10 signs someone is genuinely attracted to you (but trying to play it cool)

Isabella Chase by Isabella Chase | March 19, 2025, 7:20 am

There’s a fine line between someone being coy and them actually being attracted to you.

Decoding someone’s actions, especially when they’re trying to play it cool, can be a tricky task. But fret not, there are certain signs that scream – “I’m into you!”

Understanding these signs can save you from misreading signals and help you figure out if they’re genuinely smitten by you, albeit trying to act nonchalant.

Let me share with you 10 signs that hint someone is truly attracted to you, even though they’re trying to play it cool. Buckle up!

1) They find reasons to be near you

We all have our personal space, but when someone is genuinely attracted to you, they’ll often find subtle ways to breach that invisible barrier.

This can be as straightforward as sitting next to you at a social gathering or even finding reasons to bump into you at the workplace or college.

It’s their way of trying to connect with you, even if it’s physical proximity for now. While they’re trying to play it cool, their actions are unconsciously dictated by their attraction towards you.

Importantly, it’s not about being invasive or making you uncomfortable. It’s a gentle, respectful breach of personal space that hints at their attraction.

2) They remember the little details

Personal anecdotes are a great way to bring a point home. Let me share one from my past.

I once had a friend who always remembered minute details from our conversations, things that I barely remembered mentioning. Be it my favorite book, a movie I wanted to watch, or even the type of coffee I preferred.

I didn’t think much of it at first, attributing it to them just being a good listener. But as time went on, I began to notice that this was not just good listening skills. This level of attentiveness was unique to our interaction.

Realizing this, it dawned on me – they were genuinely attracted to me! They were just playing it cool and didn’t want to be upfront about their feelings.

So if you notice someone picking up on those little details and bringing them up in conversation later, there’s a good chance they’re attracted to you. They’re paying extra attention because they’re interested in who you are as a person, and not just trying to make small talk.

3) Their body language speaks volumes

Have you ever noticed how our bodies tend to naturally mimic the people we’re attracted to? It’s a subconscious response known as mirroring.

Mirroring is a powerful sign of attraction. When someone mirrors your body language, it usually means they’re trying to establish a connection and build rapport with you.

So if you find that person subtly mimicking your gestures, posture or facial expressions, it’s likely they’re attracted to you. They might cross their legs when you cross yours, laugh when you laugh or even mimic your speech patterns.

While they may be playing it cool verbally, their body language is often a dead giveaway of their true feelings.

4) They go the extra mile to help you

When people are attracted to someone, they often go out of their way to assist or help them in any way possible. This can range from small favours like helping you carry a heavy bag, to larger gestures like offering to help with a project or task.

The reason behind this is simple – they’re looking for ways to spend more time with you and prove their worth. It’s their subtle way of expressing care and interest without voicing their feelings outright.

5) They show genuine interest in your life

When someone is genuinely attracted to you but trying to play it cool, they will likely take a keen interest in your life. They’ll ask about your day, your interests, and your future plans.

This curiosity goes beyond polite small talk. They genuinely want to know more about you. This is because they’re envisioning you in their future and are keen on understanding you better.

Their curious nature belies their cool exterior, signaling that their feelings run deeper.

6) Their eyes light up when they see you

There’s an old saying, “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” Nothing could be truer when it comes to identifying signs of genuine attraction.

When someone is attracted to you, their eyes can often give them away. They might not even realize it, but their eyes will light up when they see you or talk about you. It’s a spontaneous reaction that they can’t control, no matter how hard they try to play it cool.

It’s a beautiful moment when you catch that spark in their eyes – a silent confession of their feelings. 

7) They share their world with you

I remember a time when a friend started opening up to me about their dreams, fears, and even their childhood memories. I initially thought they were just comfortable with me, but soon I realized it was more than that.

Sharing personal aspects of life is a sign of trust and emotional intimacy. It’s not something we do with everyone. When someone starts to reveal their inner world to you, it’s a good indication they’re genuinely attracted to you.

They may be trying to play it cool, but this level of openness is a clear sign of attraction. 

8) They tease you a bit

While it may seem like a throwback to our school days, light teasing can actually be a sign of attraction in adults too.

It might seem like they’re just messing around or being friendly, but playful teasing can be their way of connecting with you on a deeper level. It’s their unique way of expressing interest without appearing too serious.

This kind of behavior creates a personal bond and can often lead to shared inside jokes. 

9) They compliment you subtly

Compliments are a clear sign of admiration and attraction. However, when someone is trying to play it cool, their compliments might not be obvious or direct.

Instead of complimenting your looks, they might praise your sense of humor, your intelligence, or your skills. They appreciate your unique qualities and they’re not afraid to let you know.

These compliments are genuine and come from a place of sincere admiration. 

10) They make an effort to know your friends

When someone is genuinely attracted to you, they often show interest in getting to know the people who are important to you. They understand that your friends are a significant part of your life and getting closer to them means getting closer to you.

This effort to bond with your friends is a big sign of their attraction. It shows they’re invested in you enough that they want to be a part of your world, even if they’re trying to play it cool.