Let’s face it: not everyone is going to like you.
While that may be a tough pill to swallow, recognising the signs that someone secretly hates you can save you a lot of wasted time and energy. By learning to read between the lines of someone’s body language, you can spot the red flags and steer clear of toxic relationships. Here are 14 little-known body language signs that reveal someone’s true feelings towards you.
1. The forced smile
We’ve all seen it — that tight-lipped, strained expression that passes for a smile but doesn’t reach the eyes. If someone is constantly flashing you this insincere grin, it’s a clear sign they’re hiding their true feelings. A genuine smile engages the whole face, causing the eyes to crinkle at the corners. If their smile seems plastered on and quickly fades, they’re probably just putting on a show.
2. Lack of eye contact
The eyes may be the window to the soul, but some people prefer to keep the curtains drawn. If someone consistently avoids making eye contact with you, it could be a sign they dislike you and feel uncomfortable in your presence. While shyness or social anxiety can also cause someone to avert their gaze, a total lack of eye contact usually signals deeper issues.
3. Closed body language
Crossed arms, hunched shoulders, and a rigid posture all point to someone who’s closed off and unapproachable. If a person consistently exhibits this type of defensive body language around you, it’s a red flag that they’re not your biggest fan. Open and relaxed body language, on the other hand, indicates comfort and ease in your company.
4. Copying your movements (in a bad way)
We tend to subconsciously mirror the gestures and postures of those we like. But if someone is deliberately imitating your movements in an exaggerated or mocking way, it’s a sign of disrespect and disdain. This subtle form of mimicry is a way of undermining you and asserting their own superiority.
5. Pointing their feet away
The feet are the most honest part of the body, and they often reveal our true desires and intentions. If someone consistently points their feet away from you, even while facing you, it’s a sign they’d rather be elsewhere. People naturally orient their bodies towards those they like and respect, so if their feet are always angled towards the exit, it’s not a good sign.
6. Stiff or robotic movements
When we’re comfortable with someone, our movements tend to be fluid and natural. But if someone’s gestures seem stiff, jerky, or robotic around you, it’s a sign they’re holding back their true feelings. This type of rigid body language indicates discomfort and a lack of genuine connection.
7. Invading your personal space (aggressively)
While leaning in close can be a sign of affection and interest, aggressively invading your personal bubble is a different story. If someone consistently gets too close for comfort, looming over you or crowding you, it’s a way of asserting dominance and making you feel intimidated. Respect for personal space is a basic component of healthy relationships.
8. Being distracted or disengaged
If someone constantly checks their phone, glances at their watch, or seems distracted when you’re talking, it’s a sign you’re not holding their interest. While we all have moments of distraction, consistently tuning you out is disrespectful and indicates a lack of investment in your relationship. Someone who values your company will give you their full attention.
9. Tense facial expressions
Even when someone is smiling, tightness around the eyes, a clenched jaw, or furrowed brows can betray their true feelings. These micro-expressions are difficult to control and often flash across the face in a fraction of a second. If you consistently catch glimpses of contempt, anger, or disgust on someone’s face, trust your instincts — they may be harbouring negative feelings towards you.
10. Fidgeting and restlessness
We all have physical tells when we’re uncomfortable, bored, or impatient. If someone is constantly fidgeting, tapping their feet, or drumming their fingers when you’re around, it’s a sign they’d rather be somewhere else. While some people are naturally high-energy, excessive restlessness is often an indicator of underlying tension or irritation.
11. Interrupting or talking over you
Consistently interrupting or talking over you is a clear sign of disrespect. If someone is always cutting you off mid-sentence or steam rolling over your opinions, they’re sending the message that they don’t value what you have to say. In healthy relationships, both parties have the opportunity to speak and be heard.
12. Blocking or shielding
Using objects as physical barriers is a subtle way of creating distance and shielding yourself from other people. If someone consistently places their bag, a pillow, or other objects between you, it’s a sign they’re uncomfortable with your proximity and trying to maintain a safe distance. Blocking can also take the form of crossed arms or legs, signalling a closed-off and defensive posture.
13. Ignoring or dismissing you
If someone consistently ignores your attempts at conversation, pretends not to hear you, or dismisses your ideas without consideration, it’s a clear sign they don’t value your input. While we all miss things occasionally, a pattern of dismissive behaviour indicates a lack of respect and regard for your presence.
14. Cutting interactions short
Source: Unsplash If someone is always finding excuses to cut your interactions short or abruptly leave your company, it’s a sign they’re not invested in spending time with you. While we all have busy lives and competing priorities, consistently prioritising other people and activities over you is a red flag. Someone who genuinely enjoys your company will make an effort to carve out quality time together.
