When it comes to romantic chemistry, there are the obvious signs — butterflies in your stomach, sweaty palms, and a racing heart.

But let’s be real, those things can also happen when you’re about to give a big presentation at work or when you’re watching a horror film. If you want to know if you have real, genuine chemistry with someone, you need to look beyond the surface stuff. Here are 13 non-obvious signs that you have a true connection with someone:
1. You lose track of time when you’re together.

When you’re with someone you have real chemistry with, hours can feel like minutes. You get so caught up in your conversations and interactions that you completely lose track of time. Before you know it, the sun is coming up and you’ve been talking all night. This is a sign that you have a deep, engaging connection that goes beyond basic attraction.
2. You feel comfortable being vulnerable with them.

Chemistry isn’t just about physical attraction — it’s also about emotional connection. If you feel safe and comfortable opening up to someone about your fears, dreams, and insecurities, that’s a sign that you have a strong bond. When you have real chemistry with someone, you don’t feel the need to put up walls or pretend to be someone you’re not. You can be your true, authentic self around them.
3. You have inside jokes and shared references.

When you have chemistry with someone, you develop your own unique language and shorthand. You have inside jokes that only the two of you understand, and you can communicate with just a look or a gesture. This is a sign that you have a deep, intimate connection (or at least it’s headed that way). You’ve created your own little world together, and that’s special.
4. You challenge each other in a healthy way.

Real chemistry isn’t about agreeing on everything — it’s about being able to challenge each other and grow together. If you have someone who pushes you to be your best self and supports you in your goals and dreams, that’s a sign of a strong connection. You don’t just enable each other’s bad habits — you inspire each other to be better.
5. You’re comfortable with silence.

In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with noise and distraction, being able to sit in comfortable silence with someone is a rare and special thing. If you can be with someone without feeling the need to fill every moment with chatter, that’s a sign that you have a deep, relaxed connection. You don’t need to perform or entertain each other — you can simply be.
6. You have similar values and life goals.

Chemistry isn’t just about the fun, flirty stuff — it’s also about being compatible on a deeper level. If you have similar values, beliefs, and goals for the future, that’s a sign that you have a strong foundation for a lasting relationship. You’re not just attracted to each other — you’re also aligned in the things that matter most.
7. You feel a sense of calm and ease around them.

When you have real chemistry with someone, being around them feels like coming home. You don’t feel anxious or on edge — you feel a sense of calm and ease. This is because you’re not trying to impress them or be someone you’re not. You can relax and be yourself, knowing that you’re accepted and appreciated for who you are.
8. You’re genuinely interested in each other’s lives.

Chemistry isn’t just about what happens when you’re together — it’s also about how much you think about each other when you’re apart. If you find yourself genuinely curious about someone’s life, thoughts, and experiences, that’s a sign that you have a deep connection. You’re not just interested in them as a potential romantic partner — you’re interested in them as a person.
9. You have a strong physical connection.

Okay, I know I said this list was about non-obvious signs, but let’s be real — physical attraction is still important. If you feel a strong, magnetic pull towards someone, that’s a sign that you have chemistry. But it’s not just about looks — it’s about the way you feel when you’re close to them. If even the slightest touch sends shivers down your spine, that’s a pretty good indication that there’s something special between you.
10. You bring out the best in each other.

When you have real chemistry with someone, you don’t just like them — you like who you are when you’re with them. They bring out the best in you and make you feel like the most confident, attractive version of yourself. You feel inspired and motivated to be your best self, and you do the same for them. You’re not just two people who are attracted to each other — you’re two people who make each other better.
11. You have a similar sense of humour.

Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a pretty good indicator of chemistry. If you find yourself constantly cracking up at each other’s jokes and finding humour in the same things, that’s a sign that you have a natural rapport. You don’t have to force the laughter or fake-find things funny — it just flows effortlessly between you.
12. You feel a sense of excitement and anticipation when you’re together.

When you have real chemistry with someone, being around them feels like an adventure. You never know what’s going to happen next, but you know it’s going to be exciting. You feel a sense of anticipation and butterflies in your stomach when you think about seeing them, and you can’t wait to find out what the future holds. This is because you’re not just attracted to them — you’re also deeply curious about them and excited to see where things will go.
13. You just have a gut feeling.

At the end of the day, sometimes you just know. If you have a strong, inexplicable feeling that there’s something special between you and someone else, trust your gut. Your intuition is a powerful thing, and it’s often more accurate than your conscious mind. If you feel a deep, undeniable connection with someone, don’t ignore it — explore it and see where it takes you. Who knows, it might just be the start of something amazing.