How to Tell if a Cancer Boy Likes You

16 surefire signs that a Cancer guy is crushing on you

Co-authored by John Keegan and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: September 28, 2025 Fact Checked

Cancer boys are usually shy, reserved, and a little bit mysterious. They’re also highly emotional and romantic, but their nervous outer shell makes them hard to read. It can be tough to figure out if a Cancer is crushing on you, but like all signs, they have their unique ways of expressing romantic interest. Luckily, we’ve compiled a thorough list of ways to tell if a Cancer boy likes you, and we’ve even included some expert advice from psychic astrologer Stina Garbis and dating coach John Keegan. Keep reading for everything you need to know!

1

You catch him staring at you.

Download Article

If he can’t take his eyes off you, this is a good sign he likes you. Cancer boys are often a bit shy, reserved, and even mysterious at first.^{[1]
X
Research source} He may not feel comfortable coming up to you or fessing up to his feelings, but he might send a signal by gazing at you from across the room, instead. If you catch him sneaking glances at you, this may be his subtle way of communicating his interest.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Reader Poll: We asked 427 wikiHow readers what they’re most likely to do when they have a crush, and 67% of them agreed that they would stare at them every chance they get. [Take Poll] So this is a good indicator that someone’s crushing on you!

2

He compliments you nonstop.

Download Article

Compliments are one of a Cancer boy’s top flirting tools. Cancers are very observant, so he’s bound to pick up on all of the amazing little things about you, from your physical beauty to your sparkling personality. And, since Cancers love to make others feel good, he’ll likely tell you just how much he admires all of these things.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Giving you these compliments is another way for him to express his feelings and hint that he likes you, without coming out and saying it directly.

3

He offers to help you.

Download Article

A Cancer boy with a crush will go out of his way to take care of you. Cancers love to be helpful and nurturing toward others, so he’ll likely do whatever he can to make things easier for you.^{[4]
X
Research source} He may do things like carry your books, help you study, or bring you a coffee from your favorite coffee shop if he knows you’re having a hard day. He’ll also follow through on commitments and promises, no matter how difficult or inconvenient it is for him.
- If you like this Cancer boy back, Garbis recommends leaning into this dynamic.
- “Let him take care of you. Go to him and ask for his help if you are sick or injured, or just ask for help in general. Cancers love to emotionally support others,” she says.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Stina Garbis
  Psychic Astrologer
  
  Expert Interview}

4

He tries to make you laugh.

Download Article

Since Cancers are usually shy and reserved around others, you can take it as a pretty good sign if he tries to be goofy around you or cracks a few jokes just to get you to laugh.^{[6]
X
Research source} These things take a lot of courage for a Cancer, so they could be a sign that he is going out of his way to impress you!

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.

5

He gets physically close to you.

Download Article

Touch is important to Cancers, but they withhold if they’re anxious. If he does intentional things like brush your hand or pull a piece of fuzz off your sweater, it means his feelings for you are strong enough to overcome his nerves. These types of things are very direct for a shy Cancer, so there’s a good chance he’s crushing on you!^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you like your Cancer boy back, try holding his hand or giving him a hug first. Physical touch is thought to be a Cancer’s main love language, so this could melt his heart and make him feel even closer to you.

6

He wants to spend time with you.

Download Article

Cancers are super affectionate, and they can even be a bit clingy. They value safety, security, and emotional connection, so they love spending quality time with others in order to build these things. If it seems like he goes out of his way to spend as much time with you as possible, this is a pretty clear sign that he likes you.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- If you’re really trying to win a Cancer boy over and date him, Garbis suggests being patient with his need to be close to you.
- “Allow him to smother you a little bit. He is going to want to be close and to be helpful, and you should give him opportunities to be close to you,” she says.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Stina Garbis
  Psychic Astrologer
  
  Expert Interview}

7

He opens up to you.

Download Article

As a Cancer man’s feelings deepen, he’ll start to be more vulnerable. If he shares his feelings about something with you or asks for your help with a problem, this is a big deal. Cancers take a long time to build trust with someone, so if he’s opening up to you, it shows that he feels comfortable and close to you.^{[10]
X
Research source}

8

He wants to know more about you.

Download Article

He’ll ask you about your passions, dreams, and favorite memories. As a sensitive water sign, Cancers are all about deep emotional connection. When a Cancer man has a crush on you, he’ll want to have long, meaningful conversations, and he’ll ask you deep, personal questions to get to know you better.^{[11]
X
Research source} This is his way of flirting, and it’s a surefire sign that he’s into you!
- Cancers are sincere people. He’s not just trying to get you to like him—he’s truly interested in what makes you tick.

9

He can instinctively pick up on your emotions.

Download Article

Ruled by the moon, the planet of emotions in astrology, Cancers are known for being incredibly intuitive, especially when they’re in love.^{[12]
X
Research source} If it seems like he’s able to tell exactly what you’re thinking or feeling without you having to say anything, there’s a good chance that the two of you share a very special connection.

10

He's a gentleman when he flirts with you.

Download Article

They tend to be hopeless romantics, so don’t be surprised if it feels like you’re living in a rom-com during the early days of your courtship.^{[13]
X
Research source} He might do charming things like bring you flowers or hold the door open for you. He’ll likely also be slow to initiate physical contact (like hand holding or kissing), since he might worry that he'll offend you by being too forward.

11

He's protective of you.

Download Article

His protective signs might be subtle at first, like the classic “text me when you get home” message. He might also do things like offer to walk you places, or stand up for you in public if someone is criticizing you. All of these protective behaviors are good signs that he likes you.^{[14]
X
Research source}

12

He gets jealous of other boys.

Download Article

Watch him when another boy talks to you in front of him. He’ll probably make a visibly sour or moody face or shift his posture to be more assertive. Cancer guys have a tendency to get possessive over the ones they like, even if they’re having a harmless conversation with a friend or a classmate. The notorious jealousy of Cancers can be a bit frustrating at times, but its also a surefire way to figure out if a Cancer’s got a crush on you.^{[15]
X
Research source}
- If you start talking to another guy, your Cancer will probably walk up or find a way to steal your attention from his competitor. A jealous Cancer might also say things like, “What’s that guy’s deal?” or “He seems sketchy."

13

Your words and actions change his mood.

Download Article

Cancers can be pretty moody and emotional. They’re ruled by the moon, which is ever-changing and going through different phases, so their disposition can change at the drop of a hat.^{[16]
X
Research source} They’re especially sensitive if they feel rejected by someone they have a crush on, so if he’s super sulky all of a sudden after you say you can’t hang out, or he gets defensive when you ask him to give you space, chances are he’s got feelings for you.
- A Cancer might experience a wide range of emotions on any given day, so try not to take his mood swings personally, and don’t be alarmed if he seems “off” for no reason.
- “Give him space when he needs it, and know that he will come back around in a couple of days a new man,” says Garbis.^{[17]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Stina Garbis
  Psychic Astrologer
  
  Expert Interview}

14

He makes something creative for you.

Download Article

So, if the Cancer man in your life has feelings for you, he may try to express them through art. Whether he makes a sketch of you, writes a poem about your relationship, or composes a piece of music about how you make him feel, you can take it as a sign that his emotions run deep.^{[18]
X
Research source}

15

He introduces you to friends or family.

Download Article

Cancer boys are sentimental and family-oriented. He chooses his friends carefully and is in his element when he’s at home, enjoying the company of his loved ones. If he brings you around to a family event or asks you to join him and the guys for a beach day, this is a very good sign! It means that he trusts you enough to invite you into his safe spaces, which indicates that he sees a possible future with you.^{[19]
X
Research source}
- Cancers have strong family values. If he likes you, he’ll want you to fit in and feel comfortable around his relatives and friends.
- Before you meet his parents for the first time, ask him if there is anything you need to be aware of, and plan to look your best and be as polite as possible. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions!
- Keegan recommends playing a game or doing a fun activity with your partner’s family to help you connect with each other more organically.^{[20]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  John Keegan
  Dating Coach
  
  Expert Interview}
  - For example, joining them for a fun occasion like a family game night might be a bit less stressful than something like a formal family dinner for a first meeting.

16

When he talks about the future, he includes you in it.

Download Article

They tend to look for serious connections rather than casual flings, and their ultimate goal is to have a happy family life with their future partner. So, if the Cancer man in your life mentions you when he paints a picture of the kind of future he wants, this is a very big deal. It means that he truly sees potential in your connection, and he wants to build something lasting with you.^{[21]
X
Research source}

Learn How to Date a Cancer with this Expert Series

Cancers are a complex mix of loyalty, romance, and dynamism. It can take patience to attract a Cancer, but it's absolutely worth it. This expert series will help you date the Cancer of your dreams.