How to Hint In on Someone That You Like Them

Co-authored by John Keegan and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: April 26, 2025

You like someone and you think they may like you, but you don't know for sure. You can always hint in that you like them, without really saying that you like them. Follow this guide and in no time, you'll have your crush reading your mind.

1

Talk with them.

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Make sure you have some form of relationship. Being friends is an excellent way to get to know someone without it being awkward. If you’re not already friends, take some time to get to know them better.
- Observations can be great conversation starters. You might say, "I love the way you match the colors in your outfit."^{[1]
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2

Break the touch barrier.

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There are all kinds of ways you can initiate physical touch with the person you like. Bump them gently in the hall, or maybe “accidentally” slide your hand over theirs. Just make sure they don’t seem uncomfortable.

3

Laugh at almost all their jokes.

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Even if they are corny, people like it when someone enjoys their jokes. However, be careful about laughing too much! It will make you appear false and it could get annoying. A small chuckle or giggle will do.

4

Help them.

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Helping someone out forms a mental bond that is often mistaken as love. This is obviously a bit manipulative for you to know this while the other person doesn't, but it does work very well. Still, if you'd prefer not using manipulation to meet your goals, you could always drop this fact with the "Hey, did you know..." method. Not only would it hint towards your interest in an innocent, non-creepy way, but it would also form an opinion of you as a knowledgeable person.

5

Start seeing them outside of school.

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Try hanging out and doing things you both enjoy. Get involved with their life by asking if they play any sports, what hobbies they have, or what music they like, and suggest you do something related to those interests. For example, ask them when and where their next game is. Try planning a group party, with some of your friends and some of their friends. Anything that will get you talking outside the school, go for it.
- You can also ask for their phone number or email address. Wait a little bit before contacting them, and when you do call or email, make it quick and not too awkward.

6

Pay attention to what they say.

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People love when someone listens, so show them you care what they have to say. Make eye contact, nod along, and ask follow-up questions related to what they’re telling you.

7

Compliment them.

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If they get a haircut, say it’s wonderful. If they got a new shirt, say it looks nice. Everyone loves compliments. Remember to compliment things other than their looks, like their personality and talents!

8

Invite them to your house for a study date.

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Don’t overdo it; don’t dress in fancy clothing or play romantic music. For better results, ask if they want to stay for dinner.

9

Ask if they like you.

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Pull them aside and say something like, "I heard a rumor spreading that you like me. Is that true? Tell me the truth, I won't be upset." This is sometimes good, sometimes bad, so be prepared for their answer either way.

10

Have a friend tell them you like them.

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This way, they’ll know how you feel and you don’t have to stress yourself out trying to work up the nerve to tell them yourself. Or, consider just passing them a note saying that you like them.

11

Hang out with them.

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Hang around them with your friends or alone. The more you’re around them, the more you’ll find out about them and vice versa. This also means there’s a higher chance they’ll start to like you back if they don’t already!
- Have a friend eavesdrop a bit on them when you leave the room, to see if they say anything about you when you're out of range.

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Question

How do you subtly compliment a girl?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Pretend that you're giving her some positive feedback. After a conversation, you could say "You're a really good listener! I felt really heard during that chat."

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Question

How do you compliment someone's physical appearance?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Make your compliment really heartfelt. "You have really soulful eyes" or "You have really intelligent eyes" are a couple of compliments you could try.

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What are some funny ways to tell someone you like them?

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It all depends on your individual sense of humor (and your crush’s)! You might try something silly, like “Who has two thumbs and thinks you’re awesome? This guy/girl!” If you think your crush would appreciate it, you can also try a cheesy pickup line, like “Do you like raisins? Well, how would you feel about a date?” Playful teasing can also work well. Try something like, “Why do you have to be so sweet and smart and good looking all the time, you big jerk?”

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Tips

Get to know them and talk. Do not be rude or offensive; it makes you seem unappealing. Compliment them daily and you can act a little flirty, but do not make them uncomfortable.

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Only tell good friends who can keep a secret about crushes. Other friends may slip and tell.

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Be yourself. Why would you want to go out with someone who doesn't like you for you?

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Be yourself and never change for anyone you like. Be confident—people find that quite attractive! If you like them and you think they like you, get a friend to see if they like you. Never ignore them, even if you're nervous. Always try and talk to them or you might regret not talking to them.
Glance at them in class and try to make them see you. If they see you, quickly look away. It can make someone know you like them without you actually telling them. Just don't stare, that could make them uncomfortable.

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Warnings

Do not stalk them! No one likes stalkers. Don't send off that vibe.

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Do not obsess! They may find this creepy.

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If you ask out a friend's previous boyfriend or girlfriend and they are not okay with it, it may ruin your friendship.

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Be prepared for denial. If they say no, don't cry in front of them. This may lead to them asking you out on a pity date. That is even worse. Instead, say that it's fine and ask if you can still be friends.

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If you do ask them out, this may ruin a good friendship.

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