Not sure if you like someone? How can you tell if you like someone or if it’s just friendship? Sometimes we confuse getting along well with someone with liking them. To help you avoid that, at Psychology-Online we want to help you figure out if you like someone or not with
25 signs to identify if you really like someone .
How to know if you like someone you don’t know
It won’t be the first or last time someone talks to us about love at first sight . Sometimes, with just one look, we’re captivated by someone, but do we really like them?
If this has ever happened to you, it’s clear you’re physically attracted to them. But whether you’re attracted to the whole person their personality, their behavior, their manners that’s not so clear. Keep in mind that we’re talking about someone we don’t know, so if you feel attracted to them, it’s probably because you’re forming an image of them based on how you’d like them to be .
We tend to project everything we’re looking for onto someone we’re attracted to. Little by little, we look for qualities we like and idealize the other person, and everything about them seems wonderful to us.
A few decades ago, we might have even gotten married without really knowing the other person. However, that’s rare now because we have the opportunity to truly get to know someone (or almost) before making such a commitment.
So, if you want to know if you really like someone you don’t know, I have to tell you that you can’t truly know until you meet them . Neither what others tell you about that person, nor what you think you see, will guarantee that they are really as you perceive them.
Once you meet your idealized partner, you can see if you were right or not. They might turn out to be different, but you might like them just the same, or everything you thought you felt might vanish in an instant. Either way, you’ll have to take the step of meeting them to find out.
How to know if you like someone or if it’s just friendship
Do you have such a good relationship with your friend that you think you’re starting to like them? Be sure before making any statements because you could jeopardize that wonderful and hard-to-find friendship.
There are some circumstances that might lead you to believe you like your friend, which you should consider. For example, if you’ve been looking for a partner for a while, if you’ve recently ended a relationship, if you’re feeling a bit needy for affection…
Another possibility is that you hold your partner in such high esteem that you think you’d like a romantic partner with those characteristics. This can lead you astray. Obviously, they’re your friend because you like them for who they are, but that doesn’t mean you have to like them romantically.
If, after ruling out the above, you still think you like that person, that you’re attracted to them, that you’d like to start a relationship with them, you’re probably right. You can ask yourself these questions to confirm it:
- Do I see myself in the future with him/her?
- Would I like to get intimate with him/her?
- Do I feel happier after meeting that person?
- Has anything changed in how I act in our friendship? (Perhaps you’re more nervous or shy when you’re together)
If you answered yes to all or almost all of them, it seems clear that you like him/her. If you’re still not sure, you can see 25 more signs below , but remember that nobody knows you better than yourself, and if you take the time to think about it and reflect, you’ll know the answer.
25 signs that you really like someone
Keys to identifying if you really like that person:
- You feel nervous when you see that person appear.
- You take an interest in the things he likes.
- You feel like meeting up with him or her regardless of the plan.
- When you’re with that person, time flies by.
- You talk about interesting topics and the conversation flows naturally.
- You look for any excuse to send him a message.
- You can distinguish its characteristic smell.
- Everything reminds you of that person.
- You want to spend time together.
- You always laugh at his jokes.
- You are looking for information about her or him.
- You are interested in their hobbies.
- You remember the small details of encounters and conversations better.
- You follow him on social media.
- You know their tastes and preferences.
- You take it into account when making important decisions.
- You feel attraction and sexual tension.
- You want to establish a good relationship with your close friends and family.
- You feel like reading books or watching the series or movies that he recommends.
- Your values coincide.
- You enjoy their company.
- It brings you joy and fun, but also calm and well-being.
- When something important happens to you, you feel like explaining it to them.
- You imagine the future with that person.
- You just notice it, you know it.
If you recognize these signs, you might really like this person. In that case, you can tell them. In the following article, you’ll discover how to tell someone you like them .
On the other hand, you might also be interested in knowing if that person likes you. For a general idea, you can take this quiz to find out if someone likes you .
conclusion
The feeling of being excited or having “butterflies” can signify lust, temporary infatuation, or anxiety—it doesn’t always signal true affection. Knowing if you really like someone requires moving beyond the initial rush and assessing your deeper feelings and behaviors.
True connection is characterized by consistency, a genuine interest in their inner life and well-being, and the ability to imagine a shared future without immediate fear
. If you find yourself prioritizing their happiness, feeling safe and calm in their presence, and being truly curious about their flaws as much as their strengths, you’ve likely moved past surface-level attraction into something meaningful and lasting. Trust the feeling of safety and peace more than the feeling of frantic excitement.
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If you want to read more articles similar to How to know if you really like someone we recommend that you enter our Love life category.
FAQs
Q1: What’s the difference between infatuation and real affection?
Infatuation is intense, short-lived, and focused on the idealized version of the person (often based on external factors like looks or charisma). Real affection, or love, is consistent, grows over time, and is based on acceptance of the person’s true, flawed self and a genuine desire for their long-term well-being.
Q2: Is it normal to feel anxious if I really like someone?
Yes, initial anxiety is normal because you are emotionally invested and fear loss or rejection. However, if the relationship progresses and you still feel constant anxiety, fear, or a sense of walking on eggshells, this may indicate a lack of emotional safety in the relationship dynamic, not just nervous excitement about the person.
Q3: How long does it usually take to know if you really like someone?
The initial spark happens quickly, but knowing if you really like someone—that is, having a solid foundation—usually takes several weeks to a few months. This time frame allows you to move past the initial idealized image and see how they handle stress, conflict, and disappointment.
Q4: Does having less sex drive mean I don’t really like them?
No. Sexual chemistry is important, but it is separate from genuine affection. Libido fluctuations are normal and can be caused by stress, health, or external factors. Focus instead on your desire for non-sexual touch (cuddling, hand-holding) and your desire for their emotional presence.
Q5: Should I try to hide my feelings so I don’t scare them away?
Trying to hide your true interest often creates confusion and distance. While you shouldn’t overwhelm them, authenticity is key. Focus on showing genuine interest through consistent effort, active listening, and vulnerability, rather than playing games or intentionally withdrawing.
