Have you ever wondered why your man appears to be acting a little distant? Your first thought is likely that he’s just not into you anymore, but that’s not always the case. Men aren’t like women. It seems to be a guy thing that they can’t express their feelings like you can and are actually worried about these scary emotions hidden inside.
Remember, men like to be the providers, the rock, the strong ones, and when their feelings start to get away, it’s not surprising they are in no man’s land, lost and scared.
Even if he’s not acting distant, he’s likely still facing new emotions that he doesn’t know what to do with.
Here are a few telltale signals he really likes you and wants a relationship but is scared to death!
25 Signs He Wants A Relationship But Is Scared
Signal One – The Stare
I know you know that weird feeling you get when a man is staring at you. You can feel him watching you, and that’s when you know beyond a shadow of a doubt he is feeling like one happy camper having you in his life.
If you could freeze time, you would; you don’t want to catch him staring because that’ll wreck the moment. Don’t break his stare because, if you do, this will tell him that you know he really likes you, and that will scare him even more.
Your best option is to enjoy the moment and leave him in his zone with the “I really like you” stare.
Signal Two – Don’t Forget His Heart Has Been Broken Before
I think it’s safe to say nearly every guy on the planet has had their heart broken. Nobody likes to be hurt, and a guy will do just about anything to make sure he’s not left out in the cold again.
This is one rock-solid reason he’s not throwing his heart out on the table for you, simply because he’s scared you’re going to break his heart like his last girlfriend did.
Newsflash! This is completely normal, and if you put yourself in his shoes, you will understand why he’s acting this way. Trust takes time to build and time to let go. He’s just trying to make sure it’s safe before he gives you the opportunity to become his heart and soul.
Signal Three – Flip Flop
This is a clear indicator that he really cares about you but is afraid to admit it to you or himself. One minute, he’s loving and caring, and the next minute, he seems to have slipped away into the distance, not really paying attention to you, or including you in his daily life.
Inside his brain, there’s a battle going on that flips back and forth between admitting he really likes you and wanting to run away far and fast, rather than face his true feelings.
This will leave you wondering if he’s going to let you in or let you go.
These mixed signals are difficult to deal with. The hot and cold can be confusing and stressful. Don’t jump the gun and leave him because he’s indecisive. This solid sign is telling you he wants a relationship with you but is afraid to take the steps to announce it to the world. Give it some time, and hopefully, he will come to his senses.
Signal Four – Likes Chillin’ With You
When a man likes spending time with you, going to the movies, having dinner, or just catching the game, that’s a true sign he really does like you. Think about it for a sec. If he didn’t like you, he wouldn’t give you the time of day.
If he only wanted friends with benefits, he wouldn’t be doing all the extras with you. The two of you would just be meeting for booty calls and nothing else.
This guy feels great hanging around you, but it might be a little premature for him to admit it.
Signal Five – Just Shy of The First Step
Follow your gut with this one. If you are certain he likes you, but he just won’t make the first move to prove your thoughts, it’s a clear indicator he wants to be with you, but he’s terrified. You should be able to figure this out by the way he looks at you, acts around you, and talks to you.
Some things in life you can just tell, and this is one of them.
Maybe you intimidate him? Perhaps he thinks you don’t like him?
The list of reasons as to why he’s not making the first move is endless. Support him and make sure you show him with your actions and words that he can talk to you and that you are into him, even if he’s scared to admit it.
Signal Six – A Bundle of Nerves
Some guys have a tough time dealing with their nerves around girls, particularly around women they like. Maybe he seems to be acting a little weird or you notice he’s fidgeting or sweating like crazy. The good news is this is a solid indicator he is into you, and he’s just chicken to tell you.
He likely doesn’t have the confidence in himself to believe he’s not going to screw things up by doing something stupid.
This man wants everything to be perfect and is terrified he’s going to blow it and lose you for good. It’s totally normal to feel nervous around someone you’re trying to impress. Take this as a good thing because it means you mean something to him. It’s a good start anyway!
Signal Seven – The Boys Know All About You
This is a pretty obvious signal he likes you. His friends are talking about you, when he really hasn’t said anything to you. At first, you might be caught off-guard, but don’t let that initial feeling steer you in the wrong direction.
The reason his guy friends know all about you is because he seriously likes you but is too darn scared to say anything to you. Talk about being a lucky gal!
Signal Eight – He Gets Heated
This is one of those things he can’t control. You know what it’s like when your face suddenly gets flushed, and you are at the mercy of your unconscious emotions.
According to studies, many guys get flustered around a girl they like. If you notice he’s getting a little red in the face when he’s near you or talking to you, it’s a good sign he totally likes you and just won’t admit it.
Blushing means he cares about what you think, and he’s worried about making a good impression. Do your best to make him feel comfortable, so he isn’t worrying so much about the flush on his face.
Signal Nine – Getting Sweaty
Everyone seems to sweat when they are put in an uncomfortable position. And it’s totally normal for a guy to get sweaty when he’s just getting to know you. He’s trying to give you a good impression, and all the little worries in his heart are heating him up.
Act like you don’t really notice and do your best to make him feel at ease. Respect him and do whatever it takes to make sure he doesn’t feel ashamed for his excessive sweatiness. It happens to the best of us.
Signal Ten – Flooding You with Compliments
There’s no doubt he likes you if he’s continuously complimenting you. Who doesn’t like a compliment? Keep in mind, if he’s really overdoing it, you might have to question his sincerity.
Guys like to compliment a girl just to see how she will react. Think of this as testing the water to see whether he can eventually muster up the guts to tell you exactly how much he likes you.
If he’s scared to tell you how he’s feeling, he will likely give you lots of compliments, so keep your eyes wide open for this sign.
Signal Eleven – Happy to Open Doors
Another clear signal he really likes you is that he makes a point of opening the door for you. Talk about scooping up a real gentleman.
Unfortunately, many guys are total jerks, without any old-fashioned manners. You are especially lucky if this guy starts opening the door for you on your first date and continues to this day.
Signal Twelve – Laughs at Your Lame Jokes
Even if you suck at telling jokes, when he laughs at your jokes, that’s a rock-solid sign he’s into you. This guy is probably afraid to let you know he really likes you. He’s trying to make the scenario comfortable, his first step toward admitting how he feels.
Keep your mind open and focus on the positive vibes he’s giving you. Don’t fret too much about the little things. It’s a good sign that he’s laughing at your jokes.
Signal Thirteen – Open Ears
There’s no doubt that a guy who listens to your problems will eventually make a superpartner. This is a signal he likes you but is just too chicken to let you in on it. He’s telling you that, no matter what, he’s will be there for you when you need him. That means everything in a strong, healthy relationship.
Don’t forget to listen to him and support him too. It’s a two-way street if you are serious about making it work.
Signal Fourteen – Breaking the Gaze
Experts report body language is extremely important in any relationship, particularly if you are in a new relationship. This one is tough to figure out, but if he’s staring at you and suddenly makes a move to break the gaze, that means he likes you but doesn’t have the guts to tell you.
The Truth…He might never be able to tell you to your face that he likes you. However, maybe he will feel better telling you in a text message.
This is another strong sign he wants to be with you, and it just might take some time for him to get rid of his fear to tell you so.
Signal Fifteen – This Guy Just Never Asks You Out
You need to remember that, sometimes, some of the best men in the world are shy. This doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to ask you out. Perhaps he just hasn’t found the right moment.
Be patient and give him a chance to make you the happiest girl on earth.
Signal Sixteen – Mr. Protective
When a guy will do whatever he can to solve your problems, he’s showing you that you matter to him, and he might just be too scared to tell you. Let him have some time to gather his courage. Some guys are like that.
Take his protectiveness as a good sign he likes you, and hopefully, he’ll let you in on his feelings when he’s ready.
Signal Seventeen – Mr. Text Message
When a guy likes a girl, he wants to know what she’s up to and how her day went. Maybe he’s messaging you first thing in the morning and just before bed.
He’s going to make it clear he wants to spend lots of time with you, but he might be too scared to fess up. Give him a chance to get to know you better before you worry too much about why he’s not telling you his true feelings.
Signal Eighteen – Jealousy Kicks In
It doesn’t matter whether the two of you are a couple; if the guy you have your eyes on gets jealous when other men are around, it’s a good indicator he wants you all to himself.
He just might not have the courage yet to tell you exactly how he feels. Give him some time because we know men can be super complicated.
Signal Nineteen – No Label Just Yet
There are guys who get super scared when you put a label on your relationship status. Don’t worry about that because it’s all about how he looks at you and how you feel. Follow your gut with this one and don’t overanalyze anything.
When a guy is super hooked on a girl, it’s a natural fact he’s probably scared to admit this to himself.
Signal Twenty – No Other Women
When you are hanging out with a guy and he chooses never to mention any other women, it’s a good sign he definitely likes you and isn’t ready to tell you. He’s showing and telling you that you are the only woman on his mind, and that’s a fantastic thing.
No doubt, his buddies are teasing him that he’s such a wimp, but he really doesn’t care about that. He wants one girl, and that girl is you. Keep your focus on that, and everything else will fall neatly into place.
Signal Twenty-One – Full Support
We all go through rough times, and if you’ve found a guy who happens to be there to give you comfort when you are having a hard time, he definitely wants to be with you and is likely scared to take that step.
Guys know how important it is to be with a person you care about or love. So, if he’s into you, he will do his best to be there for you when you need him. You can trust this guy for the simple fact he is happy to go the extra mile for you. Lucky you!
Signal Twenty-Two – The Details Are His Specialty
When a guy puts in the effort to remember the tiniest details for you, it shows he is a man on a mission to win your heart. Just because he hasn’t told you he likes you doesn’t mean it’s not true.
If he remembers the names of your family members, knows what doggy treats your puppy likes, and has no issues bringing you a coffee made perfectly, then you’ve definitely got a keeper. When a guy doesn’t like a girl, he won’t bother to remember anything, meaning he doesn’t have a vested interest in you.
The guy that makes sure you know he is paying attention to the details is a guy after your heart. Give him a little time to admit this to himself and then to you when he’s ready.
Signal Twenty-Three – His Buddies Spill the Beans
Guys will be guys, and when his friends are the ones spilling the beans and telling you that he likes you, it’s a sure sign he really does like you but doesn’t know how to tell you just yet. Leave it as it is for now and trust he will soon conquer his fears and tell you exactly how he feels.
Also, make note that, sometimes, when a man likes a woman, he won’t ever find the courage sure you don’t pressure him with any ultimatums. That will only push him out the door, and that’s not what you want.
Signal Twenty-Four – He Feels What You Feel
When a guy really likes a girl, he’s going to feel upset or sad when she feels upset or sad. If he likes you that way, he’s going to want to share in your sadness and look to support and comfort you the best he can.
When you are depressed, he won’t be able to smile or laugh until you are feeling better. He’s showing you he cares about you and your wellbeing, and that’s vital in building a healthy, strong relationship.
And if he truly wants to make you smile, he will hopefully get over his fears about being in a real relationship with you and tell you exactly how he feels.
Signal Twenty-Five – He Musters Up the Courage to Tell You
If a man really likes a woman, he will show you this by telling you how he truly feels. This guy is going to have a difficult time picturing you with another guy. In fact, it will likely drive him nuts because YOU are the prize.
There comes a point where he will have no choice but to tell you how much he likes you, or he’s going to risk losing you forever.
Of course, when he opens up to you about his feelings, this is the most concrete signal that he wants to be with you and only you.
Final Words
It’s tough to figure out whether a man is head over heels for you. These are a few expert pointers that indicate he really does like you, but he’s too afraid to tell you. We know timing is everything, and the most straightforward route to figure out whether a man wants a relationship with you is to ask him face to face.
You’ve got to be brave to pull off that move because you risk the chance of hearing news you might not want to hear.
The bottom line is you eventually need to figure out if he wants to move forward with you. There comes a time when enough is enough, and it’s better to know the truth sooner than later where the heart is concerned.
It’s just like putting together a puzzle. Follow your guy and use these useful signs to remove the doubt and figure out once and for all whether this guy is rightfully into you. Stay positive and make your move.
If it works out, that’s amazing. If it doesn’t, it’s going to hurt, but you can’t forget there are oodles of fish in the sea!
Yulisa De Jesus says
I have a guy friend whose the best friend of my brother and does all of these signals. My brother and his wife gets the same vibe that he does like me but doesn’t show true interest. I knew him for years and we have conversations that lasts for hours. We always have something to say but, when my brother asks about his interest towards me he says he likes me but not as much. He does everything a scared man would do. And his jealousy is obvious to see. Is it only because I’m the little sister of his best friend (and my brother is like my mom and dad and takes care of me) or is there something I’m not understanding? He would even drop little hints like nudges or stares and has offered to help when there was no one else that would. And has stayed with me even though he had the chance to go home. He doesn’t text me everyday, I only would see him once in a while. And when he’s around I would catch him but I’m still not sure because my brother is his best friend, he can be true to him and my brother could be true to me. I’m confused and wouldn’t want to obsess too much over a relationship that could be destroyed.
Maddie S. says
I believe if he stares at you A LOT and won’t stop smiling or blushing, there is a pretty good chance he likes you. Check for this.
1. He smiles at almost everything you say and do
2. Check to see if his pupils are dialated. If they are, he probably likes you
3. Mention a corny joke. If he laughs at the joke, he likes you.
Keep in mind I am not a professional. I have helped some people and given advice; most were sucessful. And if you don’t know what i mean by ” Not a professianal”, I’m 11. Best of luck in your relationship!!! 😉
Maddie S. says
I really like a guy who is 7th grade & I am in 6th. He always blushes and smiles around me. But we only have 1 class together, Science. We both are always busy so we can’t hang out. We spend A LOT of time together. Yestersay at the dance he spent 75% of the time with me! I had so much fun but I’m not 100 percent sure he likes me back. Should I just flat out ask him if he likes and tell him i like him or should i wait for him to make the first move? Please reply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would like to know your opinion on what i should do.
Chloe says
Your like me I’m in 6th grade and the boy in 6th grade we got one class together and its science which I be with him all the time at lunch, in groups, and walk behind him or beside him. I asked him out but he said I don’t know yet but I tell him I love him and he say ight sometimes.
Emmah Favour says
There is a guy I met in my school from there we became close friends as time goes on I started developing some kind of feelings for him. I told him abt it and he said that he jst like me as friend and there is no strings attached, I felt hurt. The problem is that he doesn’t play with my feelings he care abt me but whenever I
brings the issue up he always say thing. I told his friend abt it and he told me to b patient with him that he has so many things going through his mind. I rili want to knw if he has feelings for me or not coz I av d feeling his hiding something from
Ann-marie says
I am confused. We work at the same place, and he’s literally always at my desk, he walks me to the bus stop most evenings and he does the most to make people at work know he’s into me; always making some comments or something. He has told me that he wants a relationship but he wants to take things slow because he has been hurt before, that I totally understand… BUT!!! Some days he pulls away, and sometimes I don’t hear from him until I get to work. I really don’t know his true intentions; if he wants a RELATIONSHIP relationship or a work relationship. I really like him and would like to know how to approach this situation because I don’t want to ruin it.
Cali says
Okay so there’s this guy and I always catch him staring. He has held my gaze once for a long moment and he smiled softly at me. He has said things like “Oh you look different again! You just dress different!” Or “You’re probably the most interesting person I’ve met” or “You’re like my other half” and “One day I may sing for you.” Head also mentioned that I am hard to read, which I find funny because I can read him. But then he’ll just be laughing and then avoid my eye contact, and he stutters a lot and points his feet towards me all the time. Constanyly saying how smart I am. And then out of nowhere, he just has some way to bring up my love life. *Reading letter for birthday* Oh secret admirer? He’ll say. Or “Why don’t you ever hang out with your crush at lunch?” It’s a lot sorry. But any ideas?
Cat says
Hmm i have a weird situation going on i dont know what to call it ok so the guy im current interested in is obviously interested in me he said I love you back when i say it we text as soon as we both get home and we call each night and fall asleep in the call just too feel like we’re next to eachother but heres the catch i tried asking him what we were and I’ve been trying to figure it out for a long time i cant say we are friends with benefits because we clearly love eachother romantically i asked him if he would want to date me and he said he wish so badly that he could but he is really afraid of hurting me what should i do i tried talking to him but we act like a couple the jealousy is even there when he talks about a girl hes like chill she just my neighbor or my cousin and i do the same i just don’t know if I should keep trying or stop trying I really do love him
Ann Baker says
My martial arts instructor always looks straight at me in class, with eye contact. He blushes frequently. We have had coffee before class approximately monthly, for two years. I am now widowed, he is single. We now have coffee more frequently. He told me ” don’t get the wrong idea” but often comes to my place for sometimes a coffee, sometimes a meal. He says that he feels very comfortable & relaxed with me. I am very fond of him. Is he feeling the same?
Our friendship has never been physical.
Lucy says
So, there is this guy. And he is in a relationship but he said that they aren’t connecting. This guy is probably my best guy friend. My whole family, and a lot of people from church thinks that he is interested in me. He is showing a lot of those signs. I think that I’m in love. Does he have feelings for me? He calls me regularly and talks to me more than his girlfriend. What do I do?
Keisha says
There’s this guy, I’ve been in a relationship with him for a year and then he broke up with me. But we still spend every Friday together, he always buys me things and he buys my mom gifts too. We still hook up every time we see each other. He always wants to be close to me he hugs me all the time and kisses me before he leaves. We talk every other day and if we don’t talk he texts me. He says he doesn’t want a relationship right now because he has some things within he has to deal with. And that he’s not ready to put his feelings out there like I have yet. He’s not seeing anyone and he says he’s not looking for anyone better or anything different. He said he loves spending time with me. I’m confused