If you have been great friends, it is only natural for you to want to be sure of his feelings before acting on your own. Have you been asking yourself, “Does he want to be more than friends?” If so, then you have come to the right place! This article will help you get acquainted with the signs he wants more than friendship and is romantically interested in you. If your guy shows most of these signs, he definitely wants more than your friendship and not just a casual relationship. You can, finally, give a rest to the likes-me-likes-me-not petal plucking routine and know with a fair degree of certainty that a guy friend likes you romantically.
20 Signs He Wants More Than A Casual Relationship
You have probably known this guy for many years and developed deep feelings for him. It’s like the world is a perfect place when he’s around and you think about him day and night. But keep in mind that these are just your feelings. In order to begin a relationship with him, you have to be sure of his feelings as well. Given that he’s a cherished friend and probably holds a special place in your heart and life, knowing how he feels about you becomes even more imperative for deciding whether or not you should act on your feelings. But how do you do that? You need to look out for signs he wants more than casual friendship. Well, if like you, he too has been hiding his feelings, there will be signs that he secretly likes you as more than a friend. Read on to find out about the 20 signs a friend likes you romantically:
1. He knows you inside and out
A friend will know you, sure. But a friend who genuinely likes you will make an effort to know you inside and out. He will know all your pet peeves and will ask you about the little life details and will remember them too. This is the first sign that he wants more than friendship. He will take a keen interest in both your professional and private life. He sees you as someone special and is ready to go that extra mile to know you more. You will feel special when he approaches you and wants to know more about your past, present, and future. If he truly wishes to develop a relationship with you, he will try to understand you as a person and ask you cute questions over text and in person to get to know you better. This is a sign that he secretly likes you.
2. He loves hanging out with you
How to know if he wants to be more than friends? Notice whether he has started trying extra hard to spend as much time with you as possible. If a guy friend likes you romantically, he will probably do all in his power to ensure that you both get to spend maximum quality time together, preferably one-on-one. He will always be the one to make plans to go out with you (and only you), even if you both have other mutual friends. You’d find him suggesting activities that only involve the two of you and constantly looking for ways to spend time with you. You might have gone out to the movies and he might try to stretch out your time together by suggesting getting some ice cream or a drink afterward. Even if he is busy, he will make time for you because he genuinely enjoys your presence.
3. He exhibits the signs of jealousy that doesn’t happen in a casual relationship
Is this guy friend you’re crushing so hard over completely unaffected by others showing interest in you? Well, we hate to break it to you, but this is among the signs he just wants to be friends. On the flip side, if he tries to dissuade you whenever you get asked out on dates or seem interested in any other guy, it’s a clear indication of his interest in you. A tinge of healthy jealousy can be one of the encouraging signs he likes you more than you think. In addition, he might be protective of you when other men try to flirt with you. He wants you to be his girl and doesn’t just want a casual relationship. He won’t be happy at the prospect of you being with someone else. Putting on a happy face will be hard for him but as your friend, he will try his best. Amanda was a college hottie who always grabbed eyeballs and attention with her stunning looks. The college prom was no different and many guys ended up asking her out. But things were not going well with Chris, her BFF and confidant, who felt enraged at all the flirty glares. Not only did he openly express his displeasure, he even cautioned her against going out with anyone! Needless to say, Amanda caught the whiff of jealousy and could very well guess that they were more than friends but not dating.
4. Your family and friends adore him
One of the irrefutable signs he wants more than friendship and is looking to build a long-term relationship with you is that he’d be invested in every aspect of your life. He cares about the things that matter to you and values the people you’re closest to. As a result, he’d share an excellent rapport with your family and other friends. Your family adores him more than you because he has made an effort to win their hearts. This is an absolute sign he wants more than friendship. He makes it a point to spend time with the people who are closest to you so that he can give you an indication that they matter to him as well. This is definitely one of the signs a friend likes you romantically.
5. In addition, he loves it when you hang out with his family and friends
“Does he want to be more than friends or am I reading too much into his platonic affection?” This dilemma is not unusual if he has been a close friend, perhaps your best friend even. If your best friend is falling in love with you, you will notice that he’d want you to be more and more involved in his life. One of the most unmistakable signs you are special to someone is when they take you home to meet their family. He will always invite you to his family gatherings and outings with friends. He does this so that you can get acquainted with the people who matter to him, a lot more intimately than you already do. On the other hand, whenever you take the initiative to hang out with his family or his bunch of friends, he appreciates it to no end. He looks at you as a long-term partner and does not want just a casual relationship with you. If he did, he wouldn’t be involving you with the people closest to his heart.
6. You have meaningful conversations with him
While you have your fair share of inside jokes and fun conversations, some conversations with him hit on a deeper level. One of the most telling signs he likes you more than you think is that he may start opening up to you a lot more than before. Your conversations may go beyond just the latest movies to watch and books to read. Deep conversational topics on life make their way in. This is a manifestation of his changing feelings for you. Mad ramblings and casual chit-chat are replaced by thoughtful discussions about your life aspirations, goals, and, if you’re lucky, about love too. You may even notice that of late, you both have been able to share your thoughts with each other frankly and with greater ease, and probably talk about things that you don’t share with anyone else. He respects your opinions and is always ready to give you advice on important matters. You both understand each other well and it is not a casual relationship anymore as you share an intimate friendship. It’s only a matter of time before you move from being friends to lovers.
7. He shows physical signs of romantic interest
How to know if a guy wants to be more than friends? To get the answer to this question, you have to develop a keen eye for detail and pay attention to signs of attraction that he may be subconsciously exhibiting. You may find him looking at you from the corner of his eye with an air of admiration. He may make direct eye contact with you and lean in while talking to you. You might even end up holding hands or one of you may rest your head on the other’s shoulder. These are some key mutual attraction signs that you need to notice to understand his intent and feelings. After the college prom night, when Amanda tried to talk it out with Chris about his sudden outburst, he gently took her hands in his and said, “I did what I did because I want you to be safe. Those were not the right guys to hang out with.” Those words and his gesture were enough to make her inner voice exclaim with excitement, “Oh my gosh! This is it! Amanda, he likes you but is taking it slow. You should definitely take things to the next level with him!” Just like that, all her dilemmas were laid to rest and she knew she had found the one.
8. Makes an effort to transform himself
One of the signs he just wants to be friends is that he won’t take your opinions of him too seriously. You may try to tell him to give up certain habits or make some lifestyle changes but he’d dismiss it with a shrug or laugh it off. On the other hand, when a guy friend likes you romantically, he tries to make a thoughtful change in the habits that you have been complaining about. He sees you as someone special whose opinions, likes, and dislikes matter to him and so he is ready to work upon himself just to make himself more likable. You will find him implementing your suggestions and advice in his life. He wants you to see him as a potential partner, perhaps even a potential life partner. This is a sign he secretly loves you. Remember, it’s difficult for people to change their habits. Especially at someone else’s behest. But if your friend is showing a willingness to do so at your request, then he definitely likes you and wants you more than a friend.
9. He celebrates your special days with much enthusiasm
Instead of just calling you and wishing you on your birthday as friends normally do, he will go the extra mile. He will make elaborate arrangements to make your day special. Not only will he show such enthusiasm on your birthday but also on any memorable day of your life because your special days matter to him as well. His surprises and efforts always bring you immense joy and happiness. This is one of the classic signs he wants to be more than friends and is trying to win you over with these subtle and uncommon romantic gestures. He may not have brought you a bunch of red roses and asked you out on a date yet, but in his own way, he is making your heart skip a beat.
10. He rarely shows interest in other girls, especially when you’re around
Among the signs he wants more than friendship is his dwindling interest in other girls. In the past, he may have shared with you details about his dating life or even asked you to set him up with someone. However, all of that has changed now. He acts like you are a couple and checking out other girls in your presence is blasphemy. If you didn’t know better, you’d think he’s turned into a celibate monk. He wants you to know that he’s available for you whenever you’re ready to have him. Even if he has flings with other girls he might not share the details with you. He wants you to know he can be loyal in a relationship. This is an absolute sign he wants more than your friendship and secretly likes you.
11. He’s active on social media
Guys aren’t always the most proactive on social media. Even if they’re on a social media platform, dropping hearts and comments isn’t typically their thing. Unless it is for that special someone in their life. If he’s always commenting on your posts with either compliments or witty remarks, you can quit asking if he wants to be more than friends. He will try to stay updated on what’s happening in your life by visiting your social media profiles often. He’ll be the first to like your posts and mention you in the comments. You’ll always find him sending you memes that he thinks will make you laugh or go “awww”. Trust us on this girl, these are some sure-shot signs he thinks about you a lot. And a guy who isn’t shy of hyping you up in real life and on social media is totally for keeps!
12. It becomes his priority to keep you safe
To a certain extent, most male friends make an effort to keep their female friends safe. But he’s not just a regular friend, is he? And in there, lies the answer to the question at hand: how to know if he wants to be more than friends? If your friend goes out of his way to keep you safe and is always concerned for you, then he probably wants more than your friendship. He won’t become possessive and overprotective and will still respect your personal space. However, he will always be there for you and make sure you don’t get stuck in dangerous situations. He will offer to drop you off at places even if he isn’t going with you just to make sure you stay safe. This shows he isn’t casual about the friendship.
13. He shows interest in the activities that you like
You both are friends in the first place because you both have things in common. But if your friend is trying hard to show interest in the activities that you’ve so far done alone, then this is among the signs he wants to be more than friends. He picks up activities that you like and engages in conversation with you about them. He’s constantly trying to learn more about the things that matter to you. This becomes his way of letting you know that your wavelengths match and you both are meant for one another. He definitely wants more than your friendship. Now, it’s up to you whether you want to wait for him to act on his feelings or be the girl who makes the first move and bowl him over. At the very least, you can start flirting subtly with your friend and drop hints so that he knows that you’re open to taking things forward.
14. Complimenting you comes naturally to him
Unlike most of your other friends, paying you compliments comes naturally to him. This is because he finds you irresistible, genuinely notices every change in you, and gives you his honest opinion. He knows exactly how to make you happy with his compliments and wants you to know that he wants more than your friendship. You will find him noticing and appreciating even the slightest change you make in your appearance. Your BFF might fail to notice that you’re wearing your hair differently but he not only spots the difference but also knows how to floor you with a compliment too. If he notices that you are wearing a new dress or have put on a different shade of pink lipstick, count it among the lesser-known signs he likes you more than you think.
15. He appreciates your efforts to make him happy
Any effort that you put in to develop your friendship with him and take it to the next level makes him feel extremely happy. He will always appreciate you going the extra mile for him. Even if it is something small like calling him back when you are free or taking time to visit him, he will be grateful for it. He remembers the time you made him chicken soup or got him his medicines every time he fell sick. These gestures mean a lot to him because he sees them as a positive sign that you too may like him romantically, and he misses no opportunity to let you know how much he values your presence in his life. What he really means is that he wants more than your friendship.
16. He loves surprising you with gifts
Friends exchange gifts with each other only on special occasions. But if he loves surprising you with gifts often, then it’s a sign he likes you more than a friend. He wants you to have everything you desire and loves pampering you and making you happy. One of the clear signs he likes you more than you think is that he goes above and beyond to bring a smile to your face. From taking you out for ice cream in the middle of the night to getting you your favorite cheesecake to satiate those sweet tooth cravings, he pulls all stops to make you see him in a different light. Yes, these are all subtle ways a man woos a girlfriend. The fact that he’s doing all of this for you can mean only one thing: he likes you romantically.
17. You can count on him without a doubt
He’s so reliable that whenever you’re caught up in a difficult situation, he’s the first person you think of. This is because he’s always been there for you in the past and has lent you a helping hand. You can always call him and vent your frustrations away. He is your 4 A.M. friend and your confidant. If you ever need company for anything, then he is always there by your side. When a man is able to uphold your trust and confidence, it means he is the right guy for you. It also means that a guy friend likes you romantically. Why else would he drop everything to be by your side whenever you need him?
18. He talks to you in a different tone of voice
His tone while talking to you is quite different from the way he talks to his other friends. When he talks to you, his tone is gentler, more sensual, and romantic so that you get the idea that you are different from the crowd. You’re important to him and more than just a friend. You may notice this a lot when you spend hours talking to each other on the phone or when it’s just the two of you hanging out. From the way he looks at you to the way he talks to you, his demeanor will change when a guy friend likes you romantically.
19. People around you notice his interest in you
The answer to how to know if a guy wants to be more than friends may also be hidden in the changes others notice in your equation. Perhaps, you are so involved in maintaining a friendship with him and hiding your real feelings that you haven’t figured out that he is romantically interested in you. But other people will. They might start teasing you or asking you if you’re seeing each other. If people around you, especially your family and close friends/colleagues, give you the indication that your friend wants to confess his feelings for you, there could be some truth to it. Someone outside the friendship you share with him will be better equipped to notice his feelings toward you.
20. You get a strong feeling that he likes you
Women have a very strong intuition. And this intuition will make you sense a change in his behavior toward you. A part of you will know he wants to be more than friends with you. Trust your gut feeling, it’s almost always right. It’s right to not want to assume his feelings and complicate your friendship. But if you notice him showing the signs above and you have an intuition he likes you, then he probably does. When you realize this, don’t be afraid to talk to him about it. Once you observe your friend portraying these signs he wants more than friendship, you have to decide how to take things forward. Before you decide to start a romantic relationship with him, make sure you are ready to commit to a serious relationship. He clearly wants more than a casual relationship and it’s important that your wavelengths match. Do not get into the relationship if you are unsure about your feelings as it will end up ruining your friendship with him as well. So think about this situation carefully before you take the plunge into a romantic relationship.
