7 subtle signs someone in your life wants to be more than friends, says a relationship expert

Navigating friendships can often feel like walking a tightrope. One minute you’re just pals, the next, you’re questioning if there might be more beneath the surface.

Deciphering these feelings isn’t always easy. But don’t worry, as a seasoned relationship expert, I’ve seen it all and can share some subtle signs that might suggest someone in your life wants to be more than just friends.

Here are seven signs to look out for, hints that might just indicate they’re interested in taking your friendship to the next level.

Keep in mind, these are simply indicators, not guarantees – but they might just help you figure out what’s really going on. So let’s dive in, shall we?

1) They start to remember the little things

We all have our busy lives, and it’s easy to forget the small details. But when someone in your life begins to remember those little things about you, it could be a sign they’re seeing you in a different light.

This could be anything from remembering your favorite coffee order to recalling an offhand comment you made weeks ago. It’s these seemingly insignificant details that reveal someone is paying extra attention to you, and might be interested in more than just friendship.

We’re not talking about grand gestures or big declarations here. These are subtle signs, but ones that might indicate a deeper emotional connection forming.

So next time your friend recalls your favorite movie or suggests your preferred snack at the movie night, take note – it might just mean they’re interested in being more than just friends.

2) They seem less interested in your love life

This one might seem a bit counterintuitive. You might think that if someone is interested in you, they’d want to know all about your romantic endeavors. But often, the opposite is true.

If they’re developing feelings for you, they might actively avoid discussions about your dating life. They may change the subject or seem uncomfortable when you mention other romantic interests.

This could be because hearing about you with someone else is difficult for them.

It’s their way of protecting their feelings while they figure out how to navigate this new emotional territory.

3) They’re always there for you, even in the small moments

In my book, Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship, I discuss the importance of support in relationships – both big and small.

When a friend is consistently there for you, even in the most mundane moments, it could indicate they want more than friendship. Sure, friends are expected to be supportive, but there’s a difference between being there for the big stuff and consistently showing up for every little thing.

From accompanying you on tedious errands to listening patiently as you vent about a frustrating day at work – these small acts of support can sometimes mean more than grand gestures.

It’s these everyday moments that build a relationship, after all.

4) They start to touch you more often

Physical touch can be a big indicator of someone’s feelings. As Robert Frost once said, “We love the things we love for what they are.” If someone starts to touch you more often, it’s likely because they’re feeling a stronger connection.

I’m not necessarily talking about overtly romantic gestures. It could be as subtle as a brush of the arm, a pat on the back, or even just sitting closer than usual. These are often unconscious actions that reflect an increased desire for closeness.

It’s important to remember that everyone has different comfort levels when it comes to touch. But if you notice a marked increase in physical contact from your friend, it could be a sign they’re developing deeper feelings.

5) They seem to be mirroring you

In my years as a relationship expert, I’ve noticed a fascinating phenomenon: when people are attracted to someone, they often start to mirror their behaviors and mannerisms.

This could be anything from adopting similar phrases or gestures, to mimicking your body language during conversations. It’s a subconscious way of saying, “We’re alike, we understand each other.”

It’s a subtle sign, but if you start noticing your friend picking up your habits or mirroring your body language, it could suggest they’re seeing you as more than just a friend.

Mirroring is often an unconscious behavior – they might not even realize they’re doing it. But it can be a powerful indicator of attraction and a sign that they might want to take your relationship to the next level.

6) They become more protective of you

As the famous saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” If your friend is becoming more protective of you, it could be a sign they’re feeling more than just platonic affection.

Whether it’s defending you in an argument, worrying about your safety, or just showing concern over your well-being – these protective instincts often come to the forefront when someone is interested in you romantically.

From my personal experiences and years of counseling others, I’ve found that when someone starts to see you as more than a friend, they often become more invested in your welfare. They want to keep you safe and comfortable because they genuinely care about you.

If you’re noticing this increased protectiveness from your friend, it could be another subtle sign they’re interested in more than just friendship.

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7) They’re willing to have difficult conversations with you

Let’s get real here. One of the most telling signs someone wants to be more than just friends is their willingness to have tough, honest conversations with you.

Friendships often stay in the safe zone, avoiding topics that could cause discomfort or conflict. But when someone cares about you on a deeper level, they’re willing to risk that comfort for the sake of honesty and growth.

Whether it’s discussing personal vulnerabilities, addressing issues in your friendship, or even expressing their feelings towards you – if your friend is opening up these channels of communication, it could indicate they’re interested in a more significant connection.

These conversations are rarely easy. They require trust, understanding, and a whole lot of courage. But they’re crucial for building a deeper bond – the kind that can often lead to something more than just friendship.

Pulling it all together

Human relationships are complex, and often, the most subtle signs are the most telling. Understanding these signs and learning to interpret them can bring clarity in your relationships and help you navigate potential shifts from friendship to something more.

Whether it’s remembering small details, mirroring your behavior, or being willing to have difficult conversations, these signs suggest a deeper emotional connection. But remember, they are just signs.

Each person is unique, and what might be a sign of romantic interest in one person might not be the same in another.

The beauty of relationships lies in their complexity and the journey of understanding each other. As I always say, clarity comes from engagement, not thought. So engage with your feelings, engage with your friend, and see where this journey takes you.

Speaking of journeys, I recommend watching this insightful video by Justin Brown, where he explores the complexities of finding a life partner. It’s a raw and honest reflection on his experiences and lessons learned that align well with what we’ve been discussing in this article.

Remember, no matter where your journey leads you – self-awareness, understanding, and honesty will always guide you towards meaningful relationships.