You’ve been hanging out with someone, or maybe you’ve known them for ages, and there’s this weird itch at the back of your mind.

You’ve tried to brush it off and convince yourself it’s just friendship, but the question keeps nagging you.

Sometimes, it doesn’t even make sense.

Here’s how to spot the subtle signs that they’re secretly in love with you, even if they try to hide it.

In this article, where we will explore unspoken feelings through non-verbal cues.

Let’s dive right into it and decode the language of love that’s sometimes said out loud.

1) They maintain prolonged eye contact

Eye contact is one of the most potent forms of human connection.

It’s an unspoken language that communicates more about our feelings than words could ever do.

When someone is secretly in love, they can’t help but gaze into the eyes of the person they’re smitten with.

They might look away quickly when you catch them, but it could be a sign of their hidden affection if you notice them locking eyes with you more often.

It’s different from a casual glance.

This kind of eye contact is intense and lingering.

Love has a way of expressing itself through our eyes, even when we’re trying our most challenging to hide it.

2) They mimic your mannerisms

Have you ever noticed how close friends or family members start to pick up on each other’s habits?

It’s a subconscious thing we all do when we spend much time with someone.

The same applies when someone is secretly in love.

I’ve caught myself doing it, subtly copying the gestures or speech patterns of someone I was falling for.

It was like my body was trying to align with them on a deeper level, even though my mind hadn’t admitted the feelings yet.

It might be a sign if you notice the person subtly mirroring your gestures and body language or even using exthe act phrases as you.

Their subconscious mind is trying to create a closer bond with you, even if they haven’t voiced their feelings out loud.

3) They face you directly

I remember this one person I was secretly in love with. We were just friends, and I tried to keep my feelings under wraps.

But whenever we’d hang out, I noticed that I would always orient myself towards them, almost instinctively.

My body would naturally face them directly, even in a group setting.

An invisible force was pulling me towards them, aligning me with their energy.

This is a common body language sign of people secretly in love.

When you notice that they always seem to face you directly, their feet pointing towards you, their body angled in your direction even when there’s no need for it, it might be their heart directing their body towards you.

Their subconscious speaks volumes about their feelings, even if they’re not ready to say them aloud.

4) They touch their face and neck

In body language, self-touch gestures like touching the face, neck, or hair are often signs of a person’s interest and attraction.

It’s as if the person is subconsciously trying to draw attention to themselves, hoping the other person will notice them more.

I’ve seen it happen time and again in social situations.

When someone is secretly in love, they’ll often touch their face or neck during conversation.

It could be a light brush of the cheek, a subconscious neck stroke, or constantly pushing their hair back.

See if you notice this subtle gesture next time you’re around this person.

It’s one of those signs that often goes unnoticed but can reveal much about someone’s true feelings for you.

5) They lean in when you’re talking

Communication is about more than just words.

It’s about engagement and showing the other person you’re genuinely interested in what they say.

One of the most natural ways to show this is by leaning in when someone is talking.

It’s a subtle but powerful sign of interest and affection.

When someone is secretly in love, they tend to lean in closer to the person they’re smitten with.

If you see this person leaning in when you’re talking, subtly closing the distance between you two, it could be a silent proclamation of their feelings.

6) They’re always in your personal space

Personal space is something most of us value.

We like to maintain a certain distance from people unless they’re close to us.

But when someone is secretly in love, they tend to breach that personal space more often than not.

They’re drawn to you like a magnet pulling them closer.

I’ve seen it happen, where this person would always end up standing or sitting closer to me than necessary.

We’d be in a room full of people, but they’d find a way to be near me.

It might not be a coincidence if you notice them consistently in your personal space, always finding an excuse to be near you.

Their body gravitates towards you, driven by the feelings they’re trying to hide.

7) They laugh at your jokes, even the bad ones

Laughter is a universal sign of enjoyment.

We laugh when we’re happy, when we’re amused, when we’re entertained.

But sometimes, laughter goes beyond just amusement.

It becomes a sign of affection, a sign of someone trying to connect with you deeper.

I’ve been there, laughing a little too hard at someone’s jokes because I was secretly in love with them.

Even when the jokes were terrible, I laughed to show them I enjoyed their company.

Their laughter might be their way of saying “I like you” without actually saying it.

8) Their body language is open towards you

Open body language is one of the most telling signs of someone’s interest and affection.

It’s like they’re removing all barriers, making themselves vulnerable, inviting you in.

Crossed arms, a hunched back, and avoiding eye contact are all signs of closed body language.

But when someone is secretly in love, their body language is entirely different.

I remember instinctively opening my body language around the person I secretly loved.

My arms would be relaxed at my sides, my back straight, my gaze steady.

If someone has open body language around you – their chest and feet facing you, their arms relaxed, their gaze steady – it’s a vital sign.

Their body sends an open invitation, reflecting their hidden feelings for you.

The final thoughts

Recognizing these signs may have stirred up some emotions or realizations.

Non-verbal communication is complex, but understanding it can shed light on hidden feelings and unspoken affections.

Spotting these signs in someone can be both exciting and daunting. It’s a silent confession, a whispering heart that speaks through the body.

If you find these signs in someone around you, it’s important to remember that everyone expresses love differently.

What might be a sign of love for one might be a friendly gesture for another.

There’s no rush; take your time. Love is a journey, not a destination.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself because authenticity cannot be concealed, much like love that finds its way through the subtle cues of body language.