There’s a fine line between being socially polite and genuinely liking someone.

As Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and an enthusiast of mindfulness, I’ve learned to understand people through their subtle behaviors.

Trust me; it’s not always the words that give away someone’s true feelings. It’s the little things, the tiny gestures or lack thereof, that reveal if someone secretly dislikes you.

Buckle up as we delve into the world of silent communication – those 8 subtle behaviors that might be telling you more than you realize.

1) They maintain a physical distance

Sometimes subtlety is in the spaces between us, quite literally.

I’m here to tell you that physical distance can be a clear indicator of personal disconnect. If someone consistently keeps a noticeable gap between you and them during interactions, they might not be as fond of you as you’d like to think.

Moreover, this isn’t just about the geographical distance. It’s also about avoiding any form of physical contact – like shying away from handshakes or hugs.

Keep in mind, though, that everyone has their comfort zone. But if someone is consciously maintaining a distance from you only, it could be more than just about personal space.

Famous psychologist Albert Mehrabian once said, “Non-verbal communication speaks the loudest.” So take note of the unspoken cues, they often reveal more than words ever can.

2) They avoid eye contact

The eyes are the windows to the soul, and sometimes, they’re also the telltale signs of someone’s true feelings towards you.

I remember a time when I was dealing with a colleague who always seemed friendly in conversations. But one thing that struck me was his consistent avoidance of eye contact. Whenever we talked, his gaze would be everywhere but on me.

At first, I chalked it up to him being shy or distracted. But over time, I noticed he had no trouble maintaining eye contact with others. That’s when it hit me – his behavior was not about shyness; it was about his discomfort around me.

3) They consistently interrupt you

Communication is a two-way street. It’s about expressing your thoughts and also respecting the other person’s chance to share theirs. But what if you find someone consistently interrupting you?

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the importance of mindful listening – truly hearing and understanding others before responding.

But if you notice someone doesn’t afford you this basic courtesy and constantly cuts you off, it could be a sign they’re not just uninterested in what you’re saying, but that they might secretly dislike you.

Interrupting someone is a subtle way of asserting dominance and revealing disregard for the other person’s thoughts or feelings. So pay attention to those who don’t let you finish your sentences; their interruption might be speaking volumes about their feelings towards you.

4) They give non-committal responses

Psychologically speaking, the way someone responds to you can tell a lot about their feelings towards you. If the person you’re interacting with often gives vague or non-committal responses, it’s a sign they might not think highly of you.

‘Non-committal’ refers to responses that are not definitive, like “maybe”, “we’ll see”, or “I’ll think about it”. These are often used as polite ways to avoid further conversation or commitment.

Psychologists explain that when people like and respect each other, they tend to be more direct and clear in their communication. On the other hand, non-committal responses can indicate a lack of interest or respect.

So if someone is consistently giving you vague answers, it’s possible they’re keeping their distance because they secretly dislike you. Keep an eye out for those elusive ‘maybes’, they might be hiding more than just indecision.

5) They’re overly polite

This one might catch you off guard. Isn’t politeness a good thing? Generally, yes. But in some cases, excessive politeness can be a mask for underlying negative feelings.

Consider this scenario: someone always greets you with a broad smile, their words are always kind and they never miss an opportunity to compliment you. Sounds like someone who likes you, right? Not necessarily.

Over politeness can sometimes be a subtle way of maintaining a safe emotional distance. It’s a form of interaction that sticks strictly to social norms and avoids any personal or emotional connection.

It might seem counter-intuitive, but if someone is always overly polite and never moves beyond that to show genuine emotions or vulnerability, they might be hiding their true feelings of dislike towards you. In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Even the nicest people have their limits.”

6) They avoid sharing personal information

Openness is a key component of any genuine relationship. If someone consistently avoids sharing personal information or details about their life with you, it’s a clear sign they’re keeping their distance.

This behavior is more than just being guarded or private. It’s about noticing a pattern where someone willingly shares personal details with others, but not with you.

Sharing personal experiences fosters a sense of intimacy and connection. By avoiding this, the person might be subtly signaling their disinterest or dislike towards you.

7) They often seem distracted around you

You ever have a conversation where the other person’s mind seems a million miles away? Their eyes are on their phone, or they’re constantly looking around, barely paying attention to what you’re saying.

I’ve had my fair share of such encounters. Once, I had a friend who would always seem distracted whenever we hung out. At first, I thought she was just busy or stressed. But over time, I realized her behavior was exclusive to our interactions.

If someone always seems preoccupied or uninterested when they’re with you, it might be more than just them being busy. It could be a subtle sign that they secretly dislike you. After all, we pay attention to those we truly care about.

8) They never initiate contact

Relationships are about give and take. It’s about both parties showing interest and making an effort to connect. But what happens when it’s always you making the first move?

If you find that you’re always the one initiating contact, whether it’s starting conversations, planning meetups, or even just sending a text, it could be a subtle sign that the other person isn’t as invested in the relationship as you are.

This isn’t about keeping score but noticing patterns. If they never reach out first but are always responsive to your efforts, they might be maintaining the relationship out of politeness rather than genuine affection.

So take note if you’re always the one breaking the ice. It might be a sign they’re not as keen on your company as you thought.

Final thoughts: It’s often more about them than you

As we wrap up this exploration of subtle signs that someone might secretly dislike you, it’s important to remember not to take it personally.

Human behavior is complex and often influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from past experiences to present circumstances. If someone shows these signs, it’s more about their own feelings and perceptions than anything you might have done.

In my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“, I delve into the importance of self-awareness and distancing oneself from negative influences.

So if you sense someone isn’t fond of you, take it as an opportunity to practice empathy and understanding. It’s also a chance to reflect on your own behavior and relationships.

While it’s crucial to be mindful of how others treat us, let’s not allow their perceptions to define our self-worth. As the saying goes, “We cannot control others’ actions, but we can control our reactions.”

And most importantly, surround yourself with positivity and those who appreciate you for who you are. Life’s too short to spend worrying about those who don’t.