Lyndol Lyons
You think about them all the time, you blush when they talk to you, and you dream of your future together… you’ve got a bad case of the feels!
There’s nothing better than a crush that makes your heart flutter. That feeling of seeing your crush is like no other.
Irrespective of whether it’s a crush on a friend or coworker, your feelings just don’t seem to go away.
How do you deal with it?
You could do the obvious and just tell them, but do you really want to put yourself in a position where you’ll be rejected?
So, how do you tell someone you like them without actually saying the words, It’s simple. Here’s how.
1) Check in and ask, “Are you home safe?” or “Are you ok?”
Checking in with someone is a great way to show them that you care.
After work, gym, a casual encounter, or even if you didn’t actually go anywhere together, this question is a great way to express your sentiment.
When you express your concern for another person it shows them how much you care and it reveals that their well-being is important and is a priority to you.
2) Notes and letters
Notes and letters are the stuff of history in a technologically advanced world. They have an old-fashioned romantic vibe about them.
Leaving a little note for that special someone saying, “I hope your day is as awesome as you are” can leave them feeling as though they’re walking on sunshine.
Who doesn’t want to feel like that, right?!
If you aren’t big on words or think leaving little notes is slightly cheesy, print out your crush’s favorite meme and leave it on their keyboard.
This shows that you’re not only thinking about them but that you share the same sense of humor.
3) Highlight their value
The best way to tell someone that you like them without directly saying it; is to tell them what they add to your life.
A simple, yet heartfelt, statement like ‘I’m way happier when you’re around’ can be more meaningful and more heartwarming than saying I like you.
Also, you get to keep your poker face because you’re not spelling out the obvious.
If you’re wondering how to show someone you like them without using the actual words, stick to using plain, simple language, make use of uncomplicated, honest words to communicate your feelings.
Saying things like “I don’t know what I would do without you” is the perfect way to convey how deeply you care. Use your words to remind this special person of how utterly precious they are to you.
Even if you’re not the touchy-feely, icky emotional type, reminding them that they’re valued shows that you’re always rooting for them and that you’ve got their back.
How do you tell someone you appreciate them?
Well, the best way is to remind them that they’re important. But it’s not really easy when you’re not used to doing this.
Something taht always helps me to improve communication with people I care about is speaking to a professional relationship coach at Relationship Hero.
The reason is that coaches on this website are always willing to offer personalized advice and provide practical solutions to help me navigate through complex situations in my love life.
Maybe they can also help you to learn how to highlight someone’s value and show that they’re important to you.
4) Text and use emojis
Text them regularly. Not just when you need something, make it a daily habit of asking them how they slept, how they’re feeling, and what they’re up to.
By checking in with them, it shows that you care about them and that they matter to you.
Send them a message saying, “I was thinking about you today”.
When you let somebody know you’re thinking about them, not only will they know that you care for them, it also starts getting you out of the friendzone.
Also, to take things a little further, use emojis and gifs to help you say what you want and feel without giving yourself away.
Sometimes, emoji’ speak louder than words and a “hugging face” smiley relays the message that you want to wrap your arms around them and give them a huge hug. (without using all those words!)
You have a plethora of emojis, images, and GIFs at your fingertips which can help you drop hints that you’re in like with them.
5) Make them a mixtape
I know what you’re saying, that’s so 90’s! — It might be, but it works!
Music is a universal language and there is no better way to express how you feel about someone.
Compiling a playlist for someone you like can be a fun way of sharing your feelings.
It takes time and effort to put a good mixtape together which also shows your crush that you care about them.
Of course, don’t fill it with sappy love songs, throw in a couple of bangers that you both enjoy, and include songs that hold significance for both of you.
You’ll want to put in a song that describes exactly how you feel about this person so when you hand it to them, say something like “Listen to the words of song 5”, let me know what you think.
Hopefully, they’ll get the gist of the underlying message you’re trying to relay.
Also, if you’re feeling creative, give your mixtape its very own album title. Try to incorporate your crush’s name somewhere in there for maximum impact.
Make it silly, lighthearted, whatever you like. It’s a bold step that will help your crush figure out that you like them.
6) Let your actions speak
Sometimes, it’s the little things that count.
For example, if you know they’re not feeling well, bring them a hearty chicken noodle soup. Caring for someone who is sick says a lot about you and is a way of showing them that they can depend on you.
Offer to spend the day indoors with them and binge-watch your favorite shows.
If they’re feeling gross and nasty, it will go a long way to make them feel extra special and cared for. These subtle gestures scream “I like you – ALOT” even when you don’t say the words.
Be their proverbial shoulder to cry on.
Everybody can use a shoulder to cry on and a trustworthy friend with whom they can confide.
Step up and take on the role, letting them come to you when they need to speak to someone freely and get things off their chest.
Once they know they can confide in you, you’ll literally be their go-to support system and they will have confidence in your ability to help them when they are in need.
If they need cheering up, if they’re going through an existential crisis, or, if they need a lift to work – let them know that you can be relied on.
7) Find out what their favorite things are
- Orange Mocha Frappuccino!
Knowing someone’s intricate coffee order is a cute way to let them know you’re into them without saying a word.
A little gesture like this shows that you are attentive to everything.
And, ultimately, it’s the little things that make a huge difference.
Being a great partner starts with doing these little things for them because it shows how much you care.
- Whisky, hold the ice
If you’re out at a bar, order their favorite drink (without them having to ask).
This shows that you pay attention to their preferences and is a nice way to say “hey, I like you” without actually saying it.
- Get snacky
Showering someone with expensive gifts is a little too extreme when you’re in the “like” phase.
So instead, get them their favorite sweet treats and snacks.
Leave a packet of those peanut M&M’s they’re obsessed with on their desk, or buy them a coupon for their favorite frozen yogurt store and leave it on the windscreen of their car.
- Give them your time
Another great way to show someone how much you care about them is to run errands for them.
Lending a helping hand here and there demonstrates that you’re making time for them and they’ll be exceptionally grateful to you.
8) Give them a nickname
Another great way to let somebody know you’re into them is by giving them a pet name. It’s cute and slightly embarrassing but is also tremendously endearing.
It has to be appropriate so don’t go overboard and use something derogatory or rude. When you spend time with someone, you’ll pick up on their habits and their little individual nuances.
When you notice something unique to them, the perfect nickname will come to you, and voila!
Giving somebody a custom, the quirky nickname is an awesome way to make them feel special.
9) Become their biggest cheerleader
When they embark on a journey, whether it be a sushi-making course, preparing for a triathlon, or learning how to develop an app, make sure you’re part of the journey.
When you’re present and show interest in the things they enjoy, it’s a special way of showing them that you care about their hobbies and ventures.
Also, praise their achievements. The flower garden they planted or that beautiful dresser that they restored, tell them how amazing and talented they are.
10) Use a phrase that pays
When you’re in the company of your crush, there are some great talking points you can bring up which will show them you like them.
- The guy from that new Netflix movie reminds me of you!
Make a point of telling them about all the little things that remind you of them.
This way, they realize you appreciate their distinctive traits and other unique characteristics. It’s great to acknowledge and praise someone for being who they truly are.
It is a sweet way to tell them that person XYZ reminded you of them and is a unique way to let somebody know that you like them.
- Life would be so boring without you!
There is no better or more meaningful way to tell someone you like them without directly saying it. One of the most thoughtful compliments you can receive is knowing that someone thoroughly enjoys your company.
- You’re sunshine on a cloudy day!
Another great phrase to indirectly tell someone that you’re crazy about them!
Letting somebody know that their presence makes life better is a cute way of telling them how much you like them.
11) Share your secrets with them
A person who confides in you will undoubtedly feel respected by you.
Whether it’s your biggest fears, irrational worries, or simply asking for advice, it’s a meaningful way to let someone know how special they are to you.
Being vulnerable and showing them that you need them conveys the message that you care about them. This is a gentle way to express your feelings without using words.
12) Have reasons to spend time with them
Get them to come over to you. It could be a project you need their help with, a big sports game or, helping you to set up your wifi. Make something up if necessary!
Also, always have something “planned” where you suspiciously have an ‘extra’ ticket. Whether it be a movie, a comedy show, or an all-you-can-eat pizza extravaganza.
By showing this person you want to spend time with them you’re telling them (without words) that you like them and thoroughly enjoy their company.
13) Be their fan on social media
Don’t overkill it here. There’s a fine line between wanting someone to like you and being a stalker in terms of social media.
Comment on their latest Instagram picture and like the meme they posted on FB. Moderation is key here and; you need to do enough to let them know you’re interested in what they’re doing.
14) Let your body do the talking
So, if you are desperately trying to show that special someone that you’re completely crazy about them, but lack the courage because you’re too shy or nervous, use body language.
It’s crazy to think that 93% of communication takes place nonverbally. Facial expressions, gestures, and posture can be your savior when you’re trying to convey the message of “I LIKE you”.
Here are a few pro body language tips:
- When you’re talking to them, touch your hair and face or touch them on the arm or knee. Not all at the same time. That would be creepy – you’ll know when and how you need to touch.
- Make eye contact with them from across the room and smile with your eyes
- Gently squeeze their hand or slide your thumb over the knuckles if they take yours.
- Blow them a kiss – After a goodbye hug, turn and send your crush a “BlueTooth” kiss.
15) Identify a common enemy
Condoleezza Rice hit the nail on the head when she said: “We need a common enemy to unite us.”
We find ourselves living in a cancel culture era and it’s easy to understand how gossip and drama have the power to draw us closer together.
A great way to bond with someone is by discussing your mutual dislike for something or someone.
It could be the annoying coworker who wears the cheap cologne, the miserable cashier at the bank or, a TV personality that just gets under both of your skins – having an ally can prove that you’re on their side and it’s a great conversation starter.
I’ve done everything and they’re still not getting the hint!
So, you’ve pulled out all the stops and have done everything in your power to show person x that you like them, but they just don’t get it.
If this is the case there 3 likely reasons:
- They’re not the brightest bulb in the factory, but they do like you.
- They’re not interested in you and don’t want to hurt your feelings.
- They’re happy with being friends. No more.
It doesn’t matter what the reason is, if you want clarity you’re going to have to have “the talk”.
Don’t worry though, it doesn’t have to be awkward nor will you come off looking like a weirdo.
Here’s what you do:
1) Timing is everything
Make sure you choose a convenient time.
If you’re thinking about sending a text, do so when they have free time, not when they’re busy at work, driving, etc. If they mention that they are super busy or can’t chat, abort the mission.
If you decide on doing it face to face, make sure that you meet somewhere that allows you to talk in private. Take a walk or meet for coffee.
2) Do it sooner rather than later
Perhaps you’ve had the hots for this person for quite some time or you might have just met, it doesn’t matter – just get it over with and do it.
If they don’t feel the same way you’ll be saving yourself time and effort. Also, you will have the added benefit of being able to curb your feelings before they grow stronger.
If the feedback is positive – Yay! You get to start building your relationship together.
We take for granted that our time here is limited. You never know how much of it you have left so make every second count.
3) Keep it on the down-low
You’re freaking out and are obsessing, but do so on the inside.
Feel free to confide in a close friend but don’t go blurting out your business to mutual friends. If things go badly, you’ll feel totally awkward around them and will look like an ass.
4) Get amped
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to clarify your feelings, it could be that your ego requires a boost.
When it comes to matters of the heart, it can leave us feeling rattled, self-doubt sets in and we tend to be our own worst enemy.
All you need is a good pep talk with a close friend. Remember, you are an incredible person, one who is deserving and worthy of love regardless of whether your current crush rejects you — you’re welcome! 🙂
5) Just say it!
It’s pretty simple, just ask them. Without pouring your heart out and without reciting the detailed script you’ve been practicing in your head, just ask. The worst thing that could happen? – they might say no. I’m sure you’ve experienced far worse.
It’s either yes, or no at this stage.
Keep it relaxed and friendly but make it crystal clear that you’re asking them out on a proper date. Say something like, “So, should we grab a bite to eat as a couple?”
In doing so, you’ve just told them that you like them without spelling it out.
Also, it acts as a great buffer if they say no. You can laugh it off and stay friends without any awkward feelings.
6) Stop procrastinating
Serial procrastinator or just plain chicken! If you find yourself making excuses and putting off the inevitable, give yourself a kick in the bum and set a deadline.
Oh right, you’re waiting for the “perfect moment”. Newsflash, there is no such thing as “the perfect moment”. It’s time to rip off the band-aid and get it over with.
7) Expect the worst, hope for the best
Having a positive attitude is never a bad thing, however, when dealing with romance matters, it’s always smart to brace yourself and look at the worst-case scenario. There’s a fifty-fifty chance that your plan might backfire.
So, before you get to the nitty-gritty, make it abundantly clear that you highly value your friendship. The last thing anyone wants is to be left feeling humiliated and awkward.
If all goes well, that’s amazing. You’re going to enjoy building a happy and healthy relationship with someone you adore.
If things don’t pan out…
Expect that your relationship with this person will be a bit rocky over the coming weeks.
Understandably, you’re disappointed, but, if you truly value your friendship, things will balance out and you will be able to salvage your relationship.
If you’re devastated and can’t see yourself being friends with this person, that’s ok too. It probably wasn’t meant to be.
Rejection doesn’t spell the end of the world, there’s a reason behind why things didn’t work out and when you find the right person, it will all make sense.
Wrapping up
I hope this article has given you some great tips and useful advice.
Fingers crossed, you will be spared rejection and your crush will feel the same way,
If not, don’t let it get you down, and don’t feel like you’ve just lost your winning lottery ticket.
It probably wasn’t meant to be so pick yourself back up and get back in the game.
The love of your life is still waiting for you, you just need to find them.
