How To Tell If a Guy Likes You But is Hiding It

In dating and relationships, understanding the signs that someone likes you can be a challenging puzzle to solve.

However, as experts in the field, we have gathered valuable insights and observations to help you navigate the subtle cues that may indicate someone’s hidden feelings.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricate details and reveal the signs that can unveil his genuine emotions.

By the end of this article, you’ll possess a wealth of knowledge to decipher the hidden signals and gain a deeper understanding of his affection towards you.

It will also answer the following questions that are on your mind:

Let’s get right into it…

How to Tell if a Guy Is Into You But Is Hiding It –  23 Signs He Likes You

1) He Smiles a Lot at You

Smiling is considered to be one of the strongest emotional expressions.

Studies show that fleeting smiles can cause positive emotional changes in other people due to their amazingly contagious effects.

Hence, if a guy starts smiling a lot at you, it’s a clear sign he’s interested in you but trying not to admit it.

Besides that, smiling is among the top ways of communicating friendliness. Shy guys will almost always smile whenever they see someone they like.

A genuine smile from a guy – 9 out of 10 times – is a way to tell you he’s attracted to you.

Figuring Out What the Smiles Mean

Did you know that a smile differs based on sexual attraction and true love?

Extensive work by social psychologists has discovered that true love and sexual attraction typically bring about different forms of smiles.

You will most likely give out genuine smiles when you truly love someone.

Conversely, those experiencing initial high sexual attraction experience fewer smiles but more mouth and lip actions like licks and lip bites.

Research also shows that women smile more often than men, especially in their late teens to mid-twenties.

It shows that when a guy smiles a lot at you, he might be truly interested in you.

Tips to Understanding What His Smile Means

Also Read: How to Make One Sided Love Successful

2) He Displays Mixed Signals

Is the guy treating you so well today and then completely ignoring you the following day?

Then that’s a sign that he might be interested in you but is shy to admit it.

Most guys do this to avoid exposing their interest too early.

The result is an emotional roller coaster, especially when the guy is very shy.

The key here is to be patient and discover the reason(s) behind the mixed signals.

The following are some vital tips for dealing with a guy showing frequent mood swings.

1) Be Empathetic

There could be other things your crush is dealing with in his life that are causing him to send you mixed signals.

For instance, he may be stressed out at work or trying to recover from a broken marriage or relationship.

So, if you find out he does this a lot; please be empathetic.

He’ll come around.

As you get to know each other well, he’ll open up to you and may likely tell you the reasons behind his mood swings.

2) Have an In-Person Conversation

Mixed signals are quite frustrating to deal with anytime.

The surest method of clearing the air is having a conversation in person.

Avoid texting as you may misunderstand his tone or read too much meaning into what he says.

While face-to-face conversations can leave you feeling vulnerable, it’s an excellent method of communication.

If the guy likes you and you think there’s a potential for something great, then it is good to have that conversation about his mixed signals.

3) Maintains a Deep Eye Contact

If the guy you are talking to maintains consistent eye contact, he probably likes you.

However, remember that there is a thin line between staring and deep eye contact. So, make sure that his eye contact is mutual and not impolite.

Interpreting The Different Types of Eye Contact

How a guy looks at you almost always indicates his feelings for you.

Below are a few descriptions of what various looks mean:

4) He Loves Asking Multiple Questions

Are you getting a barrage of questions from your crush?

He’s likely interested in you and wants to have a long conversation or learn more about you.

He’ll most likely ask about your personal life.

That includes you:

Examples of questions that a guy would likely ask you:

The questions will vary based on how well you know each other. The guy may start by asking questions that aren’t too personal.

Those initial questions help to establish interest without being too creepy, but that doesn’t mean he is not interested in you.

So, give it time before he can be comfortable asking more personal, curious questions.

The main point here is to ensure you answer his questions thoughtfully.

That way, you will encourage him to continue the conversation and show him that he’s a person you are comfortable opening up to.

However, do not think that every man that asks you random questions likes you. Some men are just nice and love getting to know people.

Someone who isn’t interested in you wouldn’t put that much effort into getting to know you well.

Also Read: 251 Interesting Questions to Ask a Girl You Like

5) He Follows and Stalks Your Various Social Media Profiles

Many dating experts usually recommend watching body language, voice tone, eye contact, and other cues to let you know if a guy is crushing on you.

However, since most people spend their time online nowadays, it is also necessary to identify signals that someone likes you online on social media.

You may ask; Is he trying to get my attention on Facebook, and if so, how do I know the cues?

Guys will often try communicating with you through tagging, direct messages, or tweeting rather than phone calls or texting.

They can show support by shares, likes, and comments.

Here are other signs that he likes you based on what he does on social media:

The fact that he looked up your details and added you on his social media profiles shows he’s likely into you.

It’s also a fantastic first step toward getting acquainted with you.

6) He Loves Teasing You

Playful and lighthearted teasing indicates that a man is interested in you.

Most guys would never try to tease a lady if he didn’t like her or wasn’t a close friend.

Teasing usually helps to alleviate that initial romantic anxiety. A relationship is a lot scarier than most people admit.

Cracking a few jokes and teasing helps guys calm their nerves when approaching someone they are interested in.

Do you remember how little boys used to pull your hair in kindergarten?

Well, they were doing that to get your attention.

That’s how long guys have been teasing girls.

A study on social teasing found that it might be a way of indirectly showing closeness and affection.

Participants in that survey said they teased their friends to show how much they appreciated them and felt safe being around them.

How Guys Tease Girls They Like

7) He Wants Your Number

One transparent and obvious sign that he’s into you but is shy to tell you is asking for your contact details.

He wants to call you and possibly ask you for a date later (if/when he’s got the balls to do so).

Nevertheless, you must be careful not to give your numbers to players who like getting in and out (if you know what I mean).

To such guys, getting a girl to give them their numbers is more of a game than an honest interest.

They only text you when they want to…, like late Friday nights.

You always want to keep your distance from these guys.

Also, if the guy doesn’t call or text after getting your number, he likely isn’t into you that much.

Shy guys take a lot of time to get in touch with a girl they like. So have this in mind.

A study showed that when men initiate contact based on booty calls, they’re not invested or keen on creating a lasting, meaningful relationship.

Also take note of the amount of time he takes to respond to your texts. Relationship experts say that a fast response time signifies attraction.

Remember that the goal of giving out your number is a possible date in the future. The guy could ask you to meet up again.

So, you should ensure you’re giving out your number to someone you like and wouldn’t mind going on a date with.

8) He Doesn’t Forget What You Told Him

It is easy to recite the basic things about the girl you’re interested in, including their work, hometown, college, or acquaintances.

However, when a boy remembers almost everything a lady mentions, it shows a deeper interest.

For instance, when he remembers your favorite artist and sends you links to their new songs.

He sends them through when he knows that you prefer roses to carnations. Remembering those little things you talk about shows that he’s into you but shy to admit it.

It is his way of telling you that he will never ignore things that you consider to be important.

Not every guy will remember every little detail about you until you are closer to them.

So, if he’s not only being attentive but also doing activities or hobbies that are important to you, then he is definitely into you.

A guy that likes you will listen attentively and ask relevant and intelligent questions when the opportunity arises.

He’ll also smile and nod at appropriate times within the conversation. He’ll keep everything in mind and be attentive when you talk.

You could discuss something random or your goals, but he’ll always be genuinely interested.

9) He Always Finds it Difficulty to Say Goodbye

He’ll not have any difficulty saying goodbye when you are only a friend.

However, if he can’t seem to say goodbye once the conversation ends, you’re likely in his mind and heart already.

That extra minute is so precious to spend conversing with someone who likes you.

That stage of asking each other to hang up the phone first is usually quite lovely.

It will make you feel deeply appreciated, particularly when it’s genuine and from a guy you admire.

The guy is trying to show you how much he likes you, but he’s also trying hard not to admit it. He wants to keep the discussion going, even if you’re sleepy.

He’ll always let you hang up the phone first, which is not online respectful and kind but also sweet.

Also, pay attention to how he wants to end the conversation. Usually, if you’re talking face to face, he’ll want to hug you.

He’ll want a hug both before and after you talk.

Hugs are sweet and innocent, especially if you are already good friends.

Nevertheless, when he likes you, then the hugs become more important, and it’s proof that he’s certainly into you, but he doesn’t way to say it.

The significance of not saying goodbye hurriedly is that he isn’t cutting down the communication line before either of you has an opportunity to say something you thought about at the last minute.

It also means he isn’t dying to leave that conversation and is honestly sad to say goodbye. All these are great signs that he likes you.

10) He Always Initiates Things

This is one of the clearest signs he is trying to impress you.

Smart women have learned the importance of taking the initiative within their professional lives.

That includes facilitating and leading team members, managing several priorities, and other tasks to ensure quick project completion.

However, when it comes to finding out whether he likes you for a romantic relationship or dating, then that initiative should first come from the guy.

For instance, someone who doesn’t like you will not try to start up a conversion repeatedly.

If he sincerely likes you (even if he’s trying to hide it or fails to admit it), he’ll always look for ways to discuss something with you.

He may say he has a pressing matter to discuss or just share an interesting article online.

Irrespective of the method he chooses, reaching out and initiating anything first clearly indicates that he is itching to converse with you.

Tips for Responding Correctly

As a lady, you must master responding rather than initiating. Here are the reasons why responding is empowering:

Here are also a few things to keep in mind:

11) He Asks About Your Relationship Status

Finding out the availability of a person is among the major indications of interest.

If he truly likes you, he’d want to know your relationship status before he takes the next step. There are several methods he’ll use to find out if you’re single or not.

He may use the direct approach and ask you if you’re seeing someone…

Or…

He will ask the question indirectly, especially if he’s worried about being too eager. He may even ask other relationship-related questions like about your favorite type of guy.

Also, if he’s interested in you, he may showcase the following signs:

Being asked whether you’re dating is an excellent opportunity to pour out your feelings, especially if you’re so much into him too.

If meeting a good guy has been challenging, you should feel free to share that information. You may be surprised that he also shares similar experiences.

Lastly, ensure you’re truthful and honest when answering this question. At least now you know he is into you.

12) He Touches You “Accidentally” Many Times

A significant clue that you have an admirer is when he keeps playfully and decently touching you.

It could be the slightest touch like those thumb wrestling games or anything else that helps him feel you.

He may gently stroke or hit your arm whenever you say something funny. He could lean over to get to something and again, accidentally touch you.

For men, touching is one of the ways of making deeper connections.

Research shows that touch results in a positive chain of chemical and bioelectric changes that relax your nervous system.

Every time someone touches you, be it a hug or handshake, it produces oxytocin within your brain.

Oxytocin is a happy neurotransmitter that helps you create a connection or trust in someone.

It means that physical contact is a critical sign of interest. It starts with the initial handshake, which is followed by short and light touches in non-erogenous zones, like the shoulder or elbow.

Summary of possible touch zones

Here are some of the areas where he may accidentally touch you:

Remember that the touches usually come naturally while you talk and should not last for too long.

Also, the touches shouldn’t be in erogenous areas, as that would look like the person is creepy and desperate.

Meanwhile, if there is just friendly talk without the touchy or flirty stuff, that person is likely destined to be a friend.

13) He Ignores You Sometimes

Even though this sounds complicated, most guys (especially the shy ones) will ignore girls they are interested in for several reasons.

For most of them, it’s either about being extra nervous around girls or the anxiety of not knowing whether the girl would like them back.

So, if he suddenly starts ignoring and avoiding you, he is likely adoringly interested in you.

Most guys will also use this concept of ignoring a girl to act unobtainable. They hope that it will make the girl interested in seeking them out.

Hence, you should decide whether you like them enough to reach out and initiate a funny conversation.

What to Do When He Ignores You

Always remember that you are not accountable if the two of you aren’t a great match from the onset.

If a man doesn’t like you, then there is little you can do to change his mind.

If you think this is the reason why he avoids or ignores you, then just give him time and space to evaluate his feelings about you.

You should not try to frantically cling to his side, as that will likely push him away.

The best approach is to talk to him, especially if he seems overly shy. You should create a comfortable speaking environment where he can talk to you.

If he starts smiling, then he is undoubtedly interested.

However, it is also possible that he’s not entirely interested in you ‘romantically’.

You can also ask your colleagues or friends to help you find out how he feels about you and then you’ll know how to move forward.

14) He Shows Signs of Jealousy

Have you detected jealousy in him when you talk about other men?

If he suspiciously looks over when you talk to another guy, it’s a positive indication that he’s interested in you.

Here are some signs you should take note of:

How to Deal with His Jealousy

Although a bit of jealousy never hurts and shows that you both like each other, too much of it, however, can choke your new relationship.

Here are tips to effectively deal with it:

Remember that guys get jealous when they feel insecure or assume that you don’t deeply like them.

It is a cry for help, rather than a show of domination. Hence, don’t get angry or upset with him if you find him in sulky mode.

Rather, reassure him that he’s the only one you want and you’ll soon see a big smile on his face.

Also Read: What Boys Want – 21 Things Boys Like in Girls

15) He Isn’t Interested in Checking Out Other Girls

No need to deny it!

Every other guy frequently checks out girls.

So, why would he be the exception?

Inquire, and if you’re just a friend, he will have no problem telling you how hot that girl at the bus stop looks.

But if he brushes away that line of thought, then know that there’s another side to the story. Test the waters, and ask him if he’s interested in anyone.

From there, you should comfortably be able to draw your conclusion.

Trust your gut.

Have you ever caught him looking at you or staring back when you pass each other?

It’s a clear indication he’s into you.

16) He’s Eager to Assist You

If you notice that each time you need his assistance, he goes to great lengths to ensure that he finds a solution to your problem, then he likes you.

He will not mind helping you with the most tedious work so long as it leaves you with a smile.

This means you’re more than a friend to him.

It doesn’t take him much time to figure out if you’re troubled without you having to tell him.

This awareness is a classic sign that he has done homework about you.

Chances are he may have gathered the info from your friends, or he might be stalking your social media profiles.

Or better still, you might have been in the dark about his attraction for you for a long ass time, probably because he’s done a good job in hiding his feelings.

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If that’s the case, you have to appreciate the interest, the effort, and the time is taken to get to know you.

Also, he’ll find an excuse to help you with something just to be close to you, even if you did not raise the alarm.

Is he calling you all the time trying to find out how you’re doing?

If you’re getting such signals, probably he’s only looking for an opening to talk to you—this is particularly true if he’s already aware that you’re fine.

On the other hand, if he stays longer on the phone whenever he calls you, you’re golden. 

17) He Always Compliments You

What’s a better way to know someone has a crush on you than through compliments?

If a guy likes you but is shy to admit it, he’ll waste no opportunity to acknowledge your looks, personality, dress code, or anything else you can think of!

It’s an excellent way to send you the right signals.

And it does not necessarily matter what you might have done to earn compliments.

If that happens; he likes you, period!

And while at it, you might also keenly note how he does it; is he leaning towards you when passing the endearments?

That’s another tell-tale sign he is interested in you!

18) He Never Stops Chatting

How long does it take him to message the minute you’re online?

Another thing to consider is how he interacts with you and how long he can converse with you.

What direction does the chat take?

Does it become flirtatious?

If it does, there is no denying that you’re more than a friend.

Does he promptly respond to your messages?

If he does, then he fancies you.  The instant response shows he doesn’t take you for granted.

19) He Stops Using His Phone Around You

Phones are quite addictive, and that is part of their inherent design.

Although there are multiple benefits of using smartphones, a huge limitation is that they can affect interpersonal relationships.

When a person is too plugged into his device(s), then it means he’s not present at that moment.

So, it’s a massive sign that he likes you if he stops checking his phone whenever you’re around.

It means that he’s now giving you undivided attention.

He might also use some of the information you shared with him when asking follow-up questions.

If he values you more than the digital world on his phone, then he likes you.

Any guy that easily becomes distracted by his phone when having a conversation doesn’t enjoy having that discussion in the first place.

20) He Uses More Masculine Body Language Around You

A guy that likes you but is trying to hide it will often try to show you that he’s an alpha male.  He’ll want you to know that he is a leader and can easily cater to all your needs.

This is one of the weird things guys do if they are interested in you, especially alpha males.

Alpha males are considered assertive, protective, curious, physically strong, dominant, and courageous.

The alpha male usually:

Soon you’ll discover that you’re mirroring their movements.

It will develop over time, but you’ll subconsciously mimic their movements due to your closeness.

[Since alpha males live for themselves, they don’t experience feelings of dependency and neediness in their relationships.

It means that he knows his worth and he has a strong social life.

He takes care of his needs first, enabling him to act with you more genuinely and honestly if he likes you.

How to deal with an alpha male;

Recent surveys have shown that alpha males like independent women that aren’t too dominating.

So, be ready to bring out your feminine side if you want to attract those super masculine guys.

21) He Discusses His Future Plans

I know this isn’t supposed to be in this article, but many guys are so open about the future goals that they don’t mind revealing them to just about anyone interested in listening.

So if he discusses his plans with you, he MIGHT be interested in you but doesn’t want to admit it just yet.

If he does this repeatedly, he gradually moves beyond hiding his feelings.

This is something to watch out for!

It’s one of the most obvious signs a guy likes you.

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In Summary…

One very important thing to remember when evaluating if a guy likes you is to avoid waiting for those huge, grand gestures.

Don’t allow those romantic comedies and pop culture to confuse you.

Remember that most guys seldom make such huge romantic efforts, especially if they’re tryna hide their feelings or are shy.

So use this article as a guideline.

So how do you know if a guy is interested in you but is hiding it? 

Here’re the signs again;

He…

So go out and use it!

Further Reading:

Make Him Worship You by Michael Fiore – My FULL Review

Text Chemistry by Amy North

101 Open When Ideas For Best Friends

His Secret Obsession Review

25 Ways to Flirt With a Guy – Techniques That Work