Maybe you’ve been chatting and texting with a guy for a hot minute now, but you can’t get the read on whether he’s looking for something serious or just wants to keep it casual.
Or perhaps you’ve got your heart set on someone special, and you’re wondering if there might be fireworks between you before taking that oh-so-exciting next step of asking them out.
I totally feel your pain. It’s hard to decode someone else’s intentions, especially when things are getting flirty and ambiguous.
You probably find yourself obsessing over what his texts mean or second-guessing every interaction, which can really take up your time and mental energy. (Been there, done that!)
I know it’s tough putting yourself out there when the other person hasn’t given any classic signals.
But hey, don’t give up hope just yet!
There are some key clues that guys often drop (sometimes subconsciously) when they want to take things to the next level but are too shy or hesitant to come right out with it.
So without further ado, let’s dive into 15 subtle signs he might be asking you out indirectly.
15 signs a guy is trying to ask you out
1. He wants to know when you are free and what you are doing
If he’s curious about your future plans, basically what you’re up to on the weekends or if you’re free after work, it could mean he wants to hang out with you.
How does he ask what your weekend plans are? If it’s just small talk, then maybe he’s not really interested in anything more than that.
But if he keeps asking, chances are good that he wants to ask you out.
Another classic sign to watch for is if he suggests doing things together. For instance, maybe he asks if you want to grab a drink or check out a concert.
That’s a pretty clear indication that he wants to spend some quality time with you.
Of course, everyone communicates differently. Some guys might be super direct and just straight-up ask you out. Others might be more subtle and try to gauge your interest first.
If you like him back, suggest some plans of your own or let him know when you’re available.
And hey, if you’re not feeling it romantically, that’s okay too! Just politely decline his invites and make sure he knows where things stand between the two of you.
2. He wants to know about your romantic life
When he’s fishing for info on whether or not you’re single, it’s a pretty good indicator that he has romantic interests in mind.
A really telling sign is if he asks personal questions and outright wants to know if you’re in a romantic relationship.
He’ll probably also ask you things such as how long you’ve been single, whether or not you’ve dated before and what kind of partner would make your ideal match.
All of this means he’s trying to assess his chances with you by figuring out what type of guy suits your taste.
If his curiosity extends further and he won’t let up asking about matters dealing with who’s already in your life, chances are high that he’s trying to suss out your availability status.
3. He makes funny comments about dating you
Does he crack jokes about dating you? Okay, it’s possible that he’s testing the waters to see if you’re interested….
If you respond positively, he might take that as a green light to pursue you. However, if you’re not feeling it and seem uncomfortable, he’ll probably back off.
Here’s the thing: some guys use humor as a way to avoid rejection. By framing their interest in you as a joke, they can save face if you’re not into them.
4. He thinks you are important and puts you first
A guy will make someone he wants to ask out his priority, to show you how important you are to him.
You’ll notice that he wants to spend as much time as possible with you, even if it means putting aside other commitments or responsibilities.
He’ll never make excuses or try to blow you off because, for him, seeing you and talking with you are essential.
When he’s around, nothing else matters but you. That could mean laughing over shared interests or having those deeper conversations that give insights into each other’s personalities.
He’ll listen carefully and engage thoughtfully because being with you is a pleasure, not an obligation.
He’ll want to spend more time with you and make sure you feel special.
Another thing he might do is be protective of you. Your safety and security will become a priority for him, so he might offer to walk home with you at night or go with you to events.
5. He shares personal things with you
It takes courage and trust to share personal details about our lives with others – so when a man does it with you, it means you mean something special to him.
He might start by sharing childhood memories or stories about his family and friends. As time goes on, he may share his fears and aspirations with you too.
If you like him, reciprocate his openness with details from your own life. Share your own fears or goals. Build trust too – and help deepen the connection between the two of you.
This lets him know that you trust him and value his presence.
6. He contacts you more often than before
If a guy is texting and calling you more often than before, it’s an absolute sign that he’s interested.
By reaching out frequently, he’s showing that he cares about getting to know you better.
When you speak with him, notice if he’s asking lots of questions about your interests and hobbies.
If so, it means he genuinely wants to know more about you – and could be trying to work up the courage to ask you out.
Phone calls are especially meaningful in building relationships because they allow for more one-on-one conversations.
He might be shy about making his intentions known, but If he’s calling just to chat or check in on your day, he’s letting you know that he cares.
7. He remembers what you like and what you don’t like
Another great way to tell if he’s interested in you is if they remember the little things that matter.
This could be anything from your favorite type of coffee to an event you mentioned wanting to attend.
For example, if you told him you loved Italian cuisine and then later hear him suggesting an Italian restaurant for your next date, it shows that he was listening!
Or maybe you mentioned your love for painting, and the next time you see him, he’s gotten you art supplies – this is one of the surest signs that he has strong feelings for you.
8. He introduces you to his family and friends
When a guy is serious about you, he’ll want the important people in his life to meet you. This means he wants to integrate you into his world.
And if he calls you his girlfriend or significant other when introducing you, it could be an indirect way of asking you out!
Don’t worry if it feels nerve-wracking, though – meeting people close to him can feel like a big step.
But it shows that he trusts and respects you! If you’re not ready yet, take your time without feeling rushed or pressured by telling him what works best for you.
9. He thinks you are funny and laughs at your jokes
Humour is one of the most universal forms of connection between two people. When someone likes you, they’ll often find your jokes funnier than others might.
So if he laughs even at jokes that nobody else thinks are funny, then yep, he’s got a crush on you.
Laughter also goes both ways; guys who like you will also try their own hand at humour too!
They’ll tease playfully and use comedy as a way of connecting with you. It’s another subtle hint that shows just how interested he is and what his true feelings are.
10. He remembers important events and surprises you with gifts
It’s always heartwarming when someone remembers your special occasions, like your birthday.
But what really counts is when he surprises you with thoughtful gifts or gestures to mark the occasion.
Does he consistently remember important dates and go the extra mile to surprise you? it could be a telling sign that he’s interested in you romantically.
However, don’t get too hung up if he sometimes forgets – not everyone is great at remembering dates.
As long as he goes out of his way to make you happy constantly, take it as a positive sign.
11. He wants to know what you think about important things
When a man values your opinion on important decisions, it’s a clear-cut sign that he sees you as someone who can be trusted and relied upon.
If he seeks your input on big matters such as job changes, family issues, or financial decisions, then take it as an indication that he cares.
While this does not necessarily mean that he’s asking you out directly, it certainly shows that he’s keen on you.
Use the opportunity to get to know him better by showing interest in what he thinks and being open about your own opinions.
12. He is always ready to help you with anything
If the guy in question is always there to lend you a hand, it could be because he likes you. People who are into someone often want to be around them and help when needed. It shows that they care and want to impress them.
And if he goes out of his way to help you out, even when it’s not very convenient for him, it’s an absolute sign that he wants to spend time with you.
If he gives up his plans or cancels other commitments to be there for you, then it’s safe to say that he wants a romantic relationship because time is precious, and a guy won’t go out of his way to help out if he doesn’t truly care.
13. He makes eye contact when talking to you
So, have you noticed that sometimes when he speaks to you, he looks deeply into your eyes? Well, this could be his way of trying to build a deeper connection with you.
Eye contact is a great way to understand someone’s feelings and intentions, and if he’s looking right at you without hesitation, it could mean that he’s interested in you.
But that’s not all – if his eye contact is accompanied by other body language cues like leaning in or smiling, then chances are this is a sign of attraction.
14. He mirrors your body language
One way a guy might subtly hint he is interested in you is by copying your movements when he’s with you.
When someone mirrors your gestures, facial expressions, and body language, it’s a subconscious attempt to bridge the gap between you two.
So, for instance, if you lean forward or cross your legs, he’ll likely do the same thing to create an air of familiarity and build trust between both of you without saying so directly.
Remember, it’s unlikely that he’s consciously doing any of this. Mirroring body language happens naturally when someone is attracted to another person, and he might also initiate physical contact, like affectionate touches, without realising it.
15. He doesn’t like it when you talk to other guys
Nothing says plainly “I’m into you” like getting jealous when you flirt back with other men – including male friends.
Seeing other men around can make him feel threatened: it’s a telltale sign that he considers you to be someone worth competing for.
What does this jealousy look like? Well, he’ll probably interrupt when you’re talking to other guys or try to make it obvious that he likes you by holding your hand to indicate his interest is exclusive to ‘you.’
Also, look out for obvious signs like negative comments about those guys or mood swings whenever they’re nearby.
Word of caution. However sweet it might feel having someone entirely devoted to you; make sure his infatuation doesn’t escalate into control and unhealthy possessiveness. Now that is a major red flag!
How to respond to a guy asking you out indirectly?
Sometimes guys aren’t the best at being straightforward when it comes to asking someone out. But don’t worry, you can always ask for more details to make sure you’re on the same page.
Just saying something like, “Wait, are you asking me on a date?” can help clear things up and avoid any confusion.
Remember that honesty is key, especially in dating. If you’re not interested in going out with him, it’s important to be upfront about it. While it might be awkward at first, it’s better for both of you in the long run.
You could say something like, “Thanks for the offer but I’m not really interested in dating anyone right now.” That lets him know where you stand without getting too personal.
If you’re not ready for a one-on-one date just yet, why not suggest hanging out with friends? This works great as a more casual setting and gives you both an opportunity to get to know each other better.
Don’t feel pressured into making any decisions on the spot, either. If you need more time to think about it just respond along the lines of, “Thanks for asking! Let me check my schedule, and I’ll get back to you.”
This keeps your options open so that, ultimately, what’s meant to be will find its way.
