If you want to figure out whether someone likes you, look beyond the words and study the person's behaviors, body language and facial expressions. In "Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace," Wendy Patrick Mazzarella and psychologist Jo-Ellan Dimitrius contend that nonverbal cues can speak louder than words. As you evaluate the behavior of someone who may like you, consider her behavior comparatively. Look at how she behaves around you and how she behaves around others, and assess whether these behaviors are different. This will give you a frame of reference for your evaluation.
Step 1
Read her body language. When someone likes you, she may lean toward you when they speak, play with her hair and mirror your body movements, explains R. Don Steele in his book, "Body Language Secrets: A Guide During Courtship and Dating."
Step 2
Look at his facial expressions. "When we see someone we really like our eyebrows will arch defying gravity, our facial muscles will relax, and our arms become more pliable [even extended] so we can welcome this person," says Joe Navarro, former FBI counterintelligence agent, and author of "What Every Body is Saying." Navarro further explains that when someone likes you, his pupils will dilate when he makes eye contact.
Step 3
Watch to see if she seeks out your attention. In her book, "Superflirt," Tracey Cox explains that when someone likes you, she will make an effort to seek out your attention. This attention-seeking behavior may take many forms, including making jokes and interjecting herself into your conversations.
Step 4
Consider how he respond to you verbally. When someone is interested in you, he will indicate it by trying to make conversation with you and listening intently when you talk, explains author Cox.
Step 5
Assess her behaviors objectively and put them into context. When you're interested in someone romantically and are trying to discern if she likes you, it can be easy to see what you want to see and overlook the reality of the situation. Psychologist Dimitrius explains that objectivity is crucial when trying to decipher peoples' feelings and intentions. Consider the context of your interactions and her objective behaviors, taking care not to look too deeply into isolated acts.
References
- "Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior--Anytime, Anyplace"; Jo-Ellan Dimitrius and Wendy Patrick Mazzarella; 2008
- "Superflirt"; Tracey Cox; 2003
- Psychology Today: The Key to Understanding Body Language
- "Body Language Secrets: A Guide During Courtship and Dating"; R. Don Steele; 1997
Member Comments