I’ve always found it fascinating how some people try so hard to hide their attraction, even when it’s painfully obvious.
Maybe they’re scared of rejection, maybe they don’t want to seem too eager, or maybe they just don’t know what to do with their feelings. But no matter how much they try to play it cool, the signs always slip through.
Attraction has a way of revealing itself in the little things—body language, eye contact, the way someone reacts when you’re around. Even if they act indifferent, their subconscious is working against them.
If you’ve been wondering whether someone secretly likes you but is trying to keep it under wraps, there are clear signs to look for. Here are seven ways their true feelings might be shining through—whether they realize it or not.
1) They steal glances when they think you’re not looking
You know that feeling when you can just sense someone’s eyes on you? If someone is secretly attracted to you but trying to play it cool, they won’t be able to resist sneaking glances when they think you’re not paying attention.
It’s almost instinctual—when we’re drawn to someone, our eyes naturally seek them out. But if they’re trying to keep things under wraps, they’ll quickly look away the moment you catch them.
Watch for those stolen glances. If you notice them happening repeatedly, it’s a pretty strong sign that this person finds you irresistible—but doesn’t want to make it obvious just yet.
2) They don’t always give you their full attention
You’d think that if someone is attracted to you, they’d hang on to your every word, right? Not always. Sometimes, when someone likes you but is trying to play it cool, they’ll actually make an effort not to give you too much attention.
They might seem distracted when you’re talking, take longer to reply to your messages, or even act a little distant in group settings. But here’s the thing—it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because they do care, and they don’t want to make it obvious.
Acting too interested can feel risky for someone who’s trying to keep their feelings under wraps. So instead, they overcompensate by pulling back just enough to make it seem like they’re unaffected.
But if you pay close attention, you’ll notice they’re still tuned in—just in a way that keeps them from looking too eager.
3) They mirror your movements without realizing it
One of the most telling signs of attraction is something most people don’t even realize they’re doing—mirroring. When someone is drawn to you, their body naturally starts to sync up with yours.
They might take a sip of their drink right after you do, cross their arms when you cross yours, or even match your tone and energy in conversation.
It’s something I’ve talked about in my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship. We’re wired to connect with people we feel close to, and mirroring is one of those subconscious ways our brains try to build that connection.
If you start paying attention, you’ll notice it happening in subtle ways. And if someone is trying to play it cool, they won’t even realize that their body is giving them away.
4) They tease you, but in a playful way
I’ve always believed that teasing is one of the oldest flirting techniques in the book. It’s that mix of humor, challenge, and just a little bit of mischief that makes interactions feel exciting.
But when someone is truly attracted to you and trying to hide it, their teasing will have a certain warmth to it—never mean-spirited, always playful.
It reminds me of something Maya Angelou once said: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
And playful teasing, when done right, makes people feel something—it creates chemistry, builds intrigue, and keeps the conversation effortlessly engaging.
So if someone always finds a way to joke with you, poke fun at something harmless, or give you a little challenge in a lighthearted way, pay attention. It’s often their way of showing interest without making it too obvious.
5) They remember the little things you say
One of the biggest signs someone is secretly into you? They remember things most people would forget. Maybe it’s a random story you told them weeks ago, your favorite coffee order, or that offhand comment you made about a childhood memory.
I’ve always found this to be one of the sweetest giveaways. When someone is trying to play it cool, they might not openly express how much they like you—but their memory does it for them.
They’ll casually bring up something you mentioned in passing or surprise you by recalling details even you forgot you shared.
Attraction isn’t just about physical chemistry; it’s about genuinely caring. And when someone makes the effort to remember the little things, it’s because, whether they admit it or not, you matter to them.
6) They find excuses to be around you
When someone is secretly attracted to you, they won’t always come right out and say it—but they will find ways to be around you.
Maybe they suddenly start showing up at places you frequent, volunteer to help with something you’re involved in, or just linger a little longer than necessary when you’re talking.
It reminds me of what Paulo Coelho once wrote: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
And sometimes, that “universe” is just them making a bunch of small but deliberate choices to be near you without making it obvious.
I’ve seen this happen so many times, and honestly, I think it’s kind of sweet. If someone keeps popping up in your orbit more than seems coincidental, chances are, it’s not.
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7) They get weirdly awkward around you
Attraction isn’t always smooth and effortless. Sometimes, it’s downright awkward.
If someone is really into you but trying to play it cool, they might fumble their words, laugh at the wrong moments, or suddenly seem unsure of what to do with their hands.
It’s like their brain and body are in a silent battle—one part of them wants to impress you, while the other is panicking about not making it obvious. And the result? Weird pauses, nervous chuckles, or an energy that feels slightly off whenever you’re around.
I won’t sugarcoat it—attraction can make people act a little ridiculous. But honestly? That kind of unfiltered, unpolished reaction is usually the most genuine sign that someone really likes you.
The truth always finds a way out
No matter how hard someone tries to hide their feelings, attraction has a way of slipping through the cracks. It shows up in the way they look at you, the way they position themselves around you, and the little things they remember.
Even when words are held back, the truth is still there—in body language, in nervous energy, in those tiny moments where they forget to keep their guard up.
People may suppress their emotions, but feelings have a way of surfacing when we least expect them.
If you’ve been picking up on these signs from someone, it might be time to stop second-guessing yourself. Attraction isn’t always loud or obvious.
Sometimes, it’s found in the quiet details, in the hesitation, in the unspoken moments that mean more than words ever could.
If this topic resonates with you, I highly recommend watching this video by Justin Brown on finding a life partner and understanding what truly matters in a relationship:
