Attraction can be a tricky thing—sometimes, people go out of their way to hide it. Maybe they don’t want to seem too obvious, maybe they’re shy, or maybe they’re trying to play it cool.

But no matter how hard they try to keep their feelings under wraps, psychology tells us that attraction has a way of slipping through the cracks.

I’m Isabella Chase, a New York City native and writer at Global English Editing. I love exploring the little quirks and unspoken rules of modern relationships—because, let’s be real, dating and human connection are rarely as straightforward as we’d like them to be.

If you’ve ever wondered whether someone secretly likes you, but they’re trying not to show it, here are 10 telltale signs to watch out for.

Let’s dive in.

1) They’re always around you

It’s funny how coincidences work, isn’t it?

You might notice that a certain someone appears to be around you a lot more often than others. Even in large gatherings, they somehow always end up within your vicinity. According to psychology, this is no mere coincidence.

Our subconscious mind drives us towards the people we’re attracted to. It’s a natural instinct, one that we often don’t even realize is happening. This is because, deep down, the person wants to be around you as much as possible.

However, they might not want you to know about their attraction just yet. So, they downplay these ‘coincidences’ and act casual about it.

When you notice someone always happens to be around you, it might be more than just a coincidence. But remember, it’s also essential to consider other context clues before jumping to conclusions.

2) They often mimic your actions

Ever notice a curious case of copycat behavior?

I remember this one person from my college days. We were good friends, and I noticed they would often mimic my actions during conversations. If I crossed my arms, they would too. If I laughed at something, they would laugh as well, even if it wasn’t that funny.

At first, I thought it was just a coincidence or maybe they were just being friendly. But then I learned about something called ‘mirroring’ in a psychology class. It turns out that we tend to unconsciously mimic the actions of people we’re attracted to.

The person might not even realize they’re doing it. It’s a subtle sign of attraction that can easily go unnoticed unless you know what to look for.

Looking back, I realized that my friend was probably attracted to me but didn’t want me to know. The mirroring was a subconscious giveaway.

Pay attention to these subtle signs. You might be surprised at what you discover about people’s hidden feelings.

3) They remember small details about you

Have you ever been surprised when someone remembers a tiny detail from a conversation you had weeks ago?

This could be a sign of attraction. When we’re attracted to someone, our brains have a fascinating way of making room for even the most minute details about them. It’s as if the person becomes a hard drive, storing away information about you.

Psychology suggests that the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for memory, is particularly active when we’re around people we’re attracted to. This increased activity can lead to better memory retention.

If someone remembers your favorite movie from a casual conversation you had ages ago, they might be more into you than you think. But don’t forget, they might not want you to know about their attraction just yet.

4) They tease you playfully

Remember those playground days when someone would pull your hair or make fun of you, only for you to later find out they actually liked you? Well, it seems those habits don’t completely disappear with age.

Teasing is a classic sign of attraction. It’s a light-hearted way for someone to get your attention without being too direct about their feelings.

And there’s a psychological reason behind it. Love and playful teasing triggers dopamine, the feel-good hormone, creating a sense of bonding and intimacy.

If someone is constantly teasing you in a friendly manner, it could be a sign that they’re attracted to you but are trying to keep it under wraps. But like everything else, context and the nature of the teasing matter. It should always be respectful and fun, never hurtful or degrading.

5) They frequently initiate contact

Be it a text, a call, or even a simple ‘like’ or comment on your social media posts, regular initiation of contact could be a sign of hidden attraction.

Think about it. We reach out to those we care about or have an interest in. If someone is frequently initiating contact with you, chances are they’re thinking about you a lot.

Psychology suggests that when we’re attracted to someone, that person becomes a prominent figure in our minds. So, reaching out becomes a way of satisfying our curiosity and interest in them.

But remember, they might not want their attraction to be obvious. So, they’ll play it cool and come across as just being friendly or casually interested in your life. Keep an eye out for this subtle sign of hidden attraction.

6) They’re genuinely interested in your life

There’s something truly heartwarming about having someone who is deeply interested in your life and your experiences, isn’t there?

This interest often goes beyond mere curiosity when someone is attracted to you. They’ll ask about your day, your feelings, and your thoughts on different topics. They show an eagerness to understand you on a deeper level.

When we’re attracted to someone, we inherently want to know more about them, understand their perspective, and connect with them on a deeper level.

If you find someone showing genuine interest in your life, it might be a sign they’re attracted to you. But remember, they may not want it to be known just yet, so they’ll disguise their deep interest as casual conversation.

7) They get nervous around you

Ever had someone who seemed perfectly confident and composed, but somehow, they always seem a bit jittery around you?

I have to admit; I’ve been that person. I remember when I first met one of my closest friends. I was instantly attracted to her, but didn’t want her to know. Whenever she was around, I found myself fumbling with my words or my hands would start shaking slightly.

This is quite common when someone is attracted to you but doesn’t want it to be known. The presence of the person they’re attracted to can trigger a rush of adrenaline that leads to nervous behaviors.

If you notice someone getting unusually nervous around you, it might be because they’re attracted to you but are trying to keep it hidden.

8) They don’t always make eye contact

You might think that someone who’s attracted to you would always want to lock gazes with you, right? Well, it’s not always the case.

Sometimes, when someone is attracted to you but doesn’t want you to know, they might actually avoid making eye contact. It’s like they’re trying to hide their feelings behind their eyes.

Psychology suggests that eye contact can reveal a lot about our feelings. When we’re attracted to someone, our pupils often dilate. So, avoiding eye contact can be a way to hide this physical response.

9) They find reasons to touch you

A gentle touch on your arm, a pat on your back, or a playful shove – these might seem like simple gestures, but they can say a lot about someone’s feelings.

Touch is a powerful form of communication. When someone is attracted to you, they might find subconscious reasons to initiate physical contact. This could be their way of expressing their attraction without verbalizing it.

Touch can stimulate the release of oxytocin, the bonding hormone, creating a sense of connection and attraction.

If you notice someone consistently finding reasons to touch you in a respectful and non-invasive manner, it could be a subtle sign of their hidden attraction.

10) They’re always there for you

At the end of the day, one of the most profound signs of hidden attraction is consistent support.

When someone is attracted to you, they’ll be there for you through thick and thin. They’ll show up when you need help, lend an ear when you need to vent, and stand by your side when things get tough.

This is because attraction amplifies our empathy and compassion for the person we’re drawn to. We naturally want to be there for them and support them in whatever way we can.