How To Know If You Have A Crush On Someone? 17 Clear Signs

Image: Midjourney/ MomJunction Design Team

Wondering how to know if you have a crush on someone? At some point, we all feel those tickles and jitters for a special someone, and our minds and hearts begin to race. Attractions like this could happen at the office, in college, at the mall, in a bar, or at myriad unexpected places. You will know as you feel a bit of magic around them and you can’t stop smiling.

A crush can be much more than a passing attraction that you may forget over time. It could mean more than finding the other person attractive and endearing. It may even grow from simple infatuation to genuine feelings. If there is attraction, the lingering feeling may increase in intensity, even when you are not around them, you are most likely having a crush on them. Describing when he knew he had a crush on someone, Willson Mock, a writer, says, “So when I first saw her, of course my breathing picked up ten fold. But as our date (ok, in my mind, it was a date) progressed, my breathing slowed…until I was breathless. More than how elegant and beautiful she was, she had that aura about her — that rare kind people try to describe but can’t. And that’s when I knew I had a crush on her (i).”

Understanding your feelings during such times can be confusing, but certain signs can help clarify your emotions. Read on to learn about signs that indicate you might have a romantic interest in someone.

How To Know If You Have A Crush On Someone?

Several elements indicate you have a crush on someone. Sometimes, these aren’t obvious as you might try to bury the feelings subconsciously, while at other times, you may not realize what’s happening. Regardless, if you relate to these signs, you likely have a crush on someone.

1. You think about them constantly

It is the first sign that you may have noticed by now after feeling attracted to someone.

You cannot stop thinking about them throughout the day, and these thoughts may even spill over into your dreams about your crush. You find yourself craving their presence. You might even daydream about future scenarios with them. So, you may enjoy the feeling or take comfort in it, or you could be distracted by such thoughts. Regardless, if someone takes up that space in your mind so often, you likely have a crush on them.

2. You dress well when they are around

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If you usually put in effort to look good, this might not apply to you. But if you take things to a different level thinking about the person, it indicates you want to impress them or want them to see you as attractive.

3. You plan the conversations in your head

While it’s natural to plan a presentation or a speech when it comes to work or a social occasion, it becomes a whole different situation when you’re doing it to meet someone. You might try reciting a joke, an interesting story, or random phrases to keep in mind. If you’re rehearsing such conversations with enthusiasm, odds are you fancy this person.

4. You get nervous when you’re around them

Do you get anxious when you are around this person? You may have so much in your mind but find it difficult to speak. Most likely, you do not want to embarrass yourself. If someone can make you nervous merely by their physical presence, it’s a strong sign you feel something for them.

Quick tip

BDon’t let nervousness hamper your interactions with your crush. Take deep breaths, talk slowly, and make them talk by asking the right question until you calm your nerves.

5. You want to be around them

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When you have a crush on someone, it’s natural that seeing them becomes a highlight of your day. You might devote effort to your appearance or wonder what to say, but you will be excited to meet them. It could be a passing greeting as you see each other at work or a party with mutual friends. Regardless, if you’re yearning to see them every day and miss them when you can’t, it is probably a crush.

6. You see them everywhere

We don’t mean to say you run into them everywhere, but you might confuse a random stranger for your crush for a split second. Some small thing about another person makes you think of your crush. If this happens to you often and randomly, you could be thinking of them on a subconscious level to keep imagining them everywhere. Be aware to not let this turn into an obsession.

7. You follow them online

The Internet has given us access to people’s lives more than ever. It’s normal to be curious to know what your crush is up to, who they are with, and where they hang out, or to scroll through their pictures. If you’ve been following them online with zeal for a while, it’s probably a crush.

8. You consider their opinion

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It’s natural to be attracted to people who share similar viewpoints. But if your crush shares different opinions and you still consider them, it could be because you are interested in them, given you find this person interesting. Your admiration and adoration might make you start to care about the causes, people, and even issues considered by your crush to be noticed by them.

9. You defend them

A telltale sign you have a crush on someone is when you find yourself defending them with passion when you are with your friends. While we do it for our family and friends, you might notice the ardor you have while supporting your crush, and sometimes, for no reason. Whether you are jumping to rescue them or arguing with your friends for them, it shows they have a special place in your heart.

Did you know?

Another sign you have a crush on someone is when you visit their social media accounts often to check their new posts and updates.

10. You try to run into them

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Longing to be around someone you are attracted to is natural, but it is not always easy to make it happen. You might find yourself making excuses to be in certain places where you know they work or hang out. If you’re coworkers, you might find yourself taking your lunch breaks around the same time, or if you have mutual friends, you find yourself desiring to attend outings and parties you know they’re likely to be at.

11. You daydream about them

It’s natural to daydream about someone you have a crush on. Sometimes, you could daydream about extreme scenarios that likely wouldn’t play out in real life, and at other times, you would daydream about having a nice date with them. Such daydreams can fill you with a sense of rapture, which is a clear sign that this is a crush.

12. Your friends notice a change in your behavior

Your close friends and family could be the first to notice a change in you. Even if we don’t intend to act differently around our crushes, it manifests itself, and you might not realize it. When people close to you start noticing your increased fondness, your feelings have most likely increased for your crush.

13. You indulge in “Gatsbying”

Are you stepping outside your comfort zone to make them notice you? It is a clear indication of your liking for them. For example, you post a video of you bungee jumping if your crush is an adrenaline junkie, or you adopt a dog if they like pets. While people often do it for a much wider audience, doing it for a crush is a whole different matter. You try to gain your crush’s attention and appreciation. It even has a term, “Gatsbying,” which means posting or sharing something on a public platform, with the intended audience being your crush.

14. You get excited with their notification

If you’re at the stage where you talk regularly to your crush or even flirt with them, it’s normal to be glued to your phone. If you’re not holding your phone, you keep one eye on the phone, waiting for it to light up or ring with a notification from your crush. If their messages sends feelings of warmth and tingling sensations in your belly, it is a crush.

15. You get jealous when someone else flirts with them

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It’s natural to feel protective of people in our lives. It could be to keep away a bad influence or someone who makes them uncomfortable. However, with a crush, we do the same thing for the opposite reason. If the person flirting with them is charming and fun to be with, you may get jealous. It means you don’t want to see your crush having a good time with someone else.

16. You mirror their behavior

Engaging in mirroring behavior is often considered a sign of interest. It’s a way for you and your crush to establish a connection, fostering a sense of compatibility and alignment. You may unconsciously adopt similar gestures or postures, creating a subtle bond between the two of you.

17. You can’t stop blushing

Another sign of having a crush on someone is turning red. When you can’t contain your happiness and catch yourself smiling for no apparent reason, it clearly indicates having a crush. The joy and fond memories spent with them can evoke smiles and blushes, whether in their presence or when reminiscing about shared moments.

How To Handle Crushes?

Having a crush on someone can evoke a range of powerful emotions, from excitement to nervousness. While these feelings can often serve as a precursor to deeper bonds, it is important to reflect on them and approach them with honesty and openness to keep yourself and your crush from getting hurt.

You can follow a few steps to feel less vulnerable when handling a crush. First, seek advice from friends if you’re unsure about the signs you’re getting from your crush. Friends can provide perspective and support during such a confusing stage. Additionally, engaging in activities that boost your confidence can help you feel at ease around your crush. Most importantly, remember to be yourself. Embrace the experience, but be patient and give the relationship time to develop naturally. By being considerate, you can navigate these feelings better.

Infographic: How To Know That You Like Someone

Do you hold a rose and pluck the petals asking yourself if you like someone or not? If yes, we got a better way for you to be sure of your feelings. Observe your behavior to know how you get along or feel without them. The signs below are some of the most obvious indications of having feelings for someone.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Clear Signs To Know If You Have A Crush On Someone

Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team

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Sharon Gilchrest O’NeillEd.S., LMFT

Sharon Gilchrest O'Neill is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and family business consultant, who has earlier been a graduate instructor/advisor, an organizational learning consultant, and hospice volunteer. With around eight years of experience working in the private as well as corporate setting, Sharon helps her clients think creatively and build upon their strengths.

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