area of the body that represents communication and vulnerability. So if they touch this area while they interact with you, it could mean something. For instance, it could be a sign that they’re interested in you and worried about themselves coming across the right way.

12. They single you out in a group.

In group situations, they find ways to have little moments with you. That could be asking you direct questions or just responding to what you’ve said. Laughing at your jokes, looking at you, and making side conversations are good too.

13. They are consistent in communication.

Consistency in communication is a great indicator of interest. Keeping in touch is key to building relationships, so they shouldn’t “disappear” for long periods of time and then come back with no explanation.

14. They blush around you.

Blushing is an honest response to being excited or getting a dose of adrenaline. Therefore, it can be a common sign that someone is attracted to you — they feel “caught” being excited about another person.

15. They laugh a lot with you.

Laughter and smiling are ways of establishing intimacy, rapport, and connection with someone. So if this is happening a lot between you, it can mean that they like you a lot.

Is there anything you would add to this list? How do you assess how someone feels about you? Share your advice in the comments.