Attraction isn’t always loud and obvious. Sometimes, it’s hidden in subtle gestures, lingering glances, and the little things she does when she’s around you.

If a woman likes you but wants you to make the first move, she won’t come right out and say it—but she will drop hints.

The challenge? Many guys miss these signals because they expect something more direct.

But women often communicate attraction in ways that feel natural and low-risk, leaving just enough room for you to step in and take the lead.

So, how can you tell if she’s waiting for you to make a move? Here are eight key signals to watch for.

1. She makes frequent eye contact

Eye contact is a powerful form of communication.

It’s one of the most significant non-verbal cues that a woman is interested in you.

If you find her constantly locking eyes with yours, it’s a pretty good sign that she’s attracted to you.

But here’s the catch — she might quickly look away when you meet her gaze.

This doesn’t mean she’s not interested. On the contrary, it’s her way of saying she likes you but wants you to make the first move.

She’s comfortable enough to hold your gaze, but not quite ready to make the first move. And that’s where you come in — she’s waiting for you to take the lead.

2. She plays with her hair

Hair play is a classic signal women unconsciously give when they’re attracted to someone.

She might twirl a strand of hair around her finger, tuck a lock behind her ear, or even run her hands through it.

And don’t get me started on the “hair flip” — that’s a dead giveaway.

I remember a time when I was at a party, there was this woman who kept playing with her hair whenever we were talking.

I noticed that she only did it when we were in deep conversation and not when she was talking to others.

It took me a while to catch on, but when I finally did, it was clear as day that she was sending these signals because she was interested in me but wanted me to make the first move.

In hindsight, these signs were clear, but in the moment, they can be easy to miss if you’re not paying attention.

3. She laughs at your jokes

Mark Twain once said, “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.”

In the realm of dating, this weapon works wonders.

If a woman often laughs at your jokes, even the ones that aren’t particularly funny, that’s a strong sign of attraction.

She’s not just laughing because she finds your joke amusing. She’s laughing because she likes you and wants to show her interest without being too obvious about it.

I recall a time when I told a joke that was, well, let’s just say it wasn’t my best work. But there she was, laughing heartily as if it was the funniest thing she’d ever heard.

That was her way of signaling her interest to me, inviting me to take the first step. And it worked — her laughter broke the ice and made me feel more comfortable in making my move.

4. She mirrors your actions

Psychologists have discovered a phenomenon known as “mirroring” in human behavior.

This is when a person subconsciously imitates the gestures, speech patterns, or attitudes of another.

Now, apply this to the world of dating.

If a woman is mirroring your actions — matching your body language, using similar expressions, or even mimicking your choice of words — she’s likely attracted to you.

It’s her way of saying she’s on the same wavelength as you and wants to create a sense of connection and familiarity.

But here’s the twist — she might not even realize she’s doing it. It’s a subtle sign that she’s interested but waiting for you to take the first step.

5. She initiates touch

Touch is a powerful way of communicating attraction.

Even the slightest, most subtle touch can speak volumes about her interest in you.

If she’s brushing against your arm, touching your shoulder in conversation, or even playfully hitting you when you crack a joke, these are not random accidents.

These are deliberate actions to establish a physical connection with you, to break down the invisible barriers and invite you closer.

Yet, while she’s comfortable with touching you, she might not be ready to make the more significant first move.

That’s your cue — she’s giving you the green light to take the lead.

6. She asks about your plans

If a woman is asking about your future plans, whether it’s for the weekend or more long term, take note.

This isn’t just idle chit-chat.

She’s trying to see if there’s a place for her in your life, if your paths could potentially align.

She wants to know more about you, your interests, and what you enjoy doing in your spare time.

But she won’t outright say she wants to be part of those plans — she’s waiting for you to make that invitation.

This is her way of subtly hinting that she’d like to spend more time with you but wants you to make the first move.

7. She shares personal details

When a woman starts opening up and sharing personal details about her life, it’s a strong indication that she trusts you and is comfortable around you.

She might share stories about her childhood, talk about her dreams and aspirations, or confide in you about her fears and insecurities.

These are not things she’d share with just anyone.

She’s letting you in on her world, showing you who she truly is beneath the surface.

That’s your signal — she’s subtly inviting you to make the first step.

8. She shows genuine interest in your life

The most telling sign of all is when a woman shows a genuine interest in your life.

She asks about your day, remembers the little things you’ve told her, and is genuinely invested in getting to know you better.

If she’s genuinely curious about who you are, what you do and what makes you tick, then she’s seriously into you.

She’s not just being polite or making small talk — she truly wants to understand you on a deeper level.

If you notice this kind of effort, don’t overthink it. Take the hint and lean into the connection.

Wrapping it up

Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, it’s time to put it into action.

The next time you find yourself in a situation where you’re unsure if she’s interested, look out for these signs.

And then, take that leap of faith and make the first move.

Because at the end of the day, life is too short for what ifs.

Remember, as Wayne Gretzky famously said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” So don’t let uncertainty hold you back.

Take that shot and embrace whatever comes next. After all, that’s what makes life thrilling and worth living.