9 signs someone doesn’t like you that can’t be faked

There’s a thin line between disliking someone and just not being interested in them. Often, it’s tough to tell if someone truly doesn’t like you or if they’re just indifferent.

The truth is, there are certain signs that can’t be faked, signals that unmistakably reveal when someone really doesn’t like you.

In the following lines, I’ll share nine of these undeniable cues. 

These are the nine signs that someone doesn’t like you – and trust me, they can’t be faked.

1) They avoid eye contact with you

Eye contact is one of the most fundamental forms of human connection. We use it to establish rapport, show interest, and express empathy.

But what happens when someone consistently avoids eye contact with you? It could be a sign they don’t like you.

Now, it’s important to remember that some people might avoid eye contact due to shyness or social anxiety. But if someone who is typically confident and outgoing suddenly can’t meet your gaze, it’s worth considering why.

It’s often an unconscious reaction. When we dislike someone, we naturally want to disengage and remove ourselves from the interaction, and avoiding eye contact is a subtle way to do that.

2) They don’t engage with you on social media

In today’s digital age, social media is a huge part of our interactions. We use it to connect with friends, share our lives, and build relationships.

So when someone consistently doesn’t engage with your posts, it might be more than just an oversight.

Let me share a personal example. A few years ago, I had a co-worker whom I thought was a friend. We would chat at work, and she seemed friendly enough. But I noticed that she never commented on, liked, or even reacted to any of my posts on social media.

At first, I thought she was just not active online. But then I noticed she was interacting with other colleagues’ posts. It became clear that her lack of engagement was specific to me.

It was a subtle sign but one that couldn’t be faked. Ultimately, it turned out that she didn’t like me as much as I assumed.

3) They keep conversations superficial

When someone likes you, they’re usually interested in getting to know you better. They ask about your background, your interests, your hopes and dreams – they want to understand what makes you tick.

On the flip side, if they don’t like you, they’re likely to keep conversations superficial. They’ll stick to safe topics like the weather or current events and avoid delving into more personal territory.

We tend to self-disclose more to people we like as a way of building intimacy. Conversely, we limit our self-disclosure when we’re around people we dislike.

If you find that someone always keeps the conversation on a surface level and never gets personal, it could be a sign they don’t like you. It’s one of those subtle signs that can’t be faked.

4) Their body language is closed off

Body language can be a powerful tool for communication. It often conveys our feelings and intentions more accurately than words do.

If someone’s body language is consistently closed off when they’re around you, it could be a sign that they don’t like you. They might cross their arms, avoid facing you directly, or even put physical objects between the two of you.

Keep in mind that body language can vary greatly from person to person. What might be a sign of discomfort for one person might just be a habit for another. However, if you notice a consistent pattern of closed-off body language from someone, it could be an indication of their feelings towards you.

Remember, though, to consider this sign in conjunction with others. On its own, it’s not definitive proof that someone doesn’t like you. But combined with other signs, it can paint a clearer picture.

5) They rarely initiate contact

In any relationship, be it professional or personal, communication is key. And when that communication is one-sided, it could be a sign of disinterest.

If you find that you’re always the one reaching out, always the one initiating conversations or get-togethers, it might be a sign that the other person doesn’t like you as much as you think.

Of course, everyone gets busy, and sometimes people may not initiate contact simply because they have a lot on their plate. But if this is a consistent pattern and they seem to have time for others but not for you, it’s worth considering why.

This sign, like the rest, can’t be faked. It’s a clear indicator of someone’s interest – or lack thereof – in maintaining a relationship with you.

6) They don’t make an effort to understand you

We all want to be understood. It’s a fundamental human desire. We feel seen, valued, and respected when someone makes an effort to understand us, our feelings, and our perspectives.

But what happens when someone doesn’t make that effort? When they disregard your feelings or dismiss your thoughts? It can be incredibly hurtful.

If you find that someone consistently fails to try to understand you, it could be a sign that they don’t like you. They might interrupt you, dismiss your ideas without consideration, or show little interest in your feelings.

Everyone deserves to be heard and understood. So if someone doesn’t make that effort for you, it might be time to reconsider the value they bring to your life. This is one of those signs that can’t be faked – it’s a clear indication of how much they value their relationship with you.

7) They’re never excited to see you

We all know the feeling of looking forward to seeing someone. There’s a sense of excitement, a spark of joy that lights up our day.

But what if that excitement isn’t reciprocated? What if you’re always happy to see someone, but they never seem thrilled to see you?

I’ve been there. I had a friend whom I was always excited to see. I’d look forward to our meet-ups, planning them eagerly. But over time, I noticed that she never seemed to share my enthusiasm. It felt like our meetings were just another item on her to-do list.

It was a hard pill to swallow. But it was a sign that couldn’t be faked – she just wasn’t as invested in our friendship as I was.

8) They never remember the details

When someone likes you, they pay attention to the details. They remember your birthday, your favorite food, the story you told them about your childhood pet – they take an interest in your life.

If someone consistently forgets these details, it could be a sign that they don’t like you. Sure, everyone forgets things from time to time. But if it’s a consistent pattern of forgetfulness specifically about things related to you, it might be more than just poor memory.

This sign can’t be faked. It’s a clear indicator of how much attention someone is willing to pay to you and your life. If they can’t be bothered to remember the details, they’re probably not as invested in the relationship as you might hope.

9) They don’t respect your time

Respect is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. And one of the most fundamental ways we show respect to someone is by respecting their time.

If someone constantly cancels plans at the last minute, shows up late, or keeps you waiting, it could be a sign they don’t like you. Their actions are showing that they don’t value your time as much as their own.

This is a sign that can’t be faked. If someone respects you, they’ll respect your time. So if they’re consistently disrespecting it, you might need to reconsider the relationship.

Final thoughts: It’s all about respect

Understanding human behavior and interactions often boils down to one fundamental principle: respect.

Respect for individuality, time, ideas, feelings – these are the cornerstones of any thriving relationship. And if you notice a consistent lack of respect from someone towards you, it might be a sign they don’t like you.

Remember, your feelings and perceptions are valid. If you consistently feel undervalued or ignored by someone, it’s okay to trust your instincts.

But also remember that everyone deserves respect, including you. Don’t let anyone’s disregard undermine your self-worth or make you question your value.

After all, as the renowned poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

So take a moment to reflect on how people make you feel and consider if it’s time to set boundaries or step away from those who consistently show signs of not liking you. Because these signs, they can’t be faked.