Have you seen the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice? If not, I highly recommend you do. 

While the movie might very much be a 19th century love story, it is far from your typical one! Here’s why.

For starters, the Jane Austen novel turned film, directed by Joe Wright, features a heartthrob for the ages: Mr. Darcy.

Ever so mysteriously, the guy conceals his love for Elizabeth Bennet beneath his ultra polished exterior and societal niceties.

As we follow the story, we can’t help but wonder: how does Mr. Darcy secretly unearth and peel back the layers of his love for Elizabeth?

Is it in the words he carefully chooses or in the way he looks at her when she’s not watching? (see: the hand clenching scene!)

Either way, it’s super, super hard to look away from this journey. Darcy’s love is quiet and often unspoken as he tries to navigate the rules of upper-class society and his own reservations.

Do you have a Darcy in your life? If you think you might, buckle up as we dive into the incredible mystery of how to tell whether someone has the hidden feels for you.

Let’s start with a major sign: idealization.

1) They think the absolute best of you

When you walk into a room, do their eyes light up like a kid in a candy store? Well, then it might just be a sign of love.

A recent research review in scientific journal Frontiers of Psychology referred to a hint of love as being the “idealization of the other in the relationship”.

But what does this actually mean? Well, this means that every little quirk, every imperfection becomes a charm, and they seem to be donning those rose-tinted glasses exclusively for you. 

Sounds like a scene from a movie, doesn’t it? 

It’s like they have this rare, magical ability to filter out the boring bits and focus on the extraordinary in you. 

Think about it. When we’re in love, our brains have this nifty little habit of putting our crush on a pedestal. 

They become the hero, capable of no wrong.

But here’s the kicker: this idealization isn’t just about admiration. It goes beyond that. It’s a major emotional investment, a subconscious declaration of affection.

The next time someone seems to have a perpetual sparkle in their eyes when they look at you, or they find the most endearing qualities in every little thing you do, don’t just dismiss it as a casual compliment—look deeper!

2) They are constantly trying to figure you out

The same Frontiers of Psychology review found that a super common indicator of love includes “actions toward determining the other’s feelings” and “studying the other person”.

Basically, it’s like this person is on a constant mission to unravel the mysteries of your mind.

They’re not just making small talk, they’re actually delving into the deeper layers of your thoughts and feelings. They cannot seem to get enough.

It even gets to the point that they’re not cool with surface-level chat… they want to know your dreams, fears, and passions. 

Sounds pretty intense, huh? It’s not about gathering facts, in fact, it’s about creating a connection.

So, if there’s someone in your life constantly trying to figure you out, it might be their way of silently expressing deep feelings for you, and it might be time for you to spark up a chat with them. What’s the worst that could happen?

3) They appear to be energized when you’re around them

A study on the neuroendocrinology of love noted that a person might have an “increased energy” in your presence—that is, if they love you.

When someone is secretly smitten with you, your mere presence becomes a shot of adrenaline to their system.

It’s like they’ve plugged into a new power source that fuels every fiber of their being. Dramatic, right?

But why the sudden surge in energy? It’s not because they’ve had a double espresso—but sure, they could have had that, too—rather, it’s the intoxicating cocktail of emotions brewing inside of them. 

Love has a way of turning mundane moments into magical ones, and the person secretly in love with you is riding that emotional rollercoaster whenever you’re around them.

Have you ever been telling them about your day, and you can practically feel the enthusiasm radiating from them?

It’s not just about the exciting events you’re recounting, rather, it’s about the joy they find in hearing those experiences from you.

When someone is deeply in love, every moment becomes an opportunity to connect deeply, and they can’t help but share the highs and lows of your day.

This is because love compels people to become active participants in your life. 

They’re investing their time and energy because, well, you’re worth it!

So, increased energy levels is just one of the many signs that someone might be secretly head over heels for you. 

Who knew love could be such an invigorating power source? Not me!

4) They perform acts of service for you

Ever had someone go out of their way to help you, seemingly without any obvious reason? 

Well, the Frontiers of Psychology research found that “service to the other” is a tell-tale sign that someone loves you.

Maybe they offered to run errands for you, fixed that annoying leaky tap you’ve been ignoring, or surprised you with a warm homemade dinner.

Sure, it’s great to have helpful friends, but have you ever stopped to wonder if these acts of service might be subtle signals of something deeper? 

Maybe those unexpected favors are the telltale signs that someone is secretly harboring a deep, unspoken love for you.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not suggesting that every good deed is a love confession in disguise. However, acts of service can be powerful indicators of affection. 

Think about it. When was the last time you went out of your way to help someone you weren’t particularly fond of?

Chances are, you reserve your acts of service for the people who hold a very special place in your heart.

When someone is secretly deeply in love with you, they might find joy in the simple pleasure of making your life more comfortable. 

It’s their way of silently shouting their affection from the rooftops, even if the words are never spoken.

After all, actions do speak louder than words, and sometimes, the sweetest declarations of love come in the form of super selfless deeds. Aw!

5) They can’t stay away from you

Imagine you’re at a crowded party, people chatting away, laughter dancing in the air, but there’s someone who always seems to gravitate towards you. 

They can’t seem to get enough of your company. 

They’re there, lingering close, perhaps even finding excuses to touch your arm or stand just a little too near. (Hopefully this isn’t creepy, and if it is, keep your boundaries firm.)

The previously mentioned Frontiers of Psychology review concluded that “maintaining physical closeness” is another possible sign of love.

Think about what physical closeness represents in human interaction. It’s more than just proximity—it’s a form of connection, a silent language that speaks volumes without a single word being said. 

When someone is drawn to you like a magnet, seeking out every opportunity to be physically close, it’s often a sign that they crave a closer bond with you.

Consider those moments when you find yourself drawn to someone you’re enamored with. 

Don’t you naturally want to be near them, to feel their presence, to bask in the warmth of their company? 

It’s quite a primal instinct, an unconscious longing for intimacy and connection.

Now, imagine being on the receiving end of that magnetic pull. 

Someone can’t resist being close to you, whether it’s standing shoulder to shoulder at a party or finding reasons to brush against you in passing.

It’s as if they’re unable to resist the pull of your presence.

But why is physical closeness so, so important to them? Here’s where the psychology of love comes into play.

When we’re deeply in love with someone, our brains are flooded with neurotransmitters like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. These chemicals create a combo of emotions, from exhilarating highs to soothing comfort.

Physical touch, like a gentle brush of fingers against yours, triggers the release of oxytocin, often dubbed the “love hormone.” 

Oxytocin is associated with bonding, trust, and intimacy, fostering a sense of connection between two people.

So, when someone can’t resist being close to you, it’s not just about physical attraction or proximity. 

It’s a subconscious expression of their desire to forge a deeper emotional connection with you, to bridge the gap between the two of you.

Final thoughts

To sum things up, when it comes to love, decoding all the subtle signs reveals a super secret web of affection.

Idealization, a constant quest to understand you, a surge of energy in their presence, selfless acts of service, and an undeniable physical closeness are the indicators of unspoken love.

These signs paint a picture of someone drawn to you, expressing affection through actions and emotions.

When you notice these indicators, it might be time to acknowledge the unspoken.