I’ve often wondered where the line is between admiring someone from afar and actually finding the courage to tell them.

Attraction, for some men, is hidden in small, subtle hints that, if you’re not paying attention, might slip right past you.

I’ve been on both sides of this dynamic—wanting to say something, yet holding back—and trust me, there are certain phrases men use when they’re into you but lack the courage to make a full move.

Those little signs can say more than a thousand direct confessions, once you know what to listen for.

So, let’s get into it.

Here are nine phrases that a man who’s drawn to you might throw out, even if he’s not ready to go all in.

Take note, and you might just be able to read between the lines of his hesitation.

1) “You’re really easy to talk to”

In the uncertain world of attraction, men who lack confidence often try to play it safe.

And one way they do this is by complimenting your communication skills.

It’s a subtle way of expressing their interest without putting themselves fully out there.

You see, when a man says “You’re really easy to talk to”, what he’s really saying is, he enjoys your company.

He feels comfortable around you and wants to continue the conversation, maybe even take it deeper.

It’s his way of getting closer to you without the risk of outright rejection.

2) “Do you come here often?”

This is a classic phrase that we often associate with cheesy pick-up lines in movies.

But in my own experience, it has been used by men who are really into me but don’t quite have the confidence to make a direct move.

I remember this one time at my favorite coffee shop, there was this guy who would always be there whenever I was.

One day, he finally gathered the courage to approach me.

Instead of coming on too strong or making his interest obvious, he simply asked, “Do you come here often?”

At first, I laughed, thinking it was a cliché line.

But then I noticed his genuine curiosity and the way he carefully listened to my response.

That’s when I realized that he was interested, but perhaps too shy to express it openly.

So, ladies, if a man asks you this seemingly innocent question, especially in a place where you frequently hang out, it might be his way of expressing interest without stepping too far out of his comfort zone.

3) “What do you think about…?”

This phrase might seem like a regular part of any conversation.

But when a man is highly attracted to you and lacks the confidence to make a move, it becomes a tool, an ice-breaker of sorts.

You see, when a man is interested in you, he’s also interested in your thoughts, your opinions.

He wants to get to know you better.

By asking for your opinion on something, he is not only showing that he values your thoughts but also trying to find common ground, a shared interest that could potentially bring you closer.

Interestingly enough, research indicates that couples with shared interests and values are more likely to experience long-term relationship success.

A study found that 64% of couples with shared interests believe this has helped their marriages to succeed.

So next time a man asks for your opinion, he might be trying to gauge compatibility and build an emotional connection.

4) “I noticed you’re into…”

This phrase is a clear giveaway.

A man saying this to you is showing that he’s been paying attention to you.

He’s interested in your likes, your hobbies, and your passions.

Sometimes it might be something trivial, like your favorite band or the book you’re currently reading.

Other times, it could be something more personal, like your love for animal welfare or your passion for painting.

What’s important about this phrase is not just what follows the “into” but the fact that he’s noticed.

It shows he’s been observing you, thinking about you, and he wants to engage with you on a deeper level.

Someone who isn’t interested won’t take the time to notice these things.

If a man is pointing out what he’s observed about you, it’s a clear sign that he’s attracted but might be lacking the confidence to be more direct.

5) “Have you eaten yet?”

It might seem like a simple inquiry about your day or your well-being, but when a man asks you this question, it can often mean much more.

This phrase is a subtle indicator that he’s thinking about your needs.

He’s showing concern for your well-being, which is a clear sign of attraction.

Plus, it’s also a clever way to suggest spending time together, maybe over a meal or coffee.

It’s his way of saying, “I care about you”, without actually saying it.

And it’s a safe move because it’s disguised as casual conversation.

Of course, context is key.

If he’s asking you this in the middle of the day when he knows you’re at work, for example, it might just be polite conversation.

But if it’s late in the evening or during a weekend, then it might be his low-key way of asking you out without risking too much rejection.

6) “I can always count on you”

This phrase goes beyond surface-level interaction.

It’s a heartfelt statement that shows he trusts and appreciates you.

When a man tells you that he can always count on you, he’s expressing his admiration for your reliability and consistency.

He values your presence in his life and sees you as a constant.

But more than that, it’s his indirect way of saying he has deep feelings for you.

He feels secure and comfortable around you, and that could very well be because he’s highly attracted to you.

7) “I was just thinking about you”

This phrase might surprise you, coming from a man who’s not yet made a move.

But we’re talking about men who are highly attracted yet lack the confidence to take that step.

Once, a guy friend of mine sent me a random message in the middle of the day saying, “I was just thinking about you.”

It was completely out of the blue, and it made me wonder what had prompted him to say that.

As I later found out, he had feelings for me.

But at that time, he wasn’t sure how I’d react if he expressed them directly.

So he used this phrase as a subtle hint, hoping I’d pick up on his feelings.

So next time a man tells you he’s been thinking about you, take note. It may be his way of hinting at deeper feelings.

8) “I’d love to hear more about that”

This phrase is an indicator of genuine interest.

When a man says this, he’s not just attracted to your physical appearance.

He’s also attracted to your mind, your experiences, and your world.

He wants to discover your thoughts and experiences.

He wants to know more about your dreams, your passions, and your stories.

By expressing a desire to hear more, he’s actively encouraging you to share more about yourself.

It’s a way for him to establish a deeper connection without having to expose his feelings directly.

9) “I really enjoy spending time with you”

This phrase is perhaps the most straightforward one on this list.

It’s a clear indication that he enjoys your company and cherishes the moments spent with you.

When a man tells you he enjoys spending time with you, understand that it’s not just about the activities you do together.

It’s about you. You’re the one making the time enjoyable for him.

It’s his way of expressing his attraction and hinting at his feelings without putting himself out there too much.

He hopes that by expressing how much he enjoys your company, you’ll understand the depth of his feelings.

So, if a man tells you he enjoys your company, take it as a sign.

He might be more into you than he’s letting on.

It’s all part of the dance

I’ve come to think of attraction as its own kind of dance, each person trying to move in rhythm without stepping on each other’s toes.

For some, it’s bold and spontaneous; for others, it’s cautious and restrained.

The men who drop these quiet clues—they’re the ones who hover on the edge, hoping you’ll catch on without needing them to lay it all bare.

Reading these phrases is like learning a new step, figuring out where he’s coming from and maybe even nudging the dance forward if you feel the same.

Everyone has their own tempo, their own way of handling those first steps toward connection.

So, next time you catch one of these little phrases, take a closer look.

You might just find a hidden depth of interest beneath his hesitation—and maybe, if you’re up for it, you’ll take a step forward, too.