Sometimes, we find ourselves attracted to a man but feel like nothing will change unless we take the initiative. In these moments, it’s hard to know if he likes us too, if he’s shy, just being friendly, polite, or completely unaware of how we feel. This sparks the desire to take things to the next level and show our interest. Should we tell him outright, or go for a more subtle approach?
Here’s how to make someone understand you like them without being too direct, using subtle techniques to catch their attention.
Encourage interaction
The first important step, if you like someone, is to make your presence noticeable. In the game of attraction, attention is key. If his attention is on you rather than elsewhere, you’re already making progress.
To achieve this, encourage eye contact. I’m not talking about intense stares but more about sharing playful glances and looking into his eyes when you talk or when he’s around. Build a sense of complicity by daring to look him in the eyes and smiling at least a little.
Physical contact also plays an essential role. Be more tactile with him than you are with others. For example, you can touch his arm when talking to him and repeat this a few times, standing a little closer to him than usual. This will also help you gauge his reaction to these signals.
Take the initiative to connect
There’s no rule that says men always have to make the first move.
The advice here is to match his energy without throwing yourself into pursuing him completely, as this can backfire. However, you can encourage him to come closer by initiating conversations, particularly via messages.
Send him a video, a photo, a text, or any content related to conversations you’ve had. You can also share an inside joke, which we’ll touch on later. The idea is to create a space where it’s just the two of you exchanging. For those of us who are shy, this can be a great first step. The manhttps://love-made-easy.com/free-ebook/ you’re interested in might not realize you like him yet, but he’ll know you want to interact with him.
Deepen the connection
During your conversations, ask him questions about himself to show your interest. Without turning it into an interrogation or playing journalist, ask about his interests, what’s happening in his life, and so on.
Most people love talking about themselves, especially when they feel listened to attentively and sincerely—something I encourage you to do. Additionally, this helps you learn more about him and discover common interests, which could be useful later. Use these exchanges as an opportunity to share more about yourself, opening up if you feel comfortable. The man you like will not only appreciate your interest in him but will also feel special as he learns more about you.
Invite him out
Once you know a bit more about what he enjoys—or even before—suggest spending time together. Invite him for a drink, lunch, a walk, or an activity you’ve discussed. Whatever activity you choose, the goal is to spend time alone together, which will help you grow closer. This outing doesn’t have to be framed as a date; the idea is to let him know you’re interested by suggesting some one-on-one time. This could be a clue for him and an opportunity for mutual discovery.
Create inside jokes
Complicity is crucial in attraction. The more time you spend together and the more you communicate, the greater your chances of building it. Humor also plays a central role in seduction, and “private jokes” are a powerful tool. Find shared interests and use them to highlight your personality and humor. This also keeps your interactions lively, encourages more eye contact, and increases opportunities for physical closeness and touch.
Flirt a little
Flirting doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Many people even claim they don’t know how to flirt.
However, when the opportunity arises and the chemistry is mutual, it often happens naturally. If not, the idea isn’t to throw yourself at him or laugh at all his jokes. Instead, try flirting subtly by being playful and adopting a slightly more sensual demeanor. Ensure that the energy flows both ways—you don’t want to be the only one putting in effort toward someone who’s indifferent. Also, avoid overdoing it, as it may lose its subtlety.
Compliment him
Complimenting the man you’re interested in is another great way to express your feelings. There are plenty of options:
- His appearance or clothing
- His skills
- His accomplishments
- His personality
- His intelligence
- How he makes you feel
- Anything else you admire about him
Spontaneous compliments often come as a surprise and leave a lasting impression. They let him know you’ve noticed something special about him, making it easier for him to realize you like him.
Give him clues
Special attention is a great way to subtly show someone you like them. Compliments are one form of this, but there are others. For instance, ask for his opinion or help. This shows him that his input matters to you and that he’s part of a select group of people you trust and turn to for support.
Smile at him
It might seem trivial, but we often forget. Smiling is a powerful tool for communication, connection, and attraction. Smile at him to show you’re happy in his presence. This will encourage him to smile back, fostering further interaction. Sending signals of interest without being overly persistent is a great way to make someone realize you like them.
The tips in this guide should help you subtly convey your interest to the man you like. Of course, you don’t have to do everything—adapt to the situation, your personality, and the dynamics between you. If he likes you back, you’ll quickly notice him reciprocating, and the relationship will naturally progress in the direction you hope for.
