We all crave connection and intimacy. We want to know that we are wanted, loved, and appreciated by those we are attracted to.
But understanding attraction isn’t always easy, especially when it’s nonverbal. Much of what we communicate with others is done through body language, and it can often be difficult to decipher.
Attraction is no exception. From a subtle smile to a casual touch, these nonverbal cues can tell us a lot about how someone feels about us.
Drawing on psychological research, I’ll share nine key body language signs that indicate attraction.
So sit back and get ready to discover the silent language of attraction.
1) They Maintain Eye Contact
Maintaining eye contact isn’t always about staring intensely. It can be a long, gentle glance that conveys a sense of interest and attraction.
Psychology suggests that when we’re attracted to someone, we tend to look at them more. It’s a subconscious way of showing our interest and trying to connect on a deeper level.
You may notice that the person you’re interested in looks at you a lot or looks at you a lot. It could be during a conversation where his eyes stay fixed, or he might glance at you when he thinks you’re not looking.
Remember, though, that context is key here. If he maintains eye contact with everyone in the room, it could mean he’s a good listener or naturally expressive. But if those fixed glances are mostly directed at you, he’s probably attracted to you.
2) He Touches You A Lot
Physical touch is a powerful form of communication. A gentle pat on the back, a casual touch on the arm, or even a playful push can all be subtle signs of attraction.
When someone is attracted to you, they’ll often find ways to initiate physical contact. This can be as simple as brushing a piece of lint off your shirt or offering a comforting hug when you’re upset.
Of course, everyone has their comfort levels when it comes to touch. Some people are naturally more inclined to touch, while others are more reserved. But gentle, consistent touches that seem natural can indicate that someone is attracted to you.
This doesn’t mean that every touch is a sign of attraction. However, frequent and comfortable physical contact can be a strong indicator that someone is interested in you on more than just a platonic level.
3) Leaning Away
At first glance, leaning away may seem like a sign of disinterest. But in the right context, it can indicate attraction.
When someone is attracted to you, they may lean back to create a little distance. This isn’t because they’re trying to get away, but because they’re subconsciously creating space for you to get closer.
This behavior can also be a sign of respect. By leaning away, they’re giving you your personal space and not encroaching on it. This could be their subtle way of saying that they’re interested in you and want to get to know you better but at your own pace and comfort.
It’s important to note that this body language cue should be read in conjunction with other signs. If they’re leaning away but also showing other signs of attraction — like maintaining eye contact or initiating touch — this is likely a positive sign.
4) They mirror your movements
Sometimes, attraction can make us act in strange ways, in ways we don’t even realize. One of these ways is mirroring, a subconscious act where we mimic the body language, gestures, or even speech patterns of the person we’re interested in.
You might notice them mimicking your sitting posture, using the same expressions you use, or picking up their drink whenever you pick up yours. It’s a subtle but powerful sign that they’re in tune with you and what you’re doing.
Mirroring isn’t something we consciously decide to do. It just happens when we’re attracted to someone. It’s our body’s way of saying, “Hey, I like you. We’re on the same wavelength.”
This isn’t imitation or mockery. It’s a form of flattery, and it’s a sign that they’re truly attracted to you and are subconsciously in tune with you.
5) They Show Genuine Interest in Your Well-Being
Attraction isn’t just about physical cues. It’s also about the emotional connection that develops between two people. One of the most telling signs of this is when someone shows a genuine interest in your well-being. You might notice that they check in on you when you’re not feeling well, offer to help when you’re overwhelmed with work, or simply ask you about your day and listen to your answers. These actions show that they care about you and are interested in your life.
It’s important to remember that genuine interest can’t be faked. It’s not about big gestures or empty words. It’s about consistently showing up, offering support, and being there for you.
So, if someone makes an effort to care for you and prioritize your happiness, they’re likely to be attracted to you. This kind of empathy and compassion is a beautiful sign of attraction that goes beyond just physical interest.
6) They Laugh at Your Jokes
We’ve all been there. You might tell a joke that’s not that funny, but they laugh anyway. It’s a nice feeling, right?
When someone is attracted to you, they tend to find your sense of humor more attractive. Even your silly jokes or silly puns can make them laugh. It’s their way of connecting with you and showing that they enjoy your company.
Laughter is also a great stress reliever. It can help break the ice and make interactions more comfortable and enjoyable.
So, if you notice that someone is genuinely laughing at your jokes — even the ones that don’t get a lot of laughs — that’s a good sign that they’re attracted to you. It shows that they value your words and appreciate your sense of humor, which are two key elements of attraction.
7) They Make Fun of You
Remember when you were a kid and you’d make fun of your crush on the playground? Turns out, we don’t change much as we grow up.
Playful sarcasm is often a sign of attraction. It’s a playful, lighthearted way to create a connection and show interest. They might gently make fun of your quirks, your taste in music, or the funny way you wrinkle your nose when you think.
This isn’t malicious sarcasm or making fun of you in a hurtful way. It’s friendly, affectionate behavior, and it often comes with a big smile.
So, if someone makes fun of you, don’t be so quick to dismiss it. They might just be showing their attraction to you in a playful, lighthearted way.
8) They Give You Their Full Attention
In a world full of distractions, giving someone your full attention is a powerful sign of attraction. If they’re truly interested in you, they won’t check their phone every two minutes or look around the room while you’re talking.
No, they’ll focus on you, listen to what you’re saying, and show genuine interest in the conversation. Their body language will reflect this, too. They’ll face you directly, lean in when you’re talking, and respond appropriately to the conversation.
Don’t settle for less. You deserve someone who values your words and gives you their full attention. If they do this consistently, that’s a powerful sign of attraction.
9) They Show Respect
Ultimately, the most important sign of attraction is respect. No matter how many of the above signs they show, if they don’t respect you, the attraction isn’t healthy or worth pursuing.
Respect can be shown in several ways—listening when you talk, valuing your opinions, understanding your boundaries, and treating you with kindness and dignity.
When someone respects you, they value you as an individual. They see you for who you are and value you. This is the foundation of any strong, healthy attraction.
So always remember that attraction without respect is no attraction at all. Look for signs of genuine respect because that is the kind of attraction that is worth your time.
In Conclusion
Decoding body language and understanding signs of attraction can be an exciting journey, but it is important to remember that these signs are not guarantees. They are signals, possibilities, and potential signs of interest.
As renowned psychologist Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne says, “You may think you’re just showing your feelings through your face, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Your entire body is involved in the process of showing or hiding your mental state.”
In other words, look at the bigger picture. Consider the person’s overall behavior, the situation, and your relationship with them before drawing any conclusions.
While these signs may give you some insight, the best way to know if someone is attracted to you is through open and honest communication. It may seem scary or awkward, but expressing your feelings and asking about theirs can clear up any confusion and prevent misunderstandings.
Remember: Just as you’re trying to decipher their signals, they may be trying to read yours, too. So don’t forget to express your feelings through your body language.
Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, take a moment to reflect on the people around you. Who knows? You might discover that someone has been showing signs of attraction that you’ve been missing all along.
