James Carter
Attraction isn’t always obvious.
Sure, sometimes a woman will come right out and say she likes you—but more often than not, she’ll drop subtle hints instead.
And if you’re not paying close attention, you might miss them.
The truth is, many women prefer to let a man take the lead when it comes to making the first move. But that doesn’t mean they don’t give signals—it just means you need to know what to listen for.
In fact, there are certain phrases women use when they’re interested but waiting for you to take action.
Recognizing these can save you from second-guessing and help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s dive in.
1) “I feel so safe around you”
Safety is a powerful emotion.
When a woman says she feels safe with you, it’s not just a compliment—it’s a sign of trust and comfort. And trust is one of the biggest foundations of attraction.
But here’s the catch: if she’s interested in you and wants you to make the first move, she won’t spell it out directly. Instead, she’ll drop hints like this to let you know how much she enjoys being around you.
She wants you to recognize the connection and take the next step.
So if she tells you this, take a moment to really consider what she means. It might be more than just words—it could be an invitation to move things forward.
2) “I wish more guys were like you”
I remember the first time I heard this from a woman I liked.
We were sitting at a café, talking about relationships, when she sighed and said, “I wish more guys were like you.” At the time, I just smiled and shrugged it off, thinking she was just being nice.
Looking back, I realize she was giving me a massive hint.
This phrase isn’t just a casual compliment—it’s a way of setting you apart from other men. She’s telling you that you have qualities she admires, and if she’s saying it with a certain tone or playful smile, chances are she’s hoping you’ll take the hint.
Don’t be like me and miss the opportunity. If a woman says this to you, there’s a good chance she wants you to make a move.
3) “You’re so funny, I love talking to you”
Laughter is one of the most powerful ways to build attraction.
When someone makes us laugh, our brain releases dopamine—the same feel-good chemical associated with pleasure and reward. This naturally makes us want to spend more time with that person.
So if a woman keeps telling you how funny you are or how much she enjoys talking to you, it’s not just a compliment. She’s subtly reinforcing the connection she feels with you, encouraging you to keep engaging with her.
And if she’s attracted to you but waiting for you to make the first move, these little affirmations are her way of nudging you in the right direction. Pay attention—she’s letting you know she enjoys your presence and wants more of it.
4) “I can’t believe you’re single”
This one might sound like an innocent observation, but don’t be fooled—it’s often a subtle way of testing the waters.
When a woman says this, she’s not just commenting on your relationship status. She’s indirectly suggesting that you’re attractive, desirable, and someone who should already be taken. And more importantly, she’s giving you an opening to flirt back or reveal your own interest.
She might be waiting to see how you respond. Do you brush it off? Do you take it as a cue to express your feelings? If you’re interested in her, this is the perfect moment to return the energy and steer the conversation toward something more personal.
5) “Some girl is going to be really lucky to have you”
I used to hear this and think, “Oh, that’s nice of her to say.” But I never realized what it actually meant—until much later.
When a woman says this, she’s not just making a random statement. She’s acknowledging that you have qualities she finds attractive, but instead of saying I would be lucky to have you, she keeps it general.
Why? Because she wants to see if you will take the hint.
I’ve learned that this is often a way of testing the waters without putting herself in a vulnerable position. If you’re interested, this is your chance to playfully ask, “What if that lucky girl was you?” and see how she reacts.
6) “You’re such a good friend”
At first glance, this might seem like the worst thing you could hear from a woman you’re interested in. After all, isn’t this the classic way of getting friend-zoned?
Not always.
Sometimes, when a woman emphasizes how much she values your friendship, it’s not because she only sees you as a friend—it’s because she’s unsure if you see her as more than that.
By saying this, she might be trying to gauge your reaction. Will you agree and keep things strictly platonic? Or will you take the opportunity to challenge it—maybe with a playful “Just a friend?” or by showing her, through your actions, that there’s potential for something more?
If you feel the connection, don’t assume this means the door is closed. Sometimes, it’s an invitation to open it wider.
7) “I need someone like you in my life”
This isn’t just a compliment—it’s a clue.
When a woman says she needs someone like you, she’s describing the kind of person she wants in her life. And if she’s saying it directly to you, there’s a good chance she already sees you as that person.
But instead of admitting it outright, she leaves it open-ended, hoping you’ll pick up on the subtext. She wants to see if you’ll take the next step and show that you want to be that person for her.
If you’re interested, don’t just brush this off as a passing comment. Lean into it—ask her what she means, joke about how you’re available, or simply let her know you’re paying attention.
8) “I just don’t understand why I can’t find a great guy”
If she’s saying this to you, it’s probably not because she can’t find a great guy—it’s because she’s hoping you’ll realize that you might be the one she’s looking for.
This is often one of the biggest hints a woman will drop when she wants you to make a move. She’s opening the door for you to step in, to say something bold, or to show her that she doesn’t need to keep searching.
What you do next is up to you.
Pay attention to what’s unsaid
If you’ve read this far, you may have realized that attraction isn’t always about grand gestures or obvious words.
Sometimes, it’s found in the smallest, most subtle hints—a phrase spoken casually, a compliment with deeper meaning, or a question that invites you to step closer.
If you start paying attention to these moments, you may notice them more often than you think. And when you do, the choice is yours—let the moment pass, or take the first step toward something more.
