How to Tell Him You Like Him Without Actually Saying the Words

We’ve all been there: you’re crazy about a certain guy, but you’re too shy to tell him how you feel. Women aren’t used to approaching men to ask them out, so even though it would be easier to just spit out the words, you don’t have to do it if it makes you too uncomfortable. Instead, you can give him subtle signs that you’re interested.

Of course, men aren’t always the most perceptive creatures, which means that your subtle signs can’t be too small. If they are, then he’ll never have any idea of how you’re feeling. Here are a few ways to show him that you like him that shouldn’t make you blush too much:

1. Ask Him Out

You don’t have to make it obvious that your outing will be a date. You don’t even have to be the one asking if he’s free. All you have to do is hint that you’d like to go somewhere with him. If you’ve been dying to see a new movie, mention it to him and say that none of your other friends will take you. If he likes you back, he’ll volunteer to go with you, no matter how corny or girly the film is.

2. Compliment Him

Give him compliments whenever you can, but don’t go overboard. If he picks up a heavy box for you, comment on his strength. If he changed his style of facial hair, comment on how stylish he looks. Just don’t randomly comment on how he’s the most gorgeous guy you’ve ever seen. If you say that out of nowhere, he could get scared off.

3. Touch Him

You don’t want to do anything that would make him feel uncomfortable, which is why small, subtle touches are better than obvious ones. When he tells a joke, touch his thigh as you laugh. When he has a piece of fuzz on his shoulder, remove it for him and dust him off. If you have a secret to tell, lean in close and whisper it to him.

4. Make Eyes at Him

One look can speak one thousand words. When you’re in the middle of a conversation, make sure that you’re looking directly at him. It can be hard to do so without blushing, but you’ll get the hang of it. You want him to be able to see just how enthralled you are in what he’s saying. It’s the easiest way to let him know you’re interested.

5. Flirt with Him

You have permission to get a little flirty. What’s the easiest way to do this? Pretend you’re a little kid on a playground. Tease him whenever he says something silly and have playful arguments with him. It sounds childish, but it’s actually one of the best ways to flirt.

6. Don’t Mention Other Men to Him

Okay, you’re actually allowed to mention other men as long as you do so in a certain way. Don’t point out every hot guy that walks past or gush about your celebrity crush. If you’re going to mention another man, talk about one who asked you out that you decided to turn down. That way, it’ll remind him that you’re available. Plus, he’ll probably ask why you turned him down and you can claim that you prefer funny men or intelligent men—name whatever trait that he has so that he gets the hint that you want someone just like him!

7. Add Him on Social Media

It sounds silly to show him you like him through social media, but the Internet is such a huge part of our modern lives. If he posts an attractive picture on Instagram, make sure to like it. If he asks all of his ‘friends’ for movie suggestions, be the one to answer him. As long as you don’t reply two seconds after he posts, you won’t look like a stalker. You’ll just seem reliable.

8. Make Him a Meal

When his birthday rolls around, bake him some brownies or cookies. Everybody loves to eat, so it’ll be impossible for him to ignore a woman who is willing to cook for him. Even if the gesture doesn’t make him realize that you’re interested in him, it should make him suddenly develop an interest in you. Hey, whatever works!

9. Show Him How You Compare

You’re always told that you shouldn’t compare yourself to other women, but here’s one occasion where it’s okay. If he complains about how his ex cheated on him, tell him that you don’t understand how anyone could hurt such a great guy like him. Make sure to mention that you’d never treat him like that if you were lucky enough to date him. It’s sure to open his eyes and get him to finally ask you out.

In using any or all of these ways to show him that you like HIM, don’t forget to show him (and the rest of the world) how much you like YOURSELF. There is nothing more attractive than a woman who radiates confidence and likes herself just for being who she is, imperfections and all.

No matter how many signals you give your crush, he still might be oblivious to how you feel. Why? Because he doesn’t believe that a wonderful girl like you could ever like a guy like him! That’s why, sometimes, you just have to be blunt and tell him how it is. Good luck!