Deciphering human attraction can often feel like a puzzle. Sometimes, it’s challenging to discern if someone’s feelings for you are genuine or merely friendly gestures.

According to psychology, however, there are subtle cues that reveal if someone is attracted to you. And guess what? I’m about to share them with you.

Here are nine subtle ways to tell if someone is attracted to you, and they’re all rooted in psychology. Prepare to become an expert in decoding those hidden signals.

1) Prolonged eye contact

We’ve all heard the saying, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” Well, turns out there’s some truth to it, especially when it comes to attraction.

Psychologists have found that prolonged eye contact is a strong indicator of attraction. When someone is attracted to you, they tend to look at you more and maintain eye contact longer.

It’s a subconscious behavior that we can’t really control. We naturally want to look at what we like, right? So if someone keeps catching your eye, they might just be into you.

However, remember that context matters too. It’s important to consider other factors before jumping to conclusions. After all, psychology is a complex field and human emotions even more so.

2) They lean in when you speak

Body language is a powerful thing, and one of the most telling signs of attraction, according to psychologists, is the way people position themselves.

Have you ever noticed someone leaning in closer when you’re talking? That’s not a coincidence. It’s a subtle sign that they’re interested in what you’re saying, and by extension, interested in you.

Let me share a little story from my own life. I had this friend who I noticed would always lean in close when we talked. At first, I thought they were just really into the conversation. But over time, I noticed it was only with me that they did this. It was a small thing, but it turned out to be one of the subtle signs that they were attracted to me.

Of course, it’s crucial to remember that body language can vary from person to person. So while leaning in is generally a good sign, it’s not a definitive proof of attraction.

3) Mirroring your gestures

Mirroring is a psychological phenomenon where a person subconsciously imitates the gestures, speech patterns, or attitudes of another. It’s often a sign of rapport and empathy, showing that someone is trying to understand and connect with you on a deeper level.

In the realm of attraction, mirroring can be even more pronounced. When someone is attracted to you, they may start to mimic your body language, your manner of speaking, or even your expressions.

Interestingly, studies have shown that couples who are in love often mimic each other’s behaviors without even realizing it. So next time you’re with the person in question, take a moment to observe if they’re mirroring any of your actions. It could be a subtle sign of their attraction towards you.

4) Frequent touches

A touch can say a lot about someone’s feelings towards you. According to psychologists, people who are attracted to someone else often find subtle ways to touch them.

This could be a brief pat on the back, a gentle touch on the arm during a conversation, or even brushing against you ‘accidentally’. These small actions may not seem like much, but they can be powerful indicators of attraction.

However, it’s important to remember that not everyone is comfortable with physical touch. So while frequent touching can be a sign of attraction, it’s always essential to respect personal boundaries and ensure that the contact is consensual.

5) They initiate conversation

Initiating conversation is another subtle sign of attraction. When someone is interested in you, they’ll likely go out of their way to start a chat, whether it’s in person or over text.

This shows that they enjoy your company and are keen to engage with you more. They might ask about your day, share something about theirs, or bring up a common interest.

Of course, there’s a difference between friendly conversation and attraction. But if they’re consistently reaching out first and keeping the conversation flowing, it could be a sign that they’re attracted to you.

6) They remember small details

When someone is attracted to you, they tend to pay more attention to the little things. They remember the small details you’ve shared about your life, your likes and dislikes, or even a random story you once told.

Such attentiveness shows that they genuinely care about you and value your conversations. It’s a beautiful thing when someone not only listens but remembers. They’re investing their time and energy into knowing the real you.

While this might be a subtle sign, it’s one of the most heartfelt indicators of attraction. It’s a way of saying, “I see you, I hear you, and I’m interested in who you are.”

7) They find excuses to be around you

When someone is attracted to you, they often find reasons to be in your presence. They might “coincidentally” show up at your favorite coffee shop, or take the same route home just to walk with you a little longer.

I remember back in college when I started having feelings for a classmate. I found myself taking extra time to pack up my things after class, just so I could walk out with her. It was my way of spending a few more precious moments in her company.

Keep an eye out for these “happy coincidences”. If they happen more often than not, it could be a sign that this person enjoys your company and possibly harbors deeper feelings for you.

8) They compliment you often

Compliments can be a clear sign of attraction. When someone is attracted to you, they tend to notice the positive things about you and aren’t shy about expressing them.

This could be about your physical appearance, your intellect, your sense of humor, or even the way you handle certain situations. Regular, sincere compliments suggest that they admire you and appreciate your qualities.

However, it’s important not to confuse flattery with genuine compliments. The latter are heartfelt and specific, while the former may be insincere and vague. So listen for the kind of compliments you receive – they could be telling of someone’s feelings for you.

9) They show genuine interest in your life

The most significant sign of attraction is genuine interest. When someone is attracted to you, they want to know more about you – your thoughts, your experiences, your dreams, and your fears.

They ask questions not just for the sake of conversation, but because they genuinely care. They listen attentively and respond thoughtfully, showing empathy and understanding. They invest time and effort into getting to know the real you.

This deep level of interest goes beyond casual friendship and is often a strong indication of romantic attraction. So if someone shows a genuine interest in your life, there’s a good chance they’re attracted to you.