35 Signs A Shy Girl Likes You Secretly

A Man Looking At Shy Girl

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

You wish to know if your crush is reciprocating your feelings. But it is difficult to identify the signs a shy girl likes you. Shy girls are often afraid of being rejected if they express their thoughts. So they tend to be hesitant and hide their emotions by maintaining a cloak of mystery around themselves.

It’s difficult for a man to judge and move on with a girl who seems to be a little sheepish and withdrawn. However, even shy girls tend to give some spoken and unspoken signs to show their feelings for you. When you learn how to understand these signs, you will be in a better position to express your feelings and also create a deep emotional connection with her. So with this post, we make it simple for you by enlisting some apparent signals that suggest she likes you.

In This Article

Key Pointers

  • A shy girl could have an amazing persona that you’re oblivious to.
  • Being extra helpful, showing interest in your hobbies, and leaning towards you may indicate a shy girl is interested in you.
  • Be attentive to these signs to make the first move.

35 Clear Signs That A Shy Girl Likes You

To know if a shy girl likes you, you must pay close attention to her body language and behavior when she is around you. Observe, and you might get a few hints that give you the confidence to make the first move.

1. She finds your jokes funny

She cracks up at the silliest of your jokes

Image: Shutterstock

She is the first one to laugh when you crack a joke. Even if it is not a good one, you can count on her for a good laugh. If no one else found your comment witty or funny apart from her, it probably means she’s interested in you.

2. She stares at you

She stares at you secretly, assuming no one is looking at her. As she has romantic feelings for you, she wants to hold you in her gaze. And she never gets bored looking at you as she carefully observes your style and behavior.

3. She quickly averts her gaze

When you catch her staring, she may quickly look away in embarrassment. That’s because she doesn’t want you to know her thoughts and feelings at the moment as she is afraid of rejection.

4. She wants to know everything about you

If she likes you, she’ll try her best to gather information about you.

Stalking you on social media, digging out old yearbooks, and asking mutual friends may become her new hobby. You would soon be surprised to know about your favorite song, food, and books from her.

5. She smiles at you

Did you notice her smiling at you? If so, it means she is happy to be around you and cannot hide it. When she smiles at you, she’s subtly letting you know that she likes you and might be waiting to hear from you.

6. She makes plans with your friends

You might find her taking the initiative to make plans with your friends. She’ll organize outings with them hoping to spend time with you. It clearly indicates she is looking for indirect opportunities to be with you.

7. She texts you more than she talks to you

A shy girl may use texting to express her emotions

Image: Shutterstock

For a shy and quiet girl, it’s easier to communicate through texts rather than in person. You may find her sharing more in messages. She may seem tongue-tied in front of you, but her feelings pop up in the text messages.

8. She listens to your conversations with others

You may find her eavesdropping on your conversations in a discreet manner. She might even hang around you to listen to what you say, know what you like, and what your interests are.

9. She keeps bumping into you

She wants to make physical contact but doesn’t know how to. You may find her running into you or walking past you. She might even brush her hand on yours to feel your touch. These can be considered female body language signs of attraction. However, don’t expect her to reach out and hold your hand or hug you just yet, as she might be taking smaller steps to gauge your response.

10. She blushes when you talk to her

When you reach out to talk to her, you find a rosy hint on her cheeks.

It suggests she is blushing, which is a subtle sign a shy girl likes you.

11. She behaves like she doesn’t like you

In case she doesn’t want to let you know her interest in you, she may come across as a snob. If she is hiding her feelings for you, her behavior might seem cold or distant. This could be because she struggles with expressing herself and fears rejection more than revealing her true feelings. That’s one attribute of a meek and gentle girl that not many know.

12. She is around you

Do you find her at your gym, your favorite coffee shop, or even around your neighborhood? It clearly means she is successful in knowing about you and wants to be around you more often. And she is throwing signals at you.

13. She gets nervous

Does she get awkward and clumsy when you talk to her? If an otherwise calm and composed girl suddenly starts getting butterfingers and mixes her words, it is a sign of attraction.

protip_icon Do remember
A shy girl often lacks the confidence to talk to you in person. Instead, she prefers texting or talking over the phone. So if your communication is mostly online, know that she is into you.

14. She is extra helpful

Goes out of the way can a be a sign a shy girl likes you

Image: Shutterstock

She is always available to help you. Anytime you need her, she’ll be happy to go out of her way to make you happy. It shows you are her priority, and she has romantic feelings for you. But remember that you cannot take advantage of her unassertive nature and willingness to do things for you.

15. She fidgets with her clothes

She wants to look her best when around you, so she keeps fixing her clothes. You may even find her going to the washroom multiple times to put on some makeup and check how she looks.

16. She follows you on social media

She will be the first to like and comment on your Instagram or Facebook posts. It’s just her way of letting you know she’s interested in you and wants you to take her cue.

17. She hints about you on her social media

If she is interested in you, she may drop unpretentious yet subtle hints about you in her social media posts. She may refer to the lyrics of your favorite song or tag you on a quote.

18. She compliments you

If a girl likes you, she notices everything about you and compliments you. It could be about the way you speak or the way you play a sport. Women know that compliments go a long way to win a man, and that’s her subtle way of flirting with you.

19. She is interested in your hobbies

Does she take an interest in your hobbies and passions? If she likes you, she might attend a dance contest to cheer you on. She may even start taking dance classes to show she is keenly interested in you but is a bit timid about expressing it.

20. She shows interest in your work

If you find she knows what you do and shares her knowledge in the project, it means she has done her homework to impress you. She has done some research on your subjects and projects to have a meaningful conversation. That’s a sign of a bashful yet smart girl who likes you.

21. She waits for you to start the conversation

If a shy girl likes you, she can talk to you about anything and everything

Image: Shutterstock

She will not be the initiator of a conversation but will wait for you to take the lead. Don’t assume she’s playing hard to get as she is just a self-conscious girl waiting for you to make the first move.

22. She becomes a good friend

Before you go further in your relationship, it is likely she may become a good friend. Introverted people are sincere and make good friends. So before she becomes your girlfriend, she will be a friend you would appreciate having around.

23. She keeps changing her looks

You will notice changes in the way she dresses and does her hair. Being reticent, she wouldn’t talk but try to get you to notice her. So, she keeps changing her looks to attract your attention.

24. She loves to listen while you talk

She may be reticent when it comes to sharing her stories but is always ready to listen to yours. You’ll be surprised to hear yourself pouring your heart out while she listens patiently. She would be happy to listen about things you thought would never interest a woman. That’s because she wants to get to know you better.

25. She sticks around till you leave

Wherever you are, you’ll notice she hangs around till you leave. She doesn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to be with you whenever it’s possible, so she will wait to go home until you leave. It’s a subtle sign she cares for you.

26. She mimics you subconsciously

If you notice her copying your mannerisms or hand movements without realizing it, it’s an indicator that she likes you. This kind of mirroring is often one of the signs she likes you more than a friend. Watch her gestures to see if they are similar to yours.

27. She remembers every detail of your meetings

You will be surprised to know she remembers every minute detail about your time with her. Things that you may not have noticed will be stored in her memory if she likes you, as she cherishes her time with you and wants to hold on to every moment.

28. She plays with her hair a lot

Being awkward in your presence can be a sign too

Image: Shutterstock

Another subconscious sign that gives away a shy girl’s feelings is if she plays with her hair. She tries to keep it in place and wants to look just right all the time. It also indicates she is nervous, and so she keeps her hands occupied.

29. She leans towards you

She may involuntarily lean towards you while she is talking to you. We lean toward people we trust and want to get close. It is essential to look out for this sign as it indicates that she is ready to start dating.

30. She is interested in your family

Does she ask about your parents and siblings? It’s her way of letting you know she likes you and wants to make an emotional connection with you. She will even go out of her way to remember their birthdays and anniversaries and help you find gifts for them.

31. She keeps her arms open

When a coy girl keeps her arms open, it means she is relaxed and has a welcoming attitude around you. She might also want you to hug her or be close to her.

32. She talks to the other guys in the group

It could be because she is too diffident to talk to you directly, and she is afraid she might embarrass herself. To make it easier, speak to her directly or slip into her conversation with the rest of the group. Soon, you will know if she likes you.

33. Her friends are around to test you

Her friends will be protective of her as she has always been demure and may not have been in a relationship before. They will try to gauge your interest in her and check if you are right for her. It is a good sign as it shows she might have told them about her interest in you.

34. Her friends get giggly when you are around

Do you find her friends whispering and giggling when you pass by? It could mean she has shared her secret with them. A reserved girl may not disclose her emotions with you but would not hide them from her friends.

35. Her feet point towards you

Body language is important when it comes to shy people. If you notice her feet angled towards you, it’s a sign she likes you. It is a subtle body signal that even she might not be aware of. So look out for her feet and the direction they are facing.

How To Make A Shy Girl Comfortable

Here are some tips to make a shy girl feel comfortable and open up in your presence:

  • When talking to her, avoid asking her not to be shy. They may be hesitant to make eye contact, so avoid bringing that up, too.
  • Aggressive body language and being too touchy can turn them away. Ensure open body language, such as keeping your arms uncrossed, soft eye contact, or positioning your feet in her direction. Mirroring her gestures may also be helpful.
  • Take it slow. Shy girls are often less talkative and take time to open up. Be patient and comfortable with moments of silence. Try building a friendship by slowly increasing the time you spend with her.
  • Allow her to express herself freely without judgment. Let her speak her mind whenever she wants to without judging her for her views and opinions.
  • Try texting more, as frequent meetings and direct conversations may make her anxious and self-conscious.
  • Take a lead when planning dates with her. Shy people are often more open to suggestions than making a decision in the initial stages.
  • Make sure you meet her one-on-one and do not force her to attend group or family events initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I tell if a girl has a crush on me?

If a girl is crushing on you, she blushes when you are around, steals glances, shows affection while talking to you, and changes her body language. She is more drawn to you, gives you lovely, thoughtful gifts, may cook for you, ask you to hang out with her more often, compliment you, or text and call you regularly.

2. How do I know if a girl is hiding her feelings but secretly wants me?

Although it sounds complicated, if you pay close attention to a few signs, you may understand that she is trying to keep her feelings from you but is interested in you. Some signs you may notice are- her eye contact with you is intense, she mirrors you, often talks to her friends about you, is intrigued to learn more about other girls in your life, uses various emoticons while chatting with you, etc.

3. What does it mean when a shy girl glances at me?

A quick and casual glance by a shy girl might not indicate any sign of attraction. However, when she stares at you secretly or averts her gaze in embarrassment when you catch her staring, it might suggest that she has fond admiration for you. Therefore, it is better to be doubly sure and wait for other signs before interpreting the glance as her interest in you.

4. What are the benefits of me being in a relationship with a shy girl?

There are numerous benefits of being in a relationship with a shy girl. First, it provides a sense of excitement and mystery as you get to know the person slowly over time. Also, her reserved nature can reflect honesty and sincerity, fostering comfort and safety in your relationship. Lastly, a shy girl usually shows deep devotion and unwavering loyalty.

When a shy girl happens to like you, it may not be too obvious because of her introverted nature. To decode the subtle signs an unassuming girl likes you, you need to observe her behavior around and with you. You may notice that she tends to laugh more with you, stare at you, and remember every detail of your conversations. If you feel the same, go ahead and make the first move. This will help boost her confidence, and it may lead to the start of something special. Remember to be observant and respectful of her feelings. In case your first move is not appreciated then take a step back right away. It’s better to give her time to open up than force her to speak to you.

Infographic: Guide On How To Talk To A Shy Girl

Talking to someone shy by nature can be demanding, as you need to be aware to avoid making them uncomfortable or awkward. If you now know that a shy girl likes you, you must be wondering how you can approach her gently and comfortably to ensure that things work out smoothly. Well, we have the answer for you in the following infographic. Do give it a read, and be sure to save it too.

how to talk to a shy girl (infographic)

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Clear Signs A Shy Girl Likes You Secretly

signs a shy girl likes you_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

Uncover the hidden signs of affection from a shy girl who can’t help but conceal her true feelings.


Community Experiences

Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.

Andrea Riley
Andrea Riley CTHF, CLC, CMS
Andrea Riley is a TV talk show host, blogger, podcaster, author, certified life coach, certified trauma healing facilitator, licensed relationship instructor, certified biblical counselor, licensed minister, and keynote speaker.

Read full bio of Andrea Riley
sanjana lagudu
sanjana laguduBPharm, MBA
Sanjana did her graduation in Pharmacy from Andhra University and post graduation in management from GITAM Institute of Management. It was during her first job, she recognized her skills in writing and began working as a freelance writer.

Read full bio of sanjana lagudu
Akshay is an associate editor and former journalist with more than four years of experience. A post graduate in Mass Communication and Journalism, he has strong professional and academic background in the field of content writing and editing.

Read full bio of Akshay Nair