How to Hint In on Someone That You Like Them

Co-authored by John Keegan and Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA

Last Updated: December 7, 2021

You like someone and you think they may like you, but you don't know for sure. You can always hint in that you like them, without really saying that you like them. Follow this guide and in no time, you'll have your crush reading your mind.

Steps

1
Talk with them. Make sure you at least have some form of relationship, if it's friends to best friends. Friends is an excellent way to get to know someone without it being awkward.
- Observations can be great conversation starters. You might say, "I love the way you match the colors in your outfit."^{[1]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  John Keegan
  Dating Coach
  Expert Interview. 13 July 2021.}
2
Touch them, but not in an inappropriate way. Bump them gently in the hall, maybe "accidentally" slide your hand over theirs, etc.

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3
Laugh at almost all their jokes. Even if they are corny, people like it when someone enjoys their jokes. However, be careful about laughing too much! It will make you appear false and it will get annoying. A small chuckle or giggle will do.
4
Help them. If they ever need help with homework, schoolwork, or other problems, offer to help. Don't just sit around. Helping someone out forms a mental bond that is often mistaken as love. This is obviously a bit manipulative for you to know this while the other person doesn't, but it does work very well. Still, if you'd prefer not using manipulation to meet your goals, you could always drop this fact with the "Hey, did you know..." method. Not only would it hint towards your interest in an innocent, non-creepy way, but it would also form an opinion of you as a knowledgeable person.
5
Get involved. Ask them if they play any sports. If so, what sports? Do they have any hobbies? What music do they like?
6
Start seeing them outside of school. Ask them when and where their next game is. Try planning a group party, with some of your friends and some of their friends. Anything that will get you talking outside the school, go for it.
7
Ask for their number or email address. When you do this, wait a little bit before emailing or calling them. When you do call or email, make it quick and not too awkward.
8
Don't ever tune them out. Pay attention to what this person says. People love when someone listens.
9
Compliment them. If they get a haircut, say it's wonderful. If they got a new shirt, say it looks nice. Everyone loves compliments.
10
Have them over to your house for a study date. But don't overdo it. Don't dress in fancy clothing or play romantic music. For better results, ask if they want to stay for dinner.
11
Pull them aside and say "I heard a rumor spreading that you like me. Is that true? Tell me the truth, I won't be upset,". This is sometimes good, sometimes bad.
12
Consider just passing a note to them saying that you like them.
13
If you don't know them well and you are shy, have a friend tell them you like them. That way, it'll feel less awkward to you, and they'll know how you feel.
14
Hang around them, with your friends, or alone. You'll find out more about them, and vice versa.
15
Have a friend eavesdrop a bit on them when you leave the room, to see if they say anything about you when you're out of range.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do you subtly compliment a girl?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Pretend that you're giving her some positive feedback. After a conversation, you could say "You're a really good listener! I felt really heard during that chat."
Question

How do you compliment someone's physical appearance?

John Keegan
Dating Coach
John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

John Keegan

Dating Coach

Expert Answer

Make your compliment really heartfelt. "You have really soulful eyes" or "You have really intelligent eyes" are a couple of compliments you could try.
Question

What are some funny ways to tell someone you like them?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It all depends on your individual sense of humor (and your crush’s)! You might try something silly, like “Who has two thumbs and thinks you’re awesome? This guy/girl!” If you think your crush would appreciate it, you can also try a cheesy pickup line, like “Do you like raisins? Well, how would you feel about a date?” Playful teasing can also work well. Try something like, “Why do you have to be so sweet and smart and good looking all the time, you big jerk?”
Question

How do you tell a friend you like them without making it awkward?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

It’s hard to guarantee that things won’t get awkward, but it helps if you don’t make a huge deal out of it. Find a moment when the two of you are relaxed and at ease, then say something like, “Hey, would you like to get dinner with me, as more than friends?” If you’re too nervous about talking to your friend directly, you could always ask a mutual friend to let it slip that you like them, then have them report back about how your friend responds.
Question

How do you let someone know you like them without saying it?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

Flirting, teasing them in a good-natured way, and offering friendly touches like hugs and hand-squeezes (if they’re okay with it!) are all good ways to hint that you like them. Doing nice gestures, like giving them little gifts, can also help. If you just don’t feel comfortable telling them your feelings out loud, you could always write them a note!

Warnings

Do not stalk them! No one likes stalkers. Don't send off that vibe.

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Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
If you ask out a friend's previous boyfriend or girlfriend and they are not okay with it, it may ruin your friendship.

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Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Do not obsess! They may find this creepy.

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Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
Be prepared for denial. If they say no, don't cry in front of them. This may lead to them asking you out on a pity date. That is even worse. Instead, say that it's fine and ask if you can still be friends.

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Helpful 4 Not Helpful 2
If you do ask them out, this may ruin a good friendship.

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