Image: Shutterstock
How to tell someone you like them is quite challenging when your crush makes you go weak in the knees. Acknowledging your feelings can make you feel nervous or give you sleepless nights. You may also fear losing your friendship or hurting the other person’s feelings, making things awkward between you two. But imagine if things turn out positive, it can lead to beautiful new beginnings.
Discover effective and creative methods to express your feelings and communicate your attraction confidently. If you are still confused, here are some easy tips on how to tell someone you like them.
When To Tell Someone You Like Them?
Timing plays a crucial role when you are about to confess your feelings. So, here are a few tips.
1. Figure out why you like the person
If you think you like a person, consider why you like them and persuade yourself that your feelings are genuine. Before you tell them about your feelings, you must be clear. This way, you might enter a relationship with them.
2. Try to find if they are attracted to you
When a person likes you, they give out some signs of attraction. These signs may be subtle and easy to miss. Look out for such cues so that you know the person is interested in knowing about your feelings.
3. Find the right time
Image: IStock
Find a time when your crush isn’t stressed or in a rush. A day before exams or a big presentation isn’t the best time to discuss your feelings with them. Take them to a place where you can be alone with them and have a private conversation that allows you to profess your feelings honestly.
50 Creative Ways To Tell Someone You Like Them
Many people find it difficult to talk about their feelings. If you like someone, you might be scared of ruining your relationship with them if you tell them what you feel. Here is how you can express your feelings. Here are some tips on how to confess to your crush.
1. Give them hints
When you are attracted to a person, your body language goes through various changes without knowing it. For example, you lean towards the person while talking to them, you also tend to touch your face or hair or constantly smile as you admire their presence.
2. Confess sooner than later
If you have already been crushing on the person for a while, the sooner you let them know, the better. If they do not reciprocate your feelings, you have more time to heal. If they do, you can be in a relationship.
Martha Sta. Barbara, a blogger, shares her experience of how her boyfriend confessed to her. She says, “When my BF and I started dating, he said straight to my face on probably our third or fourth date that he liked me. I was 19 then so I was weirded out and like: “Wow, that was quick. No physical and mind games or courtship whatsoever? Just that?” I thought it was boring, but 8 years later, I realized that good thing he was upfront about it as it saved me from a lot of emotional hassle aka heartaches (i).”
Point to consider3. Show your excitement
If you like someone and are excited to see them, do not hide it from them. For example, if they enter a room where you are already talking with someone else, break the conversation for a minute, welcome your crush, and adulate them with attention and interest. Invite them to join you. Your excitement will soon be transmitted to them.
4. Smile and look at them
What could give you more happiness than looking at your crush’s face and smiling at them? While you can be discreet about it, you could give a hint that you are looking at them a few times a day. But don’t be creepy about it.
5. Share confidently
Confidence is a much-admired quality in a person. When you state your feelings confidently to your crush, there are chances they will consider your proposal even if they do not have the same feelings for you at the moment.
6. Don’t make a huge announcement
All those public announcements of love you see on TV are made when both parties have already communicated about marriage or relationship at some point. It is important to empathize with the person you are proposing to and consider what they would be comfortable with. Proposing in public puts a huge amount of pressure on the person you are proposing.
7. Talk in a casual tone when asking to meet
When you finally plan to confess your feelings to your crush, don’t make a big deal out of it when asking for some time. Just ask them confidently and casually for their time, like you do to a friend when you want to talk about something. You can just be like. “Can you spare me some time after the lecture? I have something to talk about.” Here are some things to say to your crush.
8. Use simple language
Unless you are a literature expert, do not opt for flowery language. You don’t need to recite Shakespeare’s sonnets or quote movie dialogues to state your feelings. Keep your proposal as simple as possible.
9. Start the conversation in a friendly tone
Before you confess your feelings, start your conversation on a lighter note with a casual, friendly greeting to make them comfortable.
10. Be their friend
Image: Shutterstock
If you idolize your crush and not your friend yet, you can reach out for friendship. Support them in their endeavors and try to get close to them. If your friendship transitions to a relationship, it would be a bonus. If you are wondering about how to tell your crush you like them, being friends with them first is always a good idea.
11. Ask questions
Asking questions about their day, lives, goals, families, and other things will show your genuine interest in knowing about them. However, ensure not to ask any questions that will make them uncomfortable.
12. Reminisce your previous conversations with them
Whether talking over the phone or when you meet them personally, following up on their previous discussion will convey your attentiveness and genuine interest in them.
13. Make them feel comfortable
Going to your crush straightaway and telling them, ‘I like you.’ can make them feel weird even if you’re friends. The goal is to make them feel comfortable around you with your support, humor, jokes, and friendly talk while being obvious about your likeness toward them.
14. Introduce them to your circle
This is one of the best ways to show someone your interest in them without saying. You may invite them to your friends’ gatherings to hang out. You can also invite them to your family’s fun celebrations. But make sure they feel comfortable being there.
15. Get into their circle
Getting friends with their friends will help create more opportunities for you to spend time with your crush and know about them better. However, refrain from prying about their life.
16. Give them special treatment
Whether you’re in college, at workspace, gatherings, or lunch, paying extra attention to them will make them feel special and convey your feelings. This will also help to develop feelings for you in them naturally.
17. Remember their important days
Knowing your crush’s significant days, like birthdays, promotions, and even their exam days if they are studying, could make them feel special. This will help them feel appreciation towards you.
18. Flirt with them
When you are alone with your crush, take your chance to compliment and woo them with your charm. However, keep it light and casual. Also, don’t flirt with them when you are surrounded by others. It could make your crush feel awkward, and they might try to move away from you.
19. Do it in person
The best way to propose to your crush is to talk to them in person. However, if you are too nervous, call them and talk with them privately.
20. Maintain eye contact when confessing
Proper eye contact when confessing will help them see your honesty and genuineness. Therefore, relax your body and be confident when confessing your love to them. However, don’t stand too close to them or look at the floor or close your eyes, as these reactions may make your crush feel that you’re too eager.
21. Do not overwhelm them when confessing
When you set out to confess to them, do not overexpress yourself or show excessive emotion, as it can make them feel awkward and put pressure on them.
Quick tip22. If nervous, text
Texting is not the best way to propose to someone. But if you are extremely nervous about the outcome, text them about your feelings. This also gives your crush a chance to make up their mind without any pressure. Here are a few tips on how to tell your crush you like them over text.
23. Write a cute note
This old yet classic confession method is still popular and effective. It will not only allow you to express your feelings in your words if you’re too nervous to speak to them, but it will also show your genuine efforts to your crush. You can either be creative with your words or state your feelings in a note or letter.
24. Give a slight touch
The power of touch is often underestimated. When you like someone, let them know your feelings by touching them casually on their arm or shoulder to indicate your interest. You could give a high-five as well. The way you carry yourself when you touch or seduce them is important—keep it light and soft.
25. Dress well
Knowing that you look good increases your confidence. Select a well-fitting outfit that looks good on you and wear it on the day of the proposal.
26. Take them out on a date
Remember that there is no need for you to pour your feelings out as a romantic declaration at the beginning. Take them out on a coffee date instead. It is less scary, and your crush might get an idea of your feelings.
27. Be observant
When you go out with your crush, be observant of your crush; listen to them attentively and show genuine interest in their conversation. Be active with your response and actions toward them.
28. Be available for them
Make sure to be available for your crush if they need you if you really want to show your interest in them. This will help you be a reliable person for them to look for when they need someone.
29. Text them to ask if they reached home
Asking if they reached home safely will make them cared for and valued. Also, it will give you a reason to get your conversation ongoing even after the meet-up.
30. Talk to each other over the phone
Talking on the phone with your crush can give you immense happiness. Call them now and then, first about something casual, and then move on to more personal stuff.
31. Text each other more often
Nowadays, most people prefer texting to talking on the phone. You could send your crush a good morning and good night message occasionally. If they reply, take the texting game to the next level.
32. State facts
If you are friends with your crush, you might want to consider what a rejection may do to your friendship. It’s important to communicate that you hold your friendship in high esteem and wouldn’t want it to suffer because of this proposal.
33. Ask for their opinion
Ask your crush for a movie or food suggestion or their opinions about vital issues, and take their opinion seriously. This will let them know that you really care.
34. Share your admiration for them
Giving compliments on their looks and outfits is great, but admiring their strengths and qualities makes a positive impression in their mind.
35. Give them something they like
Image: Shutterstock
If the gifts are thoughtful, they will be appreciated more. Try to find what your crush likes and gift it to them. It needn’t be expensive, even a mixtape with their favorite tracks would be a thoughtful gift.
36. Send flowers and cards
People like receiving flowers and compliments. So, look for a reason to send them or give them flowers to show your likeness towards them.
37. Make up a nickname
When you address someone by a nickname, it suggests your closeness with that person. Make a special nickname for your crush and address them by it. It will bring you closer, and they might get your hint.
38. Don’t say “I love you”
Saying “I love you” in the beginning might suggest that you do not intuit the weight of your words. These words carry a lot of weight and should not be thrown around casually. Use these words only when you feel you truly love a person for who they are.
39. Be honest
When sharing your feelings with your crush, honesty is the best policy. Tell your crush how they make you feel and explain why you want to be with them.
40. Look for random reasons to contact
If you think about your crush randomly due to some incident or you stumble upon something that reminds you of them, tell them about it. This will convey to them that they are always on your mind.
41. Say “I miss you”
If you do not meet your crush on a particular day or if they opted out of a plan with you and your friends, let them know you are thinking about them and missing them. Do not jump to conclusions and infer they are uninterested in you. A simple “I miss you” text can go a long way in conveying your emotions.
42. Kiss them on the cheek
Image: Shutterstock
Kissing your crush on the cheek before saying goodbye might be the best way to let them know what you think about them. You could accompany the kiss with a hug. However, be careful as it is important to see if that would be an acceptable physical touch for the other party.
43. Give them a hug
If you think a kiss may feel too bold or risky, give them a hug instead when you meet or when saying goodbye. This could be a subtle body language that you can use to convey your feelings nonverbally.
44. Give them all your attention
Even when you are with a group of friends, pay attention to what your crush is saying. It is a little gesture that makes them feel special and cared for. It may even signal to them that you are more than just a casual admirer.
45. Be a good listener
Lend your ears to your crush whether they want to vent their anger and frustration or just want someone to listen to them without judging.
46. Say something nice about them
When you are interacting with your crush, say something nice about them in an offhand manner. For example, mention that you like their shoes or their dress or that they smell good. These little things go a long way in letting a person know of your true feelings.
47. Follow them on social media
In today’s world, following someone on social media is a form of showing likeness towards them. So, get on it and like their posts, and comment sweetly.
48. Offer help
Be it for their project, homework, or any event, proactively offering your help will create a good impression of you in their mind while giving you a chance to get close to them.
49. Be their cheerleader
Supporting their goals and interests or any endeavors will help you show that you will be there for them no matter what happens.
50. Be their plus one
Whether it’s an event, a trip, or somewhere they need to go, offer to accompany them. This will demonstrate that your crush can always call you if they need company.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to use body language to tell someone I like them without words?
Nonverbal communication can be used effectively to convey your interest in a person. Making eye contact constantly, smiling at them gently, leaning in slightly while talking to them, and mirroring their gestures are some ways to evince your romantic interest in someone. Confidence plays a crucial role when expressing your feelings. Being confident can make your message clearer and more impactful, increasing the likelihood of a positive response. It helps you be genuine and authentic, which is essential when confessing your feelings.
2. Is there a wrong way of telling someone I like them?
Though there is no “right” way to declare your love to someone, you should avoid certain ways of professing it. The wrong ways include doing it publicly or on social media, confessing your love on the first date itself, and expressing your feelings over text. Doing it in person is appropriate as you can read their facial expressions and body language.
3. How can I overcome the fear of rejection when expressing my feelings to someone?
Before you express your love to someone, prepare yourself for both outcomes. Remind yourself that rejection means you are better suited for another person. So, do not take rejection to heart. Go ahead and express your feelings. If it is accepted, you find yourself a partner; if not, you know your real partner is still waiting for you. You win both ways.
4. What are some good phrases to use when telling someone I like them?
Using simple, straightforward phrases can make your confession feel more genuine. Consider saying things like, “I really enjoy spending time with you,” “I think you’re amazing, and I really like you,” or “I’ve developed feelings for you and wanted to share that.” You can also try saying it through a compliment, like “I love how kind and thoughtful you are; it’s one of the many reasons I’ve fallen for you.” Keep the tone lighthearted yet honest so that your true feelings are communicated.
5. How do I handle the situation if the person I like doesn’t feel the same way?
When confessing your feelings, it’s important to understand that the person may not feel the same way and prepare yourself for that possibility. Accepting this can help you remain composed and respectful, regardless of their response. If your feelings of love are not reciprocated, you will most likely feel embarrassed. Be strong and accept their rejection. Thank them for being honest with you. After that, be as normal as you can with them. It may be difficult but try to contain your emotions and move on. The longer you stay behind, the more it will hurt you. So, let it go and look for your real partner.
6. Is it possible to maintain a friendship after confessing my feelings to someone?
Yes, you can remain friends with someone who does not reciprocate your feelings. It will be difficult initially as you may feel embarrassed to face them. But remember, if you behave normally with them, they will feel at ease and act normal with you. However, despite trying, if you feel you cannot control your feelings, then it is best to reduce contact with them. Stay cordial but do not go out of your way to maintain the friendship.
7. Should I consider the person’s past relationships before telling them I like them?
Considering their past relationship can give you an idea about their emotional availability. However, it may not help you with anything more than that. So, past relationships should not make much of a difference to you.
8. Should I be concerned about the potential impact on my social circle if I tell someone I like them?
It is essential to consider the impact of your confession on your social circle, as it can affect your friendship with others. However, social dynamics should not deter you from confessing your love to someone. Remember, if you are not in the wrong, your friends will stand by you and understand you.
9. How do you differentiate between genuine romantic interest and infatuation when telling someone you like them?
Try to evaluate the reason you feel interested in someone. If it is because of their physical appearance or other superficial reasons, it may be infatuation. And if you like them for their inner qualities, such as emotional maturity or independence, it is likely to be a romantic connection. If your feelings for them fluctuate too often, it is mostly infatuation. But feelings that do not change despite time and distance then its most likely romantic interest.
Confessing your feelings can be nerve-wracking at times, especially for those who are generally shy. So now that you have ideas on how to tell someone you like them, start planning your big confession. However, before making the first move, take time to observe whether they have the same feelings for you. If you think you should take the chance and confess, be confident and bold. Remember to keep the excitement going by sneaking in subtle hints, but don’t stretch it too long. Confess before it’s too late!
Infographic: Letting Someone Know You Like Them
It is common to search for various approaches and strategies to use when speaking to the person you want to confess your feelings. However, deciding too soon or at the wrong time can ruin everything. If you find yourself in this situation and want to know the most suitable time to confess your feelings to someone, keep this infographic below handy. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- You may think for some time about why you like someone before conveying your interest to the person.
- Show your excitement to see them, and do not hide it. You may convey that you’re excited to see and invite them to join you at the event.
- You may make a public announcement of love after communicating with each other to avoid putting pressure on your crush.
Illustration: How To Tell Someone That You Like Them: 50 Impressive Ways
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Learn how to show your crush you like them without scaring them away! Tips and tricks to ensure you don’t miss your chance to connect.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. Fan mail Fridays: This is how you know if a guy truly likes you.https://thebeautyjunkee.blogspot.com/2015/07/fan-mail-fridays-this-is-how-you-know.html
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Jessica Jefferson
Read full bio of Akshay Nair
Read full bio of Siddharth Kesiraju
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
