11 body language gestures that show someone genuinely likes you

I’m fascinated with body language. It’s amazing how much we convey about ourselves and our intentions without saying a word. 

That’s why, when you’re interested in someone, and you want to find out whether they genuinely like you, the best thing to do is pay attention to their body language and gestures. 

So, join me as we cover the many ways somebody shows they like you simply with their body language. 

1) They smile or laugh

Okay, let’s start with the obvious. A genuine smile is a heartfelt expression of joy or warmth. 

When someone likes you, their smile isn’t just a curve of the lips but involves the eyes wrinkling and their whole face lighting up. 

Their radiant smile is a sure sign that they find your company delightful and feel comfortable around you.

On the other hand, genuine laughter is a clear sign of enjoyment and appreciation. When someone appreciates you, they’ll laugh at your jokes and anecdotes wholeheartedly and sincerely, voicing their affection and admiration for you and your sense of humor.

The best thing about it? You don’t even have to be that funny! The chemistry they have for you does all the heavy lifting. 

Remember that next time. 

2) They make frequent eye contact

We all know how important eye contact is between two people. A good and steady eye contact paints a picture of how the other person really feels.

You can notice if they’re nervous, afraid, happy, etc.

When someone likes you, their eye contact is steady and intense, and it creates an aura of intimacy and trust, making it clear you have their full attention.

But what about when you’re not that near each other and can’t look into their eyes closely? 

Then, you can pay attention if they’re constantly looking in your direction, especially in a group. That suggests that you’re the center of their attention. 

When someone likes you, they also can’t help but steal glances at you, indicating their special interest in you.

I’m sure you’ve done it yourself, or you’ve noticed it happening. 

3) They mirror your gestures 

So, by now, we know that when someone likes you, they’re genuinely interested in what you have to say and want to create a deep connection, consciously or subconsciously.

Mirroring your gestures and movements is a subconscious attempt at that. But also to establish rapport. 

When someone likes you, they mimic your actions, which means they have a strong desire for connection and shared experiences.

Unconsciously, this results in a feeling of mutual bond and familiarity. It’s a silent way of saying, “We’re on the same wavelength.”

4) They lean in

Leaning toward you during a conversation implies they’re eager to be closer to you, both physically and emotionally. 

When someone likes you, they might lean in to absorb every word you say. By doing that, they create an intimate atmosphere. 

There’s even tension that’s palpable to all but the people with low EQ. 

Besides leaning in, standing or sitting closer to you than necessary also confirms their desire for intimacy. 

After all, when a person genuinely likes you, they prefer being near you, creating a sense of togetherness and a unique connection.

The next step is, in many cases, this:

5) They touch you

Now we’re talking! When they really like you, they’ll try touching you. No, not in a naughty way, you pervert. 

But in an affectionate and flirty way, like light touches on your arm or shoulder. It’s a form of body language that clearly suggests they feel at ease with you and want you to be close.

If you’re feeling the same, the atmosphere is electrifying, and hopefully, there’s no one around you to see it, especially if it’s at work or somewhere else where it’s inappropriate.

I’m thinking about how many romances started in this old-fashioned way. I’m just hoping that Tinder and some social movements haven’t buried this type of wooing forever.

In a world where even the most innocent touch can get you canceled, making moves like this is dangerous. But for the right person, still worth it. 

Okay, let’s take it down a notch and see what other gestures show a genuine liking. 

6) They have an open posture

An open and relaxed body posture is not something we typically consider when looking at someone. But the way they’re sitting or standing in an open stance shows just how much they want you to approach them. 

Their legs are open and facing you, and not away. Their arms are also facing you, and they’re gesturing with palms open and facing up. 

On the opposite side, we have people crossing their arms, which is seen as a defensive posture.

Although it’s mostly subconscious, it’s important to think about your posture when talking to people, depending on the message you’re trying to send. 

7) They have raised eyebrows and/or dilated pupils

Raised eyebrows are typically a spontaneous reaction to something surprising or fascinating. 

When someone favors you, their raised eyebrows imply they’re genuinely intrigued by what you’re saying and eager to learn more.

We also have to consider enlarged pupils, which are a physiological response to heightened emotions, including attraction. 

Their dilated pupils can reveal their emotional engagement and interest in you.

Next is a well-known phenomenon. 

8) They play with their hair or touch their face

Subtle hair-touching is often a sign of nervousness or self-consciousness, which can mean they want to make a positive impression on you. 

It’s a subtle but meaningful sign of interest and attraction. Besides, women know that men know this and use it to their advantage. 

But playing with your hair isn’t the only gesture. Subtle touches to the face or chin can also signify attraction and nervousness. 

I’d think men would do this more simply because they mostly don’t have long hair to play with. 

9) They bite or lick their lips

All right, now we’re talking again. Another well-known sign of attraction and desire is biting or licking of one’s lips. 

That’s because lip-biting and licking are inherently sensual actions. When someone does it, it can be an instinctual response to their heightened attraction and desire for the person in front of them. 

The lips are also a sensitive and erogenous zone, and drawing attention to them is an indirect way of expressing romantic interest.

But have you thought about this:

10) They initiate profound silence

This is a particularly intriguing aspect of body language. Comfortable silences during a conversation prove you have a deep level of connection. 

When someone genuinely likes you, they don’t feel the need to fill every moment with words. 

But what’s even more important is what’s happening during these moments of pause. They might be filled with lingering looks, for example.

These looks often carry profound importance. They can be filled with emotion, perhaps revealing admiration, affection, or even desire.

And then there’s this important sign of liking: 

11) They playfully tease

Light, friendly teasing or joking is yet another example of how comfortable they are around you and want to create a bond through humor. 

When I was still single (a looong time ago), playful teasing was my go-to way of flirting. I always thought it worked great at showing the person you’re interested in them, especially if you have a good sense of humor (and so do they). 

Final thoughts

Well, there you have them: 11 body language gestures that show someone genuinely likes you. I mean, it’s not rocket science, is it? 

Everyone can pick up on them if they use their brain a little bit. In fact, many times, the person looking from the outside will notice them sooner than the person they were directed at. 

So, kids, be wary of your body language in front of others, and don’t get canceled!