21 Hints That He Likes You but Is Too Nervous to Say It

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Pro dating experts share the telltale signs he has feelings for you

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1 He acts nervous around you.

2 He talks fast around you.

3 He asks you lots of questions about yourself.

4 He asks for your advice.

5 He keeps complimenting you.

6 He doesn’t talk about his feelings.

7 He tries to make you laugh.

8 You always catch him staring.

9 His body language is open.

10 He brightens up when you talk to him.

11 You seem to run into each other a lot.

12 He’s always down to do a favor for you.

13 He offers small signs of affection.

14 He likes all your social media posts.

15 He gives you his full attention.

16 His friends seem to know something you don’t.

17 He doesn’t mention anything to do with dating.

18 His moods change quickly.

19 He gets jealous when you’re with other guys.

20 He puts effort into his appearance around you.

21 He starts getting into the things you like.

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Co-authored by April Davis and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: September 4, 2025 Fact Checked

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Sometimes crushes are a bit more complicated than “He loves me, he loves me not.” He might be totally into you, but too shy or anxious to let it show, which is a dynamic that takes a bit more time to puzzle out. But if you know what to look for, it’s not hard to tell what’s on his mind, or why he seems a bit nervous when he talks to you. We spoke to relationship experts and dating coaches to bring you the 21 leading signs that he likes you but is too scared to show it (and we’ll also offer plenty of psychology-backed tips on how to bring him out of his shell).

How can you tell if a man likes you?

Matchmaker April Davis explains that if somebody likes you and is interested in you, they’re going to give you attention and respect. They’re not going to ignore you or not return your calls or texts. They’ll genuinely want to spend time with you and learn about you, and may appear nervous or giddy when you’re around.

Steps

1

He acts nervous around you.

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1. 
   He shifts his weight or avoids eye contact when you talk to him. Someone who wants to hide their feelings for you tends to reveal those feelings in their body language. He does his best to act natural, but his emotions get the better of him. If he seems a bit shaky or makes a sudden excuse to exit the conversation, he might be overwhelmed and needs a moment to collect himself, or he’s worried you don’t like him back.

   • Put him at ease by giving him a natural smile. If he sees that you’re relaxed, he’s more likely to calm down a bit, which will give him more confidence.
   • As dating coach John Keegan explains, “A lot of times, people get nervous around people they like. He’s nervous because he likes being around you.”

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   John Keegan is a dating coach who specializes in dating, attraction, and social dynamics.

   April Davis is a professional matchmaker who believes that everyone deserves a healthy and loving relationship.

   Candice Mostisser is a dating coach who specializes in navigating first dates and online dating.
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2

He talks fast around you.

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1. 
   He fumbles his words, or his voice is unsteady. When guys talk to someone they’re into, they tend to speed up their sentences, and their mouth goes a bit faster than their brain, making them stutter or struggle to express themselves. All those pent-up nerves cause something of a short-circuit when they have to keep their cool around you, which makes for some trouble communicating.

   • Be patient and attentive with him to encourage conversation. Make an effort to talk a bit slower yourself, and he might follow your lead. Also, maintain eye contact and nod often to let him know you’re listening closely.

3

He asks you lots of questions about yourself.

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1. 
   He’s curious and remembers small details about you. We tend to give more attention to the things we enjoy. When we’re thinking about them constantly, it’s easy to memorize all the little details. Well, he’s doing just that for you. If he remembers your coffee order, your favorite color, or even just the name of that book you liked, it could be that he’s into you and thinking of you even when you’re not around.

   • Return the gesture and ask him about himself. You don’t need to keep notes, but showing interest in the small details of his own life shows him that you’re equally invested, and that there’s no need to be nervous about his feelings.
   • Davis explains, “If somebody likes you and is interested in you, you will know it because they’re going to give you lots of attention and respect. They’re not going to just ignore you; they want to learn about you.”
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4

He asks for your advice.

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1. 
   He confides in you about his problems and offers you advice, too. Giving and taking advice is a sign that someone is comfortable around you, and that you know each other enough to ask for help. Even if he can’t admit his feelings for you, he might show them anyway by confiding in you, or by trying to help you with your own troubles. It shows that he cares and wants the best for you.

   • Giving or taking advice is a great opportunity to reveal your feelings for someone. You don’t have to profess your love, but start small with something like, “I really appreciate how you’re always there for me.” He might reciprocate the feeling!

Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Does He Like Me?

Some guys can feel like a total mystery. How can you figure out if he likes you as just a friend—or if he wants something more? Take this quiz to find out!

1 of 15

When you two are in a room filled with other people, how often do you catch him staring at you?

Constantly! I swear, he’s always looking right back at me.

I’ve noticed him staring a few times, yeah.

I think I’ve caught him staring once or twice.

Nope, I’ve never noticed that.

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5

He keeps complimenting you.

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1. 
   He wants to let you know what he thinks of you without saying too much. Often, people who like you want you to know it, even if they’re scared to say the words, “I like you.” Instead, he might tell you that you have a great laugh, or that he admires your confidence. If the compliments keep coming, he could be trying to hint at his feelings while hoping you’ll pick up on them.

   • Tell him you’re on the same wavelength by giving him a compliment right back! Say something that also hints at your own feelings, like, “I love your sense of humor! I always have fun when I’m around you.”
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6

He doesn’t talk about his feelings.

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1. 
   He’s afraid that he might slip if the conversation turns to romance. It could be that he doesn’t know how to express himself around someone he likes. Or, maybe he’s worried that if you start talking about emotions, he’ll let it slip how he feels about you, and he’s afraid of being rejected. In either case, he thinks it’s easier to just not broach the subject at all.

   • Don’t push him, but build trust by being vulnerable yourself. If you’re comfortable, tell him about your past relationships or how you handle rejection. Building that emotional bridge will make it easier to confess his feelings later.

7

He tries to make you laugh.

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1. 
   He wants to see you happy or put you in a good mood. When we want someone to like us, we tend to try to make them happy, or show that they make us happy by laughing when they crack a joke. It’s a natural way to communicate to someone that you enjoy their company, especially if you’re too nervous to show them in other ways.

   • Watch for his reaction when you make jokes around him. If his laugh is enthusiastic, that’s a good sign!
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8

You always catch him staring.

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1. 
   He glances at you, then looks away when you catch him. He thinks that admiring you from afar is the safest way to appreciate you without putting his feelings on the line. But when you see him staring, he acts like he wasn’t. It’s a psychological fact that we tend to stare at things we find interesting. He doesn’t want you to think he’s stalking you or being weird, but he just can’t bring himself to come over and start a conversation.

   • Help him out by walking over and starting the conversation yourself. Make it something low-stakes and casual to keep him relaxed—ask him if he saw the new episode of a show you like, or if he caught the homework assignment.

9

His body language is open.

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1. 
   He faces you when you talk, and doesn’t close off his body. When someone’s into you, they’ll show you with their posture, like sitting with their knees pointed toward you, explains dating coach Candace Mostisser. They’ll also make eye contact or gesture with their hands, rather than keeping them in their pockets. When we’re engaged and enjoying a conversation, our bodies play along.

   • That said, if he’s nervous around you, he might have the opposite body language. He might struggle to keep eye contact, cross his arms, or tilt his body away from you. But if he’s making an effort to talk to you anyway, he’s doing his best to keep his cool to impress you, despite his discomfort.
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10

He brightens up when you talk to him.

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1. 
   He’s always got a smile for you when he sees you. We tend to react positively to people we’re attracted to, even if we’re nervous. Mostisser says that one telltale sign is his smile or grin when you come around. He’s letting you know that, though he’s anxious or even intimidated, he’s keeping it together to impress you.

   • Pay attention to his expression before you say hi, and then see if he lights up when you greet him. If he puts on a wide smile, that’s a green light, especially if he seemed more serious beforehand.

11

You seem to run into each other a lot.

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1. 
   He finds other ways to see you when he’s too nervous to ask outright. Maybe you see him at a party you didn’t think he’d be into, or he shows up to a hangout he said he’d skip before he learned you were going. He wants to be around you, but doesn’t want to face the possibility of rejection by asking you to hang out directly.

   • Let him know you like seeing him, too, by inviting him to events or just to hang out with you and your friends. Keeping your foot in the door for him like this tells him that he doesn’t need to be sneaky about spending time with you.
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12

He’s always down to do a favor for you.

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1. 
   He wants to show you that he cares through his actions. Whether it’s zipping up your backpack, saving you a spot in line, or lending you a book, he looks for any way to make himself useful to you. He’s hoping to show you that you can rely on him, so that you have an excuse to go find him the next time you need something done. It’s like a little sampler of commitment, but without the actual commitment.

   • Thank him by offering to do a favor in return, like helping him study or offering to give him a ride somewhere. Establishing a two-way give-and-take is a great way to break down any anxieties he might have and show him that you appreciate his kind gestures.

13

He offers small signs of affection.

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1. 
   He gives you little gifts to stay on your mind. Maybe he picks up something extra from the vending machine to surprise you. Or, maybe he gives you song or movie recommendations. He might be hoping to make room for himself in your life, even if it’s just a little, so that when the time comes, he can overcome his anxiety and let you know how he feels.

   • Let him know you appreciate him by giving him a gift in return. Just something small, but which you know he’ll appreciate, like a book he might like. Or, make him a mixtape of songs you think he’ll enjoy. Gift-giving is a great way to get closer.
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14

He likes all your social media posts.

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1. 
   He interacts with you online because he can’t in person. Check who watched your Instagram story or Snapchat story. Do you see his name on that list every time you post? Or better, does he like or react to the post? At the very least, he might be curious. At most, he’s into you, but is too shy to approach you IRL, so he sees what you’re up to online, instead.

   • Since social media seems to be his preferred mode of communication, hit him up! Drop a like or a comment on his posts. Or if you’re feeling especially bold, send him a message. It could be something as simple as, “Hey, do anything fun lately?”

15

He gives you his full attention.

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1. 
   He puts away his phone when you’re around. It’s all too common for people to be glued to their screens, even around friends. But if he likes you, Keegan suggests that he’ll probably forget about his phone altogether. After all, he wants to show you that you’re his priority. It’s another way of saying, “I like you and want you to know that.”

   • Show him the same respect by putting your own phone down, too. It tells him that you appreciate a face-to-face conversation. Also, he’s way less likely to spill his feelings if you’re distracted by a screen.
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16

His friends seem to know something you don’t.

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1. 
   His close friends giggle or tease him when you’re around. Pay attention to his friends when you approach him. Do they smile knowingly? Or do they subtly tease him? If he likes you, he might confide in his friends, so they know what’s up. If they’re good wingmen, they’ll leave the two of you alone when you come around.

   • If you’re comfortable, ask one of his friends what he thinks about you to confirm his feelings. Sometimes his friends will say what he can’t say himself.

17

He doesn’t mention anything to do with dating.

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1. 
   He’s hesitant to talk about new relationships or revisit old ones. He might be scared to make a connection because of old romantic wounds that haven’t quite healed. Or, he might be intimidated by the possibility of dating, and so doesn’t even want to mention the possibility. In either case, he tends to sidestep that conversation or clam up when romance is brought up.

   • If he seems nervous about dating, try not to push it, but don’t be afraid to let him know how you feel about dating yourself. Say something casual like, “I think it’d be fun to have a boyfriend,” which lets him know you’re open but avoids making him feel pressured or uncomfortable.
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18

His moods change quickly.

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1. 
   He’s frustrated about how he feels and has trouble hiding it. One day, he approaches you with a smile, and the next day, it’s like he hardly knows you. It could be that he likes you, but he tells himself he can’t be with you. He wants to spend time with you, but he’s walking a fine line trying to keep his emotions in check.

   • Before you go any further, look for signs that he’s emotionally unavailable, like having difficulty talking about himself. Emotionally unavailable guys do fall in love, but it might take a little coaxing to bring them out of their shell.
   • Be aware that this type of inconsistent behavior could stem from a man being married or otherwise committed to someone else. In this case, it's best to walk away from the situation.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 1872 wikiHow readers and 52% of them agreed that the best way to handle a married man being interested in you is by distancing yourself from him. [Take Poll]

19

He gets jealous when you’re with other guys.

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1. 
   He doesn’t want to see you in a relationship without him. You’re talking to another guy, about anything, and suddenly the first guy acts all sullen or hurt. He’s scared of showing how he feels, but he’s also scared of missing his chance with you. It’s not always a good look, sure, but it’s a strong sign that he’s caught feelings for you, even if he won’t express those feelings.

   • Of course, you’re free to talk to whomever you want. But if you’re trying to keep his attention, make an effort to talk to him regularly to let him know he’s the one you’re interested in.
   • That said, never tolerate manipulative jealousy. If he tries to make you feel bad for talking to other people, handle his jealousy by letting him know that won’t fly. Say, “I don’t like it when you act hurt like that. I can talk to whoever I want.”
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20

He puts effort into his appearance around you.

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1. 
   He wants to impress you with his looks. You wouldn’t want to look sloppy in front of your crush, would you? When someone dresses up for someone they like, they’re saying, “I’m making an effort for you.” He’s doing his best to look his best while hoping to catch your eye.

   • Acknowledge his effort by respectfully complimenting his looks. Say something like, “I love how nicely you dress,” or “I like how carefully you do your hair.” He’ll appreciate the appreciation, and if he starts putting even more care into his looks afterward, you’ll know he got the message.

21

He starts getting into the things you like.

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1. 
   He takes an interest in your interests to have an excuse to talk to you. Last week, he’d never heard of your favorite show, but after you mentioned it in passing, suddenly he’s up-to-date and invested. He’s looking for any opportunity to talk to you and answer questions, and what’s a better opportunity than chatting about the things you’re passionate about? When we like someone, we tend to invest our time into them. Taking an interest in your interests is one way he’s investing.

   • Get closer to him by asking him about his own interests. This is a great opportunity to get him to open up and relax, since people tend to get excited when they’re talking about the things they’re passionate about.
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Join the Discussion...

I have a crush on a boy and he likes me too but he's not making a move...

WikiButterflySlinger452

I have a crush on this boy and he likes me too but he's not making a move. I found this out last year when my friend who is a boy asked him if he liked me and he said yes! But since then he hasn't made a move. I'm scared because there's a pick-me girl in my class and I think shes getting to him I don't know what to do....

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wikiHow Editorial Team

The guy you're into may not be making the first move because he’s scared that you’re going to say no, or he may simply be unsure about how you ask someone out in the first place if he has never had a serious relationship. So, we recommend just going for it and asking him if we wants to go on a date. He'll probably be really impressed that you had to guts to ask him out, and if he likes you, there's no reason why he wouldn't say yes.

If you don’t want to ask this boy out (which is totally okay!), consider asking him if he wants to hang out together in a non-romantic way. A lot of relationships start off as strong friendships, and the more time you have to get to know one another better, the more likely it will be that something romantic does happen. Just take it slow and enjoy hanging out!

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April Davis
Matchmaker

It depends on how well you know them, but I think it's always good to just start off friendly and casual and start just chatting with them. You can make some comment about whatever situation that you're in. If you're both, say, at gym or something, you can make a comment about whatever the setting is that you're in or you can make a comment about the weather. It could be something to strike up a conversation or maybe you're making an observation about something around you or about them. The best thing is to make a joke, but if it's somebody that you actually do know, oftentimes, it's best to just be confident and be direct, and say “Hey, I'd like to get to know you better. Let's get together. Give me your number and let's plan a time to get together". Doing this shows that you're confident and just being direct and going for it.

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