6 signs a man is deeply attracted to you but trying to hide it

We’ve all been there, wondering if that special guy is as smitten with us as we are with him but just too shy or proud to show it.

Don’t believe me?

A survey by Happn, the dating app, revealed that over 70% of men don’t feel it’s acceptable to tell a woman she looks beautiful. Yes, 70%! What is the dating world coming to?

Anyway, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with some telltale signs that he’s head-over-heels for you, even if he’s playing it cool. 

Let’s get started. 

1) He’s always around

Isn’t it strange how he always seems to be in the same place as you? Whether it’s at your favorite coffee shop or a friend’s party, he just seems to appear magically.

Now, this could be a mere coincidence. But if it keeps happening over and over again, you might want to start considering that it’s not just happenstance.

A man who is secretly attracted to you might not be able to stay away, even if he’s trying to mask his feelings.

He might even go out of his way to be where you are, just so he can share those moments with you.

This is one of those subtle signs that, on its own, may not mean much. But when combined with other signals, it could be a strong indication that he’s genuinely into you.

2) He remembers the little things

Now, this one is a bit tricky because it relies on your ability to notice the small details.

But trust me, it’s worth paying attention to. Research has found that we are more likely to remember things about people we are attracted to. But how does this play out?

Well, maybe he brings up a book you mentioned in passing or comments on a hobby you haven’t shared with many people.

I talk about this kind of attentive behavior in my book Breaking The Attachment: How To Overcome Codependency in Your Relationship.

It’s all about understanding how people express their feelings and emotions, often in ways they themselves might not even realize.

Keep an eye out for these minor signs of interest. They can be really telling when it comes to understanding his hidden feelings for you.

3) He seems indifferent…but it’s not consistent

It sounds odd, right? You’d expect someone attracted to you to show interest, not indifference. But sometimes, the opposite happens.

If a man is trying to hide his feelings for you, he might overcompensate and act like he doesn’t care at all.

He might avoid eye contact, seem uninterested in your stories, or even ignore you in social settings.

But look closer. If his indifference seems strangely out of character or inconsistent, it could be a mask for his real feelings.

Notice his body language, too. Is he facing your direction even when he’s acting aloof? Does he unconsciously mimic your gestures?

These are signs that his heart is saying something different from his words or actions.

Hiding feelings often involves a bit of acting. And if he’s overdoing the ‘indifferent’ role, it might just be because he’s deeply attracted to you.

4) He’s protective of you

Do you find him stepping in to help when you’re in a tricky situation? Or maybe he’s quick to defend your point of view in a group discussion.

This protective instinct is a common trait among men who are deeply attracted to someone but trying to hide it. It’s their way of showing they care without openly declaring their feelings.

Do remember, however, that there’s a fine line between being protective and being possessive.

If his actions are respectful and considerate, it’s likely coming from a place of genuine care. But if it feels too controlling, it might be something else entirely.

Trust your instincts on this one. They’re usually right.

5) He seems a bit nervous around you

Have you noticed him fidgeting, smiling too much, or stumbling over his words when you’re around?

While this could be chalked up to just being shy or introverted, it might be more than that.

As career prosecutor, international public speaker, and author Wendy L. Patrick explained in a Psychology Today post, “Nervous reactions signaling interpersonal attraction include positive affect such as smiling and laughing, as well as physical manifestations like blushing, sweating, or even stammering.”

Nervous energy is often a sign that he’s deeply attracted to you but is trying to keep those feelings under wraps.

The next time you catch him acting a little jittery, take it as a compliment. His nerves are likely betraying the strong emotions he’s trying so hard to conceal.

6) He opens up to you

This is perhaps one of the most revealing signs. When a man is deeply attracted to you, he might start to open up and share personal details about his life that he normally wouldn’t.

It could be about his dreams, fears, or past experiences. These are not casual conversation topics. They require a certain level of trust and vulnerability.

Men are often taught to keep their feelings to themselves, to always appear strong and unbothered. So if he’s letting you in on his inner world, it’s a big deal.

It means he feels safe with you. It means he trusts you.

And most importantly, it could mean he’s deeply attracted to you, even if he’s trying to hide it.

Final thoughts

Deciphering the human heart isn’t always an easy task, especially when it’s trying to hide its true feelings.

But by paying attention to these subtle signs and understanding the complex dance of attraction, you can gain insights into what’s going on beneath the surface.

Keep in mind, however, that every person is different. These signs are not definitive proof of someone’s attraction to you, but they can certainly guide you in understanding their intentions better.

As the famous playwright Oscar Wilde once said, “The very essence of romance is uncertainty.” So don’t rush to conclusions. Take your time, observe, and let things unfold naturally.

And most of all, enjoy the journey!