Are There Signs Of Attraction In Eye Contact And Body Language?

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D.
Updated October 11, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

You may not know what to look for when talking to someone you'd like to know further because interpreting the signs of sexual attraction and physical attraction isn't always easy. This article will explore some common signs of attraction and how you can use body language to tell if someone may like you.

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Are you having difficulties reading social cues?

Eight powerful signs of attraction

People may use signals to suggest physical or romantic attraction. If you are trying to determine if someone is attracted to you, there are several nonverbal cues people commonly use to communicate their interest.

1. They may maintain uninterrupted eye contact

If someone is interested in you, they may show it in their eyes. They may constantly try to make eye contact with you if they want to pursue something with you. 

2. They might be conscious of their posture and body language

Someone who is slumped over and demonstrating a lack of confidence when speaking to you might be extremely shy, or they might not be interested in impressing you. On the other hand, someone who becomes far more visibly confident around you might be interested. Someone who is interested may stand up straighter or try to emphasize their best features. For example, they may flex their muscles.

3. They might get closer to you and speak more confidently when talking to you

When we're attracted to someone, the first thing on our to-do list might be to get their attention and try to keep it as long as possible. A person who is interested in pursuing something more with you might make this known in the way that they speak to you. 

Are they raising their voice and trying to get your attention? Are they holding a conversation with you that is interesting and that focuses on who you are and what you love? Are they getting closer to you and making an effort to keep your attention solely on them? Are they checking to see if you laugh at their jokes? If so, they might be attracted to you. 

4. They might start incorporating some of your quirks into the way they act

If someone truly likes you, they might start copying some of your body language or actions. For example, imagine that you use the word "specifically" quite often. Although this person wasn't using the word at first when they began speaking with you, you may notice that they start using that word more frequently throughout your conversation. This is only a minor example, but you might be able to see this with other behaviors as well.

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From the options below, what gives off the biggest hint that someone might be romantically interested in you?

  • Repeated, uninterrupted eye contact

  • Pursuing deeper conversations with you

  • Showing physical interest/physical flirtiness

  • I find it difficult to tell

Total votes:0

Your vote has been added.

5. Peacocking when attracted

If someone is attracted to you, you may notice them peacocking or showing off when they're around you. They may start adjusting their hair or their clothes. It's likely that everyone will fidget sometimes, but if someone is doing this repeatedly, it could be a sign that they are hyper-conscious of their appearance when they're around you.

6. They laugh, a lot

You may be funny, or you may not be funny at all. No matter which one it is, someone who is interested in you will likely laugh at what you say. Pay attention and notice if they laugh, even if your joke wasn't particularly funny. Studies have shown that laughter can be an indication of romantic interest. Was it a chuckle or a laugh someone has when they think something is hilarious? These subtle signs can show you if someone is interested or if they have a zany sense of humor.

7. They search for depth rather than surface-level conversations

It can be easy to have a conversation with someone who barely scratches the surface of who they are and their life. If a conversation is only going in that direction or you push for more depth, and the other person doesn't open up in the same way, they might still be guarded. If, on the other hand, the other person tries to get to know you a little more, they might be trying to indicate that they like you and that they want to learn more about you.

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Are you having difficulties reading social cues?

8. Their voice changes when speaking with you

Someone who wants to present as masculine might make their voice deeper when talking to someone they want to impress. And if they want to present themselves as feminine, they might make their voice higher when talking to someone they want to attract. If possible, see how this person speaks with others and compare it to how they speak with you. Do you notice a difference in their tone? Is there a way they speak to you that differs from how they talk to everyone else? If so, that could be a sign that they might be interested.

Talk through the signs of attraction with a therapist

Keep in mind that with these signs of attraction, nothing is certain. It can all depend on the context. If you'd like help understanding the signs you're getting from someone, therapy might be an option worth considering. A therapist can talk with you about your attraction toward the other person and help you understand how to communicate those feelings. They may also be able to help you better understand what the person is trying to communicate to you with their nonverbal cues and provide tips for navigating those interactions. If you have a busy schedule that makes seeing a traditional therapist difficult, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be an option. Online therapy allows you to access therapists anywhere you have an internet connection. 

Effectiveness of online therapy

Remember that studies show that online CBT therapy is as effective as in-person therapy in treating the symptoms of many mental health conditions. CBT is a type of therapy that can help people gain a better understanding of the motivation and behavior of others, develop more self-confidence, and face fears, all of which can come into play in relationship and attraction dynamics. 

Takeaway

Understanding attraction isn't always straightforward. Sometimes you can look at nonverbal cues to understand how someone feels about you. If you'd like help understanding someone's behavior, in-person or online therapy can help.
Explore attraction and connection with a professional
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