Navigating the murky waters of the “friend-zone-ish” territory can be a confusing and emotional rollercoaster. You laugh together, share secrets, and hang out all the time, but is there a chance it could blossom into something more? Deciphering one’s true feelings can feel like cracking a cryptic code but thankfully, some subtle signs might reveal whether they see you as a friend or if they harbour a secret crush. By paying attention to their behaviour, you can gain a clearer picture of where you stand and whether there’s potential for a deeper, more romantic relationship.

He’s Mr attentive eyes

If you’re unsure whether he loves you or not, just observe his eyes, after all the eyes never lie. Does his gaze linger a little longer than usual? Does he seem fixated on your smile or subtly admire your laugh? While a friend might make eye contact, prolonged and focused stares often indicate a deeper interest. Notice how his eyes light up when you enter a room; it could be a telltale sign. 

He is subtly possessive 

Picture this: You’re having a conversation with another guy. Out of nowhere, your friend pops up with a restless vibe, like he’s ready to pull a rescue mission. He slides into the conversation, shooting you that look that screams “Mine!” He’s trying to play it cool, but there’s this subtle tension you can’t ignore. If he’s nudging you for a private chat or trying to whisk you away from the group, it’s a neon green sign saying, “There’s more to this story!”

Touchy-feely, but not creepy

A friendly pat on the arm is one thing, but lingering touches, brushing hands, or a gentle armrest nudge can hint at a desire for physical intimacy. Observe how he interacts with other friends—if he reserves these subtle gestures for you, it might be his way of bridging the physical gap without being overly forward.

Conversation connoisseur

If you’ve ever received those “Hey, meet me soon, I have to tell you something,” texts more often than usual, buckle up because it might be more than just friendly banter. If he’s your go-to pal, you might just be on friendship’s doorstep. But, if sharing something with him feels like dropping secrets into a steel vault, where every tiny detail is safe and locked in his memory, then that’s a journey beyond the friend zone. Initiating deep conversations, telling you about his aspirations, and opening up about his family, could be signs that he wants you to know him beyond the friendly facade.

The memory maestro

Imagine you’re hanging out with your squad, and out of the blue, you mention how you like your coffee—maybe it’s black, no sugar, or a double-shot espresso. Fast forward to the next time you guys hang out, and there’s ‘him’ having already ordered your favourite coffee and planned activities just the way you like them. If this is happening to you; hold up. This isn’t your regular guy friend. This is the memory maestro in action. Unlike the rest of the gang, he’s not just hearing you but memorising every detail about you. Whether it’s your go-to coffee or the fact that you enjoy pineapple on your pizza, he’s got it all locked in. 

If you notice these small gestures, trust us, they’re giant placards screaming, “Hey, we’re more than just friends!”

Feature Image: Netflix