Some of the most telling conversations are the ones that never actually happen.

It’s when someone’s silence speaks louder than any words ever could. I’ve been there—wondering if that awkward pause or the sudden change in body language meant something more.

Reading between the lines is an art, one that I’ve learned can reveal more about how someone feels about you than any direct statement ever will.

So, let’s get into it—here are nine signs that someone might not be your biggest fan, even if they haven’t come right out and said it.

1) Body language speaks volumes

We may not always say what we feel, but our bodies rarely lie. Non-verbal communication, or body language, is a powerful tool in deciphering people’s true feelings.

If someone isn’t too keen on your company, their body language can often betray their unspoken sentiments. They might avoid eye contact, cross their arms defensively, or turn their body away from you.

These actions can indicate discomfort or disinterest. So, even if they’re participating in the conversation, their body may be telling a different story.

2) They’re often too “busy”

We all lead busy lives, but you can sense the difference when someone is using busyness as an excuse to avoid someone.

I remember, not too long ago, there was this coworker of mine. We had a good working relationship, or so I thought.

But every time I suggested grabbing a cup of coffee or lunch outside of work, they would always be ‘too busy’.

At first, I brushed it off, believing they genuinely had a lot on their plate. But when the pattern continued, I realized that the ‘I’m too busy’ excuse was a sign they weren’t interested in building a relationship beyond work.

If someone continuously tells you they’re too busy to spend time with you, they might just not want to say they don’t like spending time with you.

3) They don’t initiate contact

Communication is a two-way street.

When someone likes you, they will often reach out to you, be it a simple text message, phone call or an invitation to hang out.

But when someone doesn’t like you, they tend to keep their distance.

Usually, people who don’t like someone are less likely to initiate contact with them.

This isn’t surprising as people generally prefer to surround themselves with those they enjoy being around.

So if you’re always the one initiating contact and they rarely or never reciprocate, it could be a sign that they’re not as fond of you as you might hope.

4) Short responses, long silences

Conversation flow is a good indicator of how someone feels about you. If they’re engaging, asking follow-up questions and showing interest in what you’re saying, it’s a good sign.

On the flip side, if their responses are consistently short or noncommittal, they could be signaling disinterest.

This might manifest as one-word answers, lack of enthusiasm in their tone or long awkward silences.

Sure, some people are naturally less talkative or more reserved. But if this behavior is consistent and coupled with other signs on this list, it might indicate that they don’t like you.

5) They’re always in a hurry

Have you ever felt like someone is always eager to end conversations with you or make a swift exit? This could be another subtle sign they’re not too fond of your company.

If they’re frequently checking their watch, constantly on their phone, or seem eager to move on to the next thing, it might suggest they’re not enjoying their time with you.

People who like you will generally want to spend time with you and won’t be in a rush to leave.

So if you notice someone is consistently trying to cut your interactions short, it might be because they don’t particularly like you.

6) They don’t remember important details

We tend to remember details about people and things that matter to us.

So if someone can’t seem to recall significant information you’ve shared with them, it might be a sign they don’t hold you in high regard.

It’s heartbreaking when you’re excitedly sharing news about a promotion, only to realize they’ve forgotten you even mentioned your job interview.

Or when you reference a personal story you’ve told them before, and they give you a blank look.

These situations can be hurtful and are often clear signs that the person doesn’t care about your life as much as you might have thought.

Someone who likes you will make an effort to remember things that are important to you.

7) They avoid introducing you to their friends

Being introduced to someone’s friends is usually a positive step in any relationship. It’s a sign that they like you enough to include you in other aspects of their life.

I recall a time when I had been seeing someone for several months. We spent a lot of time together, but I noticed that they would never introduce me to their friends.

This was strange because they saw their friends often, and I knew how important they were in their life.

Eventually, I realized that this was a sign they didn’t see our relationship as something serious or long-term.

It was tough to accept, but it was an important lesson in recognizing when someone may not like you as much as you thought.

According to Susan Albers, PsyD., if someone consistently avoids introducing you to their friends, it could be a sign that they aren’t serious about your relationship.

8) They rarely show empathy towards you

Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another – is a key element in any relationship. It shows that someone cares about you and your experiences.

However, if someone consistently shows a lack of empathy towards you, it might be a sign that they don’t like you.

If you’re going through a tough time or sharing something personal and they appear indifferent or dismissive, it could indicate a lack of interest or care on their part.

Someone who likes you will generally show empathy and compassion when you’re going through difficult times.

A lack of empathy can often be a clear sign that they don’t hold you in high regard.

9) You just feel it

Sometimes, the most reliable sign that someone doesn’t like you is your own intuition.

If you constantly feel like you’re not appreciated, or sense an undercurrent of hostility or indifference, trust your gut feeling.

Our instincts are powerful and more often than not, they’re right. So if something feels off, don’t ignore it.

Your feelings and perceptions are valid and can serve as a guide in understanding how someone truly feels about you.

Final thoughts: You can thrive without external approval

I’ve learned that figuring out if someone likes you or not is just a small piece of the puzzle.

What really matters is how you feel about yourself in those moments of doubt.

It’s taken me a while to realize, but I’ve come to see that no matter how much we try to decipher someone else’s feelings, our own self-worth isn’t up for debate.

You are who you are, with or without their approval. Be proud of it!