PDF download Download Article
How to figure out if a girl sees you as a long-term partner
PDF download Download Article

Are you ready for the next steps in a relationship, but aren't sure if the girl you like is on the same page as you? Some girls will tell you how they feel right away, while others might let you know they’re invested in more subtle ways. That’s why we’ve put together a list of telltale signs that will help you figure out how serious she is about you, with expert insights from dating coaches and relationship therapists.

Signs She Wants a Serious Relationship

According to dating coach Cher Gopman, a girl is serious about you if she gives you undivided attention, listens to you, and communicates clearly. If she encourages and supports you, includes you in decision-making, and introduces you to her family, she's likely interested in a serious relationship with you.

1

She responds quickly to your messages.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pay attention to how long it takes her to respond to your messages. While you shouldn’t expect her to text or call you right away, she’ll definitely text back as soon as she can. Someone who’s serious about you won’t want to keep you guessing because they’ll be excited to keep talking with you.[1]
    • If she doesn’t text you back for days at a time or doesn't seem invested in the conversation, then she might want to just keep it casual.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Cher Gopman is a dating and life coach who offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps.

    Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT, is a licensed relationship therapist who specializes in relationship therapy, intimacy building, and existential exploration.

    John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker with over 15 years of professional experience.

  2. Advertisement
2

She remembers the little details.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If she’s listening closely, she’ll remember the things that are important to you and keep them in mind for the future. Notice when she brings up the topic again or surprises you with something you talked about in passing since it means she’s attentive and cares about the things that matter to you. Gopman says that if she remembers when you tell her things like “I have an important day coming up” or what your favorite meal is, she’s likely invested.[2]
    • For example, if you mention that you love ice cream but you’re lactose intolerant, she may surprise you with a dairy-free version of your favorite flavor.[3]
    • As another example, if you tell her that your mom is having surgery, she’ll ask about how she’s recovering.
    • Some people don’t have a good memory, so don’t get discouraged if they don’t remember every little thing you’ve brought up.
3

She starts deep conversations with you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rather than bringing up casual topics like the news or work, listen to see if she asks about your past or family. She might also try to find out more about your goals and what you want out of the future. Gopman notes that even “planning a vacation in a few months” is a sign of serious interest.[4] If you hear her mention things about marriage or kids, it could even be a sign she’s looking to settle down.[5]
    • If she’s really invested in you, she’ll initiate conversations frequently. Make sure you also talk to her about deep topics, too, so it doesn’t feel one-sided.
    • You should feel comfortable expressing your personal views and beliefs around her. She doesn’t have to agree with everything the same way you do, but she should be open to your perspective.[6]
    • Licensed relationship therapist Alysha Jeney, MA, LMFT, adds that “emotional communication” can be really “romantic,” and a sign that she’s falling in love with you.[7]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 674 wikiHow readers what they think of marriage, and 74% of them said that marriage is important to them and they plan to get married one day. [Take Poll] If she's thinking about your long-term compatibility as a couple, it's likely that she's thinking about marriage, too.
  2. Advertisement
4

She encourages and supports you.

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you’re passionate about something, see if she sticks by you and remains supportive. Listen for words of encouragement, pep talks, or any offers for how she can help out. Someone who cares about your goals wants you to succeed, so they’ll do whatever they can to help you fulfill your dreams.
    • If you feel frustrated, see if she offers positive reinforcement to boost your self-esteem and make you feel good about yourself.[8]
5

She likes sharing personal space.

PDF download Download Article
  1. If she wants to feel closer to you, she’ll find ways to see you in person and spend time together. Even if you’re cooking, working, or just relaxing, she’ll still feel excited to share a space with you.[9]
    • Remember: it’s okay if you don’t want to be in the same space as someone else. Everyone needs their alone time, and she’ll respect that if you just ask.
  2. Advertisement
6

She shows you physical intimacy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Notice when she scoots closer to you, cuddles with you, reaches for your hand, or hugs you. Even if it’s not sexual, a girl who’s interested in you wants you to show that she cares, so she’ll feel more comfortable with public displays of affection. “People show affection in different ways,” Gopman remarks. He shares that “whether it be through hugs or through doing things for you,” the most important thing is that they’re making an effort to show you affection—because that means she likes you likes you.[10]
    • Jeney believes that physical intimacy can be as simple as her offering to “rub [her partner’s] back when [he] gets home from work,” and just being “very, very thoughtful about what your partner might need” or want physically.[11]
    • Some people have different boundaries than others, so they might not feel as comfortable being touchy-feely in public. However, if it’s persistent, it could be a sign that they aren’t as interested.[12]
7

She says “we” instead of “I.”

PDF download Download Article
  1. During casual conversation, see if she refers to herself individually or to you as a couple.[13] When she uses terms like “we” or “us,” it shows that she thinks about the two of you together and doesn’t feel as anxious or avoidant of the relationship. However, if she refers to herself as “I” or “me,” it might mean she’s not ready to commit.[14]
    • For example, when she’s talking to her friends about your relationship, she may say, “We had such a fun time this weekend,” rather than, “I had a lot of fun this weekend with him.”
  2. Advertisement
8

She plans her time around your schedule.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Rather than coming up with plans at the last minute, she’ll ask what you want to do together in advance. She may try finding out when you’re free so she’s able to work around your schedule and come with a few things to do. While you don’t have to spend every night together, it’s a good indicator if she’s searching for ways to see you more often.[15]
    • For example, if you say you have to study for a big test, she might be inclined to read her book beside you at the library, or she might offer to quiz you with flashcards.
    • She may also turn down going out with friends to spend more time with you if she’s invested in your relationship.
9

She includes you when making decisions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. It may be something as small as what outfit she should wear or as big as a career change, but check if she asks about your thoughts. That means she values your opinion and how the decision affects you as a couple. While she can still make decisions on her own, she cares and wants you to feel heard in the relationship.
    • If these decisions include plans for the future, that’s an even better sign that she wants a relationship and commitment with you! Keegan says that her wanting to “plan a trip six months from now" is a very good indicator that she’s in it for the long haul.[16]
    • Take note of controlling behavior and make sure you voice your concerns right away if she makes a choice you strongly disagree with.[17]
  2. Advertisement
10

She introduces you to friends and family.

PDF download Download Article
  1. See if she suggests going out with some of her friends or to a family gathering. That way, you take your relationship to the next level by meeting her loved ones so they can give her their honest opinions about you. If you still haven’t met anyone, you can always ask her directly to see if they want to get together.[18]
    • According to Keegan, meeting her friends and your family is an important step, as this really “brings you into [her] life,” and marks a more serious commitment.[19]
    • Show her off to your friends and family if you’re serious about the relationship too.
    • It might be tougher to meet her friends and family if they live out of town, but she may offer to call or video-chat with them.
    • If she actively avoids introducing you to anyone that’s close to her, it might be a sign that she doesn’t see your relationship as long-term.
    EXPERT TIP
    John Keegan

    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
    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    That's why it's so meaningful to have her meet your family, too. Explaining your desire for her to meet your loved ones shows your affection and seriousness about the relationship's future.

11

She leaves things at your place.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Listen to see if she asks about keeping some clothes, a toothbrush, or shower products at your place. Since she’s leaving things with you, she expects to visit frequently enough to use them and is invested in the relationship.[20]
    • If you want to test the waters, try getting her a toothbrush or something small to keep at your place. Even something small can be a huge gesture and let her know you’re serious about the relationship, too.
  2. Advertisement
12

She tells you directly.

PDF download Download Article

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I tell if a girl likes me based on body language?
    Cher Gopman
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    If she's leaning in to talk to you, she goes out of her way to be close to you, or she finds reasons to "accidentally" touch you, it's a good sign that she's interested in you romantically.
  • Question
    She says she loves me but it doesn't always feel like it. Why?
    Cher Gopman
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Cher Gopman is the Founder of NYC Wingwoman LLC, a date coaching service based in New York City. 'NYC Wingwoman' offers matchmaking, wingwoman services, 1-on-1 Coaching, and intensive weekend bootcamps. Cher is a Certified Life Coach, a former psychiatric nurse, and her work has been featured on Inside Edition, Fox, ABC, VH1, and The New York Post.
    Cher Gopman
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    People show their affection in all sorts of different ways. Some people express their love through physical touch, while others identify more with giving, or words of affirmation. If she says she loves you but it doesn't feel like it all of the time, try to look for those little signs you may be missing. She may be expressing her love without you really picking up on it!
  • Question
    If she says it's a bad idea to meet again as she is married yet she enjoys the attention she gets, what does it mean?
    Valerie Rakow
    Valerie Rakow
    Community Answer
    She is seeking attention, not a relationship.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • When you’re in doubt, just come right out and ask her if she’s serious about the relationship. Let her know how you feel and ask if she feels the same.[22]
  • If she doesn’t want something serious, it’s okay to feel hurt, but don’t take it personally. Respect her choice and then acknowledge how you’re feeling so you can move forward to a new relationship.[23]
  • If she tells you that she’s not looking for anything serious directly, take her word for it and don’t get upset if she doesn’t want a committed relationship.[24]
Show More Tips
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

John Keegan
Co-authored by:
Dating Coach
This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Bertha Isabel Crombet, PhD. 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. This article has been viewed 516,671 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 8
Updated: September 23, 2025
Views: 516,671
Categories: Relationships
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 516,671 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement