Have you ever felt like people don’t quite “get” you? It’s a common experience, especially when we second-guess how people perceive us. Often, our inner critic takes over, convincing us that we’re not quite as likeable as we’d like to be. But what if I told you that people might actually like you more than you think? It’s surprisingly easy to miss those subtle signs of appreciation, friendship, or even admiration. Let’s uncover some of those hidden cues that might be right under your nose.
1. They consistently make an effort to stay in touch.
Ever get those random “just thinking of you” texts or calls from someone? If you have friends who reach out without a specific reason or purpose, it’s usually a good sign they enjoy your company and want to keep the connection alive. They might share a funny meme, a news article they think you’d find interesting, or simply ask how your day is going.
2. They remember small details about your life.
Did they notice your new haircut or ask about your upcoming holiday? When people are invested in you, they pay attention to the little things. They might remember your birthday, your favourite coffee order, or a personal story you shared with them weeks ago. These seemingly minor details add up to a big statement: You matter to them.
3. They include you in their plans.
Invites to parties, game nights, or just casual hangouts are a strong indicator that people enjoy your presence. It doesn’t have to be a big event; sometimes, a simple “Hey, want to grab coffee?” speaks volumes about their desire to spend time with you.
4. They actively listen to you.
Do they make eye contact when you talk, nod along, and ask insightful questions? If someone genuinely cares about what you have to say, they won’t just wait for their turn to speak. They’ll be engaged in the conversation, actively listening to your thoughts and opinions. They might even remember and reference things you’ve said in previous conversations.
5. They offer unsolicited help and support.
Source: Unsplash Maybe they offered to babysit your kids so you could have a night out, or helped you move furniture without you even asking. When people go out of their way to lend a hand or offer a listening ear, it’s a sure sign they care about your well-being and want to be there for you.
6. They genuinely laugh at your jokes (even the bad ones).
Source: Unsplash We all have our off days when our humour falls flat. But if someone consistently laughs at your jokes, even the corny ones, it’s likely because they enjoy your company and want to see you smile. Shared laughter is a powerful bonding tool that can strengthen friendships and connections.
7. They defend you in your absence.
Source: Unsplash Ever heard through the grapevine that someone stood up for you when you weren’t around? It’s a pretty good feeling, right? If people stick up for you when you’re not there to defend yourself, it demonstrates their loyalty and respect. It means they value your friendship enough to protect your reputation.
8. They express their appreciation for you.
Source: Pexels Sometimes, people are more direct about their feelings. They might compliment your work, thank you for your kindness, or simply express their gratitude for having you in their life. These verbal affirmations are a clear indication that they value your presence and appreciate what you bring to their world.
9. They ask your advice or opinion.
Whether it’s about a relationship dilemma, a career decision, or which film to watch, when people ask for your input, it means they value your judgment and perspective. It’s a subtle compliment that acknowledges your intelligence, experience, or expertise in a particular area.
10. They mimic your body language or speech patterns.
This might sound a little strange, but it’s a subconscious sign of connection and rapport. If you notice someone mirroring your gestures, posture, or even the way you talk, it means they’re subconsciously trying to build a sense of similarity and understanding with you.
11. They tease you in a playful way.
Source: Pexels Light-hearted teasing can be a sign of affection and camaraderie. It shows that they feel comfortable enough with you to joke around and have fun. However, it’s important to distinguish between playful teasing and hurtful comments. If you feel uncomfortable or offended, don’t hesitate to speak up.
12. They remember your past conversations.
Source: Unsplash If someone brings up something you mentioned in a previous conversation, it demonstrates that they were paying attention and that your words had an impact on them. It’s a subtle yet meaningful way of showing they value your thoughts and opinions.
13. They make time for you, even when they’re busy.
Source: Unsplash We all have hectic schedules, but when someone consistently makes time for you, even when they’re juggling multiple commitments, it speaks volumes about their priorities. It means they consider your friendship important enough to carve out a space for you in their busy lives.
