10 Signs They’re Just Being Friendly and Not Into You – Psych2Go (2024)

How, exactly, do you know if a person likes you or if they’re just being friendly?

Being friend-zoned sucks, and a lot of people can relate to that which makes it worse.

Feelings are quite difficult. If you’re reading this article, you’re probably getting mixed signals from someone and don’t know what to do about it.

So fear not, because today we will be talking about knowing whether someone is being friendly or has a romantic interest in you.

FRIENDLY DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes and is based on personal opinions. This video is not a substitute for professional advice, but general guidance. We advise you to always listen to your intuition and always do what is right for you.

When you like someone, it’s normal to want a special bond with them, something that makes you feel like you’re separate from other people.

Do you try to subtly ask them out or give them pet names?

Whenever you do, do they return the same energy?

If you notice that you’re always initiating conversation or giving way more emojis than they do, you’re (sadly) probably stuck in the friend zone.

When they’re not giving you the time you deserve, it means that you’re most likely not on their priority list.

This piece of information can bring you down or even urge you into doing something uncharacteristic to get their attention.

What can I do to make them like me more?

The simple, hassle-free answer is just: nothing.

There is nothing wrong with you being just the way you are, and if they’re not interested in your greatness? Well, they might just not be the person for you.

But keep in mind that feelings may change over time, so the best thing you can do right now is focus on yourself.

Fill your schedule with activities that bring you happiness.

Watch a movie with your friends or have a dinner date with your parents!

By doing so, you’re constantly reminded that these people love you wholeheartedly as you are and those feelings of adoration naturally happen in due time.

Have you ever tried subtly asking them out or giving them pet names?

How did they respond?

If they seemed confused, mildly uncomfortable, or like they didn’t care, they probably see you as just another one of their peers.

When someone likes you, they would most likely jump at any chance to be closer to you.

So if they seem confused by your actions, maybe it would be better to leave them alone for the moment.

Don’t ignore them, but try not to seem too eager for their recognition.

Let them come to you first, and then you engage.

Do they open up to you about their crushes or recent flings?

You may feel like they’re just doing it as a ploy to get you jealous, but it’s more likely that they’re just really comfortable with you.

They genuinely like you, but unfortunately not in a romantic way.

It’s not easy to constantly be on the receiving end of them talking about their crushes.

It can make you feel jealous and sometimes even give you a negative outlook on yourself.

It helps to remember that they’re saying these things because they might really view you as a good friend.

But if it really bothers you, opening up to them about it would help.

You don’t have to confess your feelings. You can just say that that specific topic makes you a little uncomfortable and that you would prefer talking about other stuff, too.

Friendships are good foundations for relationships.

But what if they’re already acting too friendly to the point that it’s not even romantic anymore?

For example, do they have no problems changing in front of you or eating with their mouth open?

Being attracted to someone comes with a certain pressure. You may find yourself intentionally highlighting your attractive qualities to gain their attention.

So if it seems that they’re doing the exact opposite of that and are not afraid of showing you their unfiltered selves, they likely see you as a true buddy.

Rather than attraction, your presence gives them safety.

Have you ever been disappointed because a supposed date became an all-out mingling session?

When you ask them out, do they always arrive with a friend or two?

These situations can make you feel annoyed and hopeless because why can’t both of you ever get some time alone?

But sometimes, what you may not know is that it’s actually their method of putting boundaries between both of you.

Perhaps they’ve already gotten wind of your feelings or are trying to put some distance between you two, and that’s why they bring other people to act as mediators.

If you truly want that time alone with them, it might be best to ask them in straight words with no room for misconception.

Like: Hey, would it be alright if I talk to you later alone? Or Hi, can we hang out? Just the two of us?

Try to be patient and understanding when talking to them. Maybe they’re really not aware of the things they’re doing and start to feel like there’s something wrong.

You can do it!

Have you ever thought someone was into you, then they say something that completely wrecks the thought?

For example, they’re always complimenting you about your band shirts.

It makes you feel good, and the constant arrival of compliments makes you think: Do they like me?

Then, one day, it turns out that they just want to know where you bought the shirts so they could buy some for a sibling.

It leaves you completely hanging and confused about your initial thoughts.

It’s not a secret that if someone likes you, they will probably compliment you a lot.

It’s just that there are also times you may mistake those compliments to be something more than they actually are.

That’s why it helps to learn to accept compliments and leave it at that.

Try not to think further about what it means. If they really like you, they will show more things to make you feel it.

When someone teases both of you together, do they brush it off too quickly that it hurts your feelings?

They should at least entertain the thought for a moment, right?

They do this because they might be uncomfortable with being teased about things, especially those that aren’t true.

It sucks, but it’s probably their way of making sure that there won’t be any tension between the two of you.

Perhaps they just really want to be your friend without little comments bothering you every now and then.

Try not to take it to heart. Their denial doesn’t make you less wonderful as a person.

Do they seem happy finding someone for you?

Someone that’s not them?

When they do this, it means that they’re satisfied seeing you being romantic with others.

You would know if they don’t like seeing you with other people if they start displaying signs of jealousy or irritation.

But, if they themselves are leading the quest of finding you a partner? Chances are they just want to make you happy as a friend.

And if you find it uncomfortable, it’s best to tell them upfront rather than letting it become a bigger problem for you in the future.

Have you ever had your hopes up because they messaged you, only to know that it was for a certain purpose?

People who like someone would try to make things easier for them. They would rarely ask for favors unless it provides them a chance to develop the relationship.

So if they’re often asking you to pick up something, getting your answers for homework, or getting you to take their shift at work? They probably only see you as a trustworthy friend and nothing more.

This is the icing on the cake.

Have they ever approached you and told you that your friend was cute?

Did they follow up asking if you could set them up together?

Whenever that happens, it could really feel like the world is screaming “you’re in the friend zone!”

Once it reaches this point, they most likely have no romantic interest in you and don’t know that you have feelings for them. Because if they did? Asking for this kind of favor would be kind of stupid and mean.

Getting caught up in feelings and mixed signals can be kind of brutal.

Remember to take breaks and try to distance yourself away from what is hurting you.

You’re not in a rush to confess your feelings (although which, in some cases, may help) and you certainly don’t need that other person to feel complete.

Your friends and family are always there to support you and hang out with you whenever you need them, so chin up, because you’re a fighter.

And keep in mind that current feelings can always change, so the best thing to do is continue being yourself. Someone will always naturally gravitate to your energy.

You’re doing so well already. Keep it up!

Do you think you’re in the friend zone?

If not, congratulations! That’s great news.

But if you are, remember that it’s okay to be sad, and keep in mind that what today lacks might be what tomorrow will bring.

The important thing is to be unapologetically yourself, and the rest will follow.

Do you have any friend zone or confession experiences? Please comment them down below.

We appreciate hearing your stories. Maybe you can even find someone who can relate, too!

Thanks for reading. See you next time!

REFERENCES

Abello, C. (2021, February 10). What Does Friend Zone Mean? 14 Signs You are Friendzoned. Inspiring Tips. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://inspiringtips.com/asia/what-does-friend-zone-mean-signs-you-are-friendzoned/

Devani, M. (2021, November 19). 35 Crazy and Undeniable Signs That She Friendzoned You. LoveDevani.Com. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://lovedevani.com/signs-that-she-friendzoned-you

Jay, C. (2021, November 22). How to Know if You Are in the Friend Zone. wikiHow. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Are-in-the-Friend-Zone

The Gentleman. (2017, April 7). 11 Signs You’ve Been Friend-zoned. The Gentleman’s Journal. Retrieved February 4, 2022, from https://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/11-signs-that-youve-been-friend-zoned/