I usually hang out with a close group of university friends, but recently, my best friend’s boyfriend started acting… strangely.

At first, I brushed it off, but as time passed, his behavior became harder to ignore.

There were moments where he lingered a bit too long, gave me looks that seemed a little more intense than usual, and always found a way to be near me. It made me wonder—could he be secretly attracted to me?

If you’ve noticed similar things, here are 9 signs someone in a relationship might be secretly drawn to you, even when they try to hide it.

1) They seek constant opportunities to be around you

When someone is drawn to you, they may go out of their way to be where you are, even when it’s inconvenient for them.

This can include appearing at places they know you frequent, “coincidentally” joining events where you’re present, or volunteering for tasks that put them in close proximity to you.

They might suddenly develop an interest in your hobbies or activities. This behavior isn’t random; it stems from a subconscious desire to establish closeness.

Unlike casual acquaintances, they’ll find excuses to prolong conversations or linger after group gatherings. Their desire to stay near you isn’t always overt, but it’s noticeable over time.

2) Their body language speaks volumes

Body language can reveal attraction even when words don’t.

People signal their interest through unconscious movements, such as leaning toward you during conversations, mirroring your gestures, or maintaining prolonged eye contact.

Unlike general politeness, their gaze may linger longer than usual, and they might angle their body to face you directly, even in group settings.

Their feet pointing in your direction or tilting their head when you speak are signs of engagement.

Subtle physical touches, like a pat on the back or brushing past you, may be intentional attempts to establish a sense of connection.

These non-verbal signals occur instinctively, offering a glimpse into their unspoken feelings.

3) They prioritize you over others, including their partner

When someone in a relationship begins prioritizing you over their partner or close friends, it may signal a deeper emotional attraction.

This behavior manifests in subtle but telling ways.

They might consistently choose to spend their free time with you, reply to your messages with a sense of urgency, or make themselves unusually available for your needs.

If they regularly adjust their schedule to fit yours, it’s a strong indicator that you’ve become a significant presence in their life.

In some cases, they may downplay their partner’s importance or draw comparisons between you and their significant other, often casting you in a more favorable light.

This shift in focus suggests more than just friendship — it reflects an emotional pull that’s hard to ignore.

4) They show unusual jealousy

Jealousy is associated with romantic attraction, and when someone in a relationship becomes protective of you, it’s a potential red flag.

They may react defensively or show visible discomfort when you mention other people you’re interested in.

This might be subtle, like a playful but pointed comment, or more overt, like expressing disapproval of certain friends you spend time with.

They may also seek to “one-up” others who have your attention, trying to prove their worth in comparison.

Unlike casual concern from a friend, this type of jealousy reflects a competitive edge, as if they view others as rivals for your attention. Their protectiveness is hard to miss.

“Jealousy is just love and hate at the same time,” a sentiment expressed by Drake, perfectly capturing how jealousy can blend deep affection with the fear of losing someone to another, showing the intensity of their feelings.

5) They compliment you excessively

While compliments from friends are normal, someone with a deeper attraction will offer them more frequently and with greater specificity.

Instead of generic praise like “You look nice today,” they may highlight unique qualities others overlook, such as your thoughtfulness, creativity, or problem-solving skills.

These compliments go beyond surface-level observations, reflecting how closely they’ve been paying attention to you.

Over time, these remarks may feel more personal, as if they’re actively trying to make you feel special.

Compliments might also be accompanied by an intense gaze, hinting at the emotional weight behind their words. Their admiration for you is clear, conveyed with a sincerity that’s hard to dismiss.

6) They confide in you about their relationship problems

When someone opens up to you about issues in their relationship, it could mean they see you as a source of emotional support — or perhaps something more.

While venting about a partner is fairly common, doing so repeatedly with one specific person may point to a deeper emotional connection.

They might criticize their partner’s actions or highlight how you’re more understanding, compassionate, or supportive in comparison. This behavior often signals that they feel a sense of emotional safety with you.

By consistently confiding in you, they foster a sense of intimacy, seeing you as someone who truly “gets” them. Their emotional openness may indicate a desire for a closer connection, without needing to say it outright.

As George MacDonald expressed, “To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.” The trust they place in you by sharing their vulnerabilities speaks volumes about the bond they feel is developing.

7) They remember the little things about you

Attraction sharpens memory, and someone interested in you will recall small details about your life, like your favorite drink, stories you’ve shared, or even passing mentions of your goals and dreams.

They might surprise you by referencing something you said weeks or months ago.

Remembering these details shows that they’re mentally prioritizing you, which often happens when someone feels a deeper connection.

Unlike acquaintances who might forget minor details, this person may seem unusually attuned to your likes, dislikes, and preferences.

Their ability to “remember the little things” reflects how much mental energy they’re investing in you, a classic hallmark of emotional attraction.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wisely put it, “Love does not dominate; it cultivates.” Their attentiveness to the small things is a reflection of how they are nurturing their growing feelings for you.

8) They display protective behavior

People who are emotionally invested in you will show signs of protectiveness.

This is not just about physical safety but also emotional well-being. They may defend you in group settings, stand up for you when others speak ill of you, or make it clear they don’t want you to be hurt.

This behavior can be subtle, like trying to shield you from awkward situations or offering advice meant to keep you out of harm’s way.

In cases of deep attraction, they might also express concern over your personal or emotional life, showing that they genuinely care about your happiness.

Protectiveness stems from a desire to safeguard someone they are emotionally attached to, whether or not they acknowledge the depth of their feelings.

9) They frequently initiate contact

Someone who is attracted to you may go out of their way to stay in touch, whether through sending texts, liking your social media posts, or finding reasons to call.

Although these gestures might seem casual, they reveal a deeper intention — they want to keep you in their thoughts and maintain regular contact.

This could look like them checking in on you or simply asking about your day, even when there’s no immediate need.

It’s not about anything urgent, but rather a genuine effort to stay connected.

Their consistent communication, whether through a quick message or a phone call, indicates they are mentally prioritizing you.

Over time, their frequent contact signals that you hold a special place in their life and are at the forefront of their thoughts.

Facing the truth

As I reflect on the situation with my best friend’s boyfriend, I can’t help but feel uneasy. It’s strange how someone in a relationship can show signs of attraction without directly acknowledging it.

At first, I thought it was just my imagination, but the more time passed, the more difficult it became to ignore his behavior.

While it’s important to respect boundaries and consider everyone’s feelings, it’s impossible to dismiss the signs when someone starts acting differently.

Eventually, I decided to speak directly with him, addressing the situation head-on.

Not only for my peace of mind but for my best friend’s as well. Being honest and transparent was the only way to handle it with respect for everyone involved.