Generally speaking, introverts are difficult to read. While this can be a challenge in many scenarios, it is often the most challenging when it comes to romance.
With our tendency to selectively socialize and keep our feelings to ourselves, it can be tough for someone to figure out if we even like them as a friend, let alone as a love interest!
Well, fret not. As an introvert who wants to help extroverts and ambiverts, here are some signs an introvert likes you and isn’t just being nice.
1. We hang out with you in special places.
It’s no secret that introverts value their alone time. We gain energy from solitude, while socializing drains our batteries. You didn’t think we were selectively social because we had an attitude problem, did you?
If we are making the effort to spend time with you on a semi-regular basis, it’s a good sign. And hey, we won’t be hanging out at any random place. We’ll take you to our favorite spots in town — and let you know. It’s how we let you into our personal space.
So, the next time that one introvert and you hang out, listen to what they say about the place where you are meeting. If the spot is special to them, they like you.
2. We make an effort to initiate conversations.
Introverts are notorious for not initiating conversations. What’s more, we are either terrible at or hate small talk.
But when we like somebody, things change.
For example, we push ourselves to be the first to send over a text asking how you are doing, and if you are free to meet soon.
Sometimes, we even make small talk if it means we get to spend some one-on-one time with you! After a fair amount of texting, if things seem to be going well, your person may also pick up the phone and call you.
3. We express affection through actions.
Not all introverts will initiate conversations, so keep an eye on their actions.
Is your crush there for you when you are having a bad mental health day? Do they remember important events in your life, such as your work anniversary? Are they there by your side, ready to celebrate your birthday?
Actions speak louder than words, and this could not be truer for us. If an introvert frequently shows up for you during good and bad times, they have feelings for you. If they act like they don’t care, it means they don’t care.
4. We share our creations with you.
Sometimes, we express affection by sharing our creations. Being naturally creative, many of us are drawn to pursuits like writing, drawing, and photography.
While we tend to keep our work private, we will share some of it with you — not to show off, but to let you into our inner world.
Irrespective of whether we are creative or not, we know how to appreciate art. Therefore, if you find your introvert sharing their favorite music and movies with you, don’t take it casually; it’s their way of saying they are into you.
5. We share intimate details about ourselves.
Introverts prefer intimate conversations over small talk. And what could be more intimate than sharing our deepest thoughts and personal experiences?
When we open up to you, it means we trust you and want to know you better. By lowering our guard and sharing our secrets, we create a safe space where you, too, can share your vulnerabilities.
Note that this sort of disclosure is something we do only with select people, so if you are one of them, it’s a damn good sign.
6. We look you up online.
If you’ve wondered how we know things about you before you’ve talked about them, it’s simple: we’ve researched you online. An ambivert or extrovert would ask around about their crush to get to know them better, right? An introvert turns to the quiet realm of the World Wide Web to do the same.
We aren’t being stalker-y; we only want to know your likes and dislikes so that we can connect with you.
Checking out your online presence lets us know you better, and this helps us have more meaningful conversations.
7. We look you in the eye while talking to you.
We are nervous Nellies when it comes to maintaining eye contact. But if we are romantically interested, we will step out of our comfort zone and look you in the eye while talking to you.
Now, of course, the duration for which introverts maintain eye contact varies.
Some of us may be able to lock eyes for five minutes straight, and some of us can only hold our gaze for a few seconds. Rest assured, we are doing our best to signal our interest in you through eye contact. Why, you may even catch us stealing glances at you!
8. We give subtle compliments.
Do you know somebody who showers you with compliments? Well, it isn’t like that with us quiet people. Our compliments are subtle and can be hard to miss if you aren’t paying attention.
For example, if we want to compliment your appearance, we are likely to say, “You should wear black more often” instead of “You look sexy in black.”
9. We mirror you.
Mirroring occurs when one person subconsciously mimics another person’s nonverbal cues, gestures, and movements.
In the case of romance, mirroring signifies a subconscious desire to establish rapport. For folks who are often unable to express their feelings verbally, it can be a subtle yet powerful way to communicate interest.
So, the next time you are hanging out with you know who, watch their body language. If their gestures or expressions are similar to yours, they are probably attracted to you.
If you’ve noticed several of these signs, chances are your introvert isn’t just being nice. With us, affection isn’t loud. It’s steady, thoughtful, and deeply sincere.
