Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team
Have you ever wondered if a girl you like is developing feelings for you, too? If you want to start a relationship with her, you want to know if she is truly interested in you. According to Lucy Brown, PhD, a neuroscientist at Einstein College of Medicine, “Two decades of research has shown that when it comes to early-stage intense romantic love—the kind we often think of when we talk about being lovestruck—a very primitive part of the brain’s reward system, located in the midbrain, is activated first.” This suggests that if she feels strongly about you, her brain might respond in a way that mirrors these emotional cues (1). You may find it difficult to figure out her feelings for you because some signs are difficult to detect unless you pay close attention to them. However, recognizing these signs helps you navigate your feelings and expectations, improving communication and connection with her. Here are some signs she is developing feelings for you.
Key Pointers
- Smiling at you, touching you, or wanting to be around you are some signs showing her interest in you.
- Her open body language, nervous actions, and personal questions will help you know her feelings.
- She finds all possibilities to compliment you.
15+ Signs She Is Developing Feelings For You
Interpret these subtle cues during your interactions with her to know if she likes you. This information was compiled based on common behavioral patterns and research into human interactions and relationships.
1. She smiles at you
You can tell she’s happy around you when she enjoys your company. One of the telltale signs she likes you more than a friend is when she smiles and responds to your smile rather shyly and with admiration. For example, if she blushes, it could indicate that she is pleased to be around you and enjoys conversing with you. During a group hangout, she might lock eyes with you and give you a warm smile, even when no one else is looking.
Do remember2. She touches you
At every opportunity, she makes excuses to touch you with fondness and passion. For example, when she links her arms with yours, gently touches your leg with softness, when you sit, or even touches your head—these could be signs to get closer to you. Likewise, you can tell she is interested in you when she holds your arm while walking, looks at you longingly, or touches your arm while laughing at a joke you shared.
3. She is the first to respond
You often get texts from her first, even if it takes you days to reply. The desire to talk to you could drive her to put aside her expectations to start a conversation with you. While she is the one who initiates conversations, she also responds to your texts quickly, with ardor, and rarely gives you anything more than a one-word reply. In a group chat with a few friends, and every time a message is posted, she is the first one to reply. Not only does she respond quickly, but her replies are thoughtful, asking you questions or adding extra details that show she’s engaged in the conversation. She may also use a lot of smile or heart emojis, memes, and GIFs while texting.
4. She acts nervous
If she is interested in you romantically, she may have butterflies in her stomach. You may see her act nervously, such as playing with her fingers or running her fingers through her hair while giving a response, which are also signs of flirting. If you notice her being jittery around you, even shaking slightly, or having trouble making eye contact, they can be signs that a shy girl likes you. During conversations, she might fidget with her hair or glance away more than usual. If she appears nervous in front of you but calm and relaxed elsewhere, it could be a sign of attraction and that she is concerned about what you think of her.
5. She orbits your social media
If she is developing feelings for you, she may be curious about what you’re doing in life, whether you’re in a relationship or single. One way she would want to know about you is by orbiting your social media accounts, including Instagram and Facebook. This could indicate that she wishes to stay in touch. When you upload photos of you walking the dog or of a vacation, she is usually the first to like and comment on them. Over the next few days, she starts commenting on your stories, engaging in your posts, and even replying to your tweets. If she frequently engages with your posts, it is a strong sign that she is interested in your life and wants to stay connected.
6. She has open body language
One of the telltale signs that a girl is developing romantic emotions for you is when she uses open body language and closes the gap between you. She may, for example, briefly flicker her eyelids at you with a slight downward flip of her head, stand taller, draw her stomach in, and her shoulders back. Whenever you’re in a group, she tends to stand closer to you, positioning herself where she can engage with you more easily. Likewise, she may stroke and twirl her hair with her fingers and bite her lips.
Do remember7. She keeps the conversation going
When she sees you, she will seize the opportunity to speak with you and figure out how to join in on your conversations. One of the signs that a girl is developing feelings for you is when she brings up topics that will pique your interest. For instance, last time you mentioned a new book you were reading, and this time she’s asking about how it’s going. She could go out of her way to keep the conversation going and establish a rapport with you.
8. She discusses plans
She tells you about her likings, future hopes, plans, and dreams. She wants you to get to know her. If she likes you and sees you as an important part of her future, she may even confide in you about her problems. Although she may not mention weddings or children, she may indicate going on a trip together or celebrating future holidays and events. Let’s say you both talked about attending a concert, and she texts you later saying, “I’d love to go to that show with you when it happens, it would be amazing!” This shows she is not only thinking about the present but also envisioning you as part of her future.
9. She introduces you to her family
One of the signs that she is developing feelings for you is when she introduces you to her family and friends. If she invites you to her family gatherings, she’s probably thinking about a future with you. On the other hand, she will be looking forward to meeting your family and friends. Therefore, she might want to give you her best self when you introduce her to your family and make every effort to mingle with them. Imagine you’ve been spending some time with her, and one weekend, she invites you to a family gathering. As you walk in, she introduces you to her parents and siblings, casually saying, “This is [Your Name], he’s someone really special to me.” Her effort to include you in such an intimate setting is a clear sign that she’s developing feelings for you.
10. She wants to be around you
How much time she wants to spend with you is one of the most telling signs of how much she is interested in you. If your girl doesn’t need an excuse to be around you and spends all of her time with you, it means she may have an inclination towards you. While she may prefer “alone time” with you, she may be more than willing to accompany you and your friends to parties. She often texts or calls you just to check in, and when you suggest plans, she eagerly agrees, even if it’s a simple outing. On the other hand, if you talk to other girls, it can trigger her and she might become envious.
11. She asks personal questions
She may ask various personal questions, ranging from the superficial to the more thoughtful and deeper type. She bombards you with random questions, such as the name of your dog, the type of girl you prefer to date, what you like to do on weekends, and what you’re passionate about. She could also express eagerness in knowing about your romantic life and reveal details about her own. One day, she might ask, “What’s something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t had the chance to yet?” Her interest in your personal aspirations indicates that she wants to get to know you on a deeper level, which is often a sign of growing affection.
Three studies found that people who ask more questions, especially follow-up questions, are liked more by their conversation partners. Asking more questions makes someone appear more responsive, showing they listen, understand, and care (2)
Do remember12. She is vulnerable around you
If she is willing to confide in you by sharing her personal issues or emotions, even if they are difficult, it is a sign that she trusts you. When a girl opens up to you and starts sharing her secrets, fears, hopes, and deepest thoughts with you, it means she has reached a certain level of intimacy with you. Imagine you’re hanging out with a friend, and she starts to share more personal stories with you—things she’s never told anyone else, like struggles she’s had with family or past relationships. At first, she might be a little hesitant, but as the conversation continues, she becomes more relaxed and opens up more. Gunawan Saputra, a blogger, shares how this quality made him think the girl was falling for him. He says, “Even in our first interaction, we discussed deep topics, and she was the first who started this. She shared about her family, what they’re currently facing, and how she’s handling all the stress of losing someone. She also willingly shared her personal issue and feelings (i).”
13. She mirrors your body language
You may notice that she mimics your actions or body language to form a bond with you or feel more aligned with you. For example, she may hold her coffee mug similarly to you, and if you lean forward, she may also lean forward, or she may use the same phrases as you, or she may even mimic your texting style. If you notice any of these signs, she might have started to connect with you.
14. She compliments you
Does she seek out more possibilities to compliment you? She may compliment your new clothes, shoes, hairstyle, or jacket. Her compliments may go beyond your physical appearance. Studies show that when someone compliments your appearance, it may suggest they are sexually attracted to you. This could be a sign she is developing feelings for you if she expresses admiration for your looks (3). When she compliments your intelligence, generosity, or sincerity, she shows how much she values and understands the real you. One day, she casually says, “You always know how to make me laugh,” or, “I love how thoughtful you are.” These compliments are more than just friendly remarks—they show she’s noticing and appreciating you in a deeper way.
15. She listens to you
When she is developing feelings for you, she listens to you intently without interrupting. When she recalls specifics about you, your life, and your interests, it shows she has paid attention to what you say. For example, if she recalls specifics from previous conversations, such as your favorite music band or football team, you can tell she’s paying attention and appreciates what you say. It’s a telltale sign that she is developing feelings for you if she’s actively listening with fascination and asking follow-up questions.
According to a few researchers, it has been seen that active listening involves showing empathy, understanding, and care for someone’s needs, which is key in building strong, supportive relationships. If she consistently listens to you with genuine interest and concern, it may indicate that she’s developing feelings for you (4).
16. She is your cheerleader
If she’s always there to cheer you up when things don’t go your way, it could be a sign that she is developing feelings for you. If you casually tell her that you had a bad day or mention an issue at work, she tries to console you and make sure you are okay. Whether it’s sending you encouraging texts, helping you practice, or celebrating your small wins, she’s genuinely invested in your success. This supportive role she plays may go beyond just being friendly. Cheering for someone is a way of showing interest and affection. It means that she cares about you and your well-being. This support often indicates that she is emotionally invested in your relationship and shows that she has your back. While providing emotional support does not necessarily mean romantic interests, it does suggest a growing connection.
What To Do If The Signs Are Positive?
It can be exciting and confusing when you notice signs that someone is developing feelings for you. Understanding what to do next can help you navigate the situation with confidence and clarity. Here are some actions to take:
- Acknowledge the signs: Recognize the signals they are giving you, such as compliments or extra attention.
- Take your time: Don’t rush things; allow the relationship to develop naturally.
- Be open and honest: Communicate your feelings and intentions openly to avoid misunderstandings.
- Show interest: Respond positively and show that you’re also interested, through thoughtful actions or gestures.
- Build trust: Focus on building a foundation of trust and understanding, which is essential for any relationship.
- Respect boundaries: Always respect their boundaries and ensure they feel comfortable with your actions.
If the signs that someone is developing feelings for you are positive, take it as an opportunity to deepen your connection. Be honest, patient, and respectful as you explore the possibility of a relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take for a woman to develop feelings for someone?
It may not be possible to predict how long it will take for a woman to develop feelings for someone, as every individual is different and has their own way of forming relationships. Some people may develop feelings for someone quickly, while others may take longer to get to know someone and build a connection. It is important to remember that building a relationship and developing feelings for someone takes time and effort, and there is no set timeline.
2. Can she develop feelings over time?
A girl may develop feelings for someone over time. Feelings of attraction and affection can grow and change as a person gets to know someone better and spends more time with them. However, her feelings may depend on how the other person treats her and the presence of common grounds for a strong connection.
3. Can someone develop feelings through texting?
Yes, it may be possible for someone to develop feelings for another person through texting. Texting allows people to communicate regularly and share their thoughts and feelings, creating a sense of intimacy and closeness. However, it is essential to note that texting alone may not be enough to sustain a romantic relationship. Face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations are often necessary to build a deeper connection.
You need to analyze subtle signs patiently if you wish to ace the dating game. Signs she is developing feelings may not appear all at once or all of a sudden. They gradually develop over a period of time, and you need to notice the hints she drops. A sweet smile or a light touch can be a way she may convey her interest. If you observe carefully without becoming too desperate, you may be able to read between the lines and figure out if she wants to be with you.
Infographic: Signs She Is Developing Feelings For You
Learn to spot the obvious signs of a girl developing feelings for you. When you like someone, you desperately want to know how they feel about you. But you hold back because you don’t want to ruin a good friendship. Don’t worry; we have ways to help you figure out her feelings for you without asking her. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Telltale Signs She Is Developing Feelings For You
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Is she always finding reasons to be around you? Does she smile when you speak, is interested to know more about you, tries to make you laugh? Discover the signs that show that she is developing feelings for you!
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. I thought she was into me, but I was horribly wrong!https://medium.com/hello-love/i-thought-she-was-into-me-but-i-was-horribly-wrong-72d47eb9f09a
References
- What happens in your brain when you’re in love?
https://www.apa.org/topics/marriage-relationships/brain-on-love - It Doesn’t Hurt to Ask: Question-Asking Increases Liking.
https://www.hbs.edu/ris/Publication%20Files/Huang%20et%20al%202017_6945bc5e-3b3e-4c0a-addd-254c9e603c60.pdf - Verbal Compliments as a Differential Source of Mate Poaching Threat for Men and Women.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10519138/ - Listening and the pursuit of communal relationships.
https://labsites.rochester.edu/lelab/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Lemay-et-al.-2023-Listening-and-the-pursuit-of-communal-relationships.pdf
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