16 surefire signs an introvert doesn’t like you

It can be difficult to know if an introvert likes you or not.

They’re not as forthcoming with their feelings as other types of people and they often don’t respond to texts or emails for weeks.

So how do you know that they’re not just being an introvert, that they actually don’t like you?

Here are 16 surefire signs an introvert doesn’t like you.

Let’s jump right in:

1) They only sit with you if there is no one else around

Introverts enjoy being alone and having time to themselves.

They need time to think and recharge their batteries at home, and will often choose not to socialize with others if they have no reason to.

However, introverts do enjoy the company of some people once in a while.

They have a group of friends that they’re happy to be around and see from time to time, but they don’t enjoy the social interactions that come with being around people they don’t like.

Now, if you’re in a cafe with some friends – including the introvert – and everyone but the introvert leaves, they’ll remain seated with you, but you’ll see it in their expression that they’re not comfortable.

The only reason they’re sitting with you is that the people they actually like have left and they’re in an awkward position.

It’s quite clear that they don’t like being stuck with you.

2) They give short, one-word, answers

Introverts aren’t known for being chatty. This is especially true if they have to engage in conversation with someone they don’t like.

Now, introverts don’t like people to pressure them into doing or saying things, so when they’re forced into a conversation, they will often give very short, one-word answers (or they may even just nod or shake their heads).

They certainly won’t elaborate on what they think or feel.

Maybe you’ll ask them what they think of something and you’ll get a, “I don’t know” or a shrug.

Or you ask them where they’re going and they’ll just say “out”.

But it’s not that the introvert doesn’t have anything to say.

They just don’t want to waste their energy talking to someone that they don’t like or feel comfortable with.

When it comes to extroverts, it’s totally natural for them to say whatever comes into their heads in whatever company. They’re happy to socialize and share their thoughts.

Introverts will usually wait until later in a conversation before voicing their opinions because they feel uncomfortable speaking out in front of others, or they may just keep their opinions to themselves.

3) They do not make an effort to get to know you better

Introverts are not big fans of small talk.

They will very much prefer to focus on the important things in life and avoid shallow, stupid conversations.

When they like someone, they’ll make an effort to get to know them.

But if they don’t really like you, chances are they won’t bother with small talk.

They may even go so far as to avoid eye contact with you and fix their face straight ahead.

And guess what?

They may not like you because they don’t think you really care about getting to know them.

They don’t want to waste their time with someone they don’t like and who clearly doesn’t care about them, or values their opinions or thoughts.

Basically, they don’t bother with the bull*hit.

4) They look elsewhere when you talk to them

This is a sign that they are not interested in the conversation.

If you’re chatting in a group, they could be looking over your shoulder or staring at their phone.

This is a very clear sign that they are not interested in what you have to say and would rather be somewhere else.

They don’t want to engage with you or listen to what you have to say.

In fact, they may be bored or tired of the conversation and are looking for a way out.

They’re not intentionally trying to be rude.

The bottom line is that they just don’t see a reason to listen to someone that they don’t like talk about something that doesn’t interest them.

5) They avoid talking when you’re around

Now, they’re usually talkative around other mutual friends, but they’ll suddenly go quiet when you’re around.

It’s like they’re not comfortable talking in front of you.

You’ll often find that they’re not saying anything or they’re just nodding their head.

They may also be looking at you with a blank expression on their face and only speak when you look away

They don’t want to be seen as rude, but they don’t really like it when you’re around.

6) They don’t share their interests with you

pexels liza summer 6382526 1 16 surefire signs an introvert doesn't like you

Ok, so I think it’s pretty clear that introverts are not very social people.

They don’t want to talk about themselves or their feelings to just anyone.

They will, however, open up once they get to know and trust someone.

So, if after all this time they still don’t want to share their interests with you, it’s probably another sign that they’re not comfortable with you and that they don’t really like you.

So what can you do to get them to like you?

Begin with yourself. Stop searching for external fixes to sort out your life, deep down, you know this isn’t working.

And that’s because until you look within and unleash your personal power, you’ll never find the satisfaction and fulfillment you’re searching for.

I learned this from the shaman Rudá Iandê. His life mission is to help people restore balance to their lives and unlock their creativity and potential. He has an incredible approach that combines ancient shamanic techniques with a modern-day twist.

In his excellent free video, Rudá explains effective methods to improve your relationships with people and change how they see you.

So if you want to build a better relationship with yourself, unlock your endless potential, and put passion at the heart of everything you do, start now by checking out his genuine advice.

Here’s a link to the free video again.

7) Their irritation with you shows

Their irritation with you shows in their body language

Introverts may not like to talk all that much but sometimes their body language says it all.

  • If they are irritated with you, you may notice that they’re tense or don’t want to look at you.
  • They may cross their arms and legs or fold their arms over their chest when you’re there.
  • They may look at you with a blank expression or avoid eye contact.
  • What’s more, they’d rather be looking at the ground or around the room than at you. This is a sign that they’re uncomfortable with you or your presence.

In short, if you don’t know how an introvert feels about you – look at their body language.

If they don’t like you or find you irritating, you’ll know it.

YouTube video

8) They don’t return your calls and texts

Another surefire sign an introvert doesn’t like you is when they don’t return your calls and texts.

Now, from my personal experience, I can tell you that we introverts hate talking on the phone. Even so, we’ll do it for people we care about.

Texting comes easier to us.

So if an introvert completely ignores your calls and your texts, it’s a clear sign that they don’t want to talk to you.

If you try calling them again and again but get no response, then you’ll know why.

Face it, nobody is that busy.

9) They treat your pets better than you

Introverts may find it easier to get along with animals than other people.

  • Animals are less annoying.
  • They’re not complicated.
  • They don’t blabber on about things nobody cares about.

Have you found yourself in a situation where an introvert will be cold towards you and pretty affectionate with your pet?

They might cuddle your dog or kiss it on the head.

They’ll pet it and even talk to it in a way that they don’t ever talk to you.

I think it’s pretty obvious that you’ve done something to annoy them if they’d rather interact with your dog than you.

10) They refuse your help

In general, introverts would rather try and solve their problems themselves than ask for help.

That being said, if they really need it, they will turn to a friend or family member and ask for assistance.

Now, if you see that they are in dire need of help and they’re not asking you, it’s probably because they don’t really consider you a friend.

What’s more, if you offer to help them, they’ll refuse your offer and even become annoyed with you for butting in.

Clearly, they don’t like you and they’d rather be in whatever trouble they’re in than accept assistance from the likes of you.

11) They blow up over little things

Introverts are generally quiet.

But when an introvert doesn’t like someone, they’ll find everything that person does annoying.

And that’s not all!

They’ll blow up over little things that they would ignore with people they like.

That’s why you’ll often find that they’re not very talkative around you, but they’ll get angry when you do something they don’t like.

Your little mistakes will set them off and they’ll start yelling at you. They might even start crying.

12) They are indifferent to you

Now, it could go the other way.

I mean, instead of blowing up and getting emotional, they could just become indifferent.

Let me explain. You’ll annoy them just as easily, only they will not react, they’ll just act indifferent.

I don’t know about you but I find that indifference is actually a lot harder to take than emotional outbursts.

13) They’ll pretend they’re ok even when they are mad at you

Not all introverts are the same.

Some of them may be more passive than others.

They could pretend to be ok when they’re actually not.

They can act like they’re fine, but you know deep down that they’re not.

It’s a lot harder to tell if an introvert is angry at you or not when they act like it’s no big deal.

The thing is that it’s just easier for some introverts to pretend they’re ok than get into an argument with someone they don’t like and don’t even want to be around.

14) They want to be alone

pexels cottonbro 3778845 16 surefire signs an introvert doesn't like you

You just can’t take a hint huh?

You call them to hang out with you, they say they can’t. You invite them to go to the cinema with you, they’re too busy. You say you got tickets to their favorite band, they tell you that they have to stay home with their sick cat.

It’s pretty ob)vious to me that they don’t want to spend time with you, in fact, they’d rather be alone.

And it’s not because they’re introverted. It’s you.

This is another surefire sign that they just don’t like you.

15) They never lower their defenses, no matter how hard you try

Introverts often have a hard time getting close to other people. But once they get to know someone and they like them, the walls will start to come down.

Not with you though.

No matter how hard you try, they still have their guard up whenever you’re around.

They’ll pretend that they’re ok, but in reality, things are different.

Simply put, they don’t like you and they don’t want to open up to you.

Maybe it’s time to accept the hard truth and spend time with someone who actually likes you?

16) They never ask you to hang out with them

They never ask you to go for a coffee with them. They never invite you to the cinema.

They don’t even bother getting in touch from time to time

Must I spell it out for you?

I think it’s pretty clear that if they never call you to hang out and they avoid your invitations, they just don’t want to be around you.

So, how do you get an introvert to like you?

Introverts can be intimidating.

They don’t ask questions, they ignore social cues, they’re not interested in talking to people they don’t know. And, let’s face it, they’re not interested in talking to you.

So how do you get an introvert to like you?

Remember the importance of body language

It’s all about your body language.

Here’s the thing:

You need to show that you’re friendly and not aggressive.

You’ll need to be direct and straightforward, use open gestures, and make eye contact.

You also won’t get anywhere if you speak too quickly or too loudly.

The goal is for the introverted person to feel comfortable around you so they can start opening up a little bit more.

Be vulnerable

The best way to get an introvert to like you is to be vulnerable and let them in. Introverts, by nature, don’t like people they don’t know.

They won’t start talking to you unless you take the first step.

Introverts are looking for someone who will accept and understand them for who they are.

To gain their trust, you should share a small piece of yourself with them.

Sharing your vulnerabilities can help the other person feel more comfortable with you.

Now, this may be as simple as saying, “I feel really nervous around people I don’t know” or “I’m not good at keeping conversations going”.

Remember to be honest, don’t make stuff up.

If you’re open and honest about what makes you feel uncomfortable then there’s less pressure on the other person and they’ll start opening up to you too.

Show, don’t just tell

If you want to get an introvert to like you, you have to take a different approach than someone who is an extrovert.

In my experience, you can’t just walk up to them and tell them how great they are and that you want to be friends with them.

Introverts need time and space to warm up before they open up.

The best way for you to get your introverted friend’s attention is by showing them you care. This means giving them space.

Listen when they are ready to speak, give them your full attention, ask some questions but don’t overwhelm them.

Showing that they matter will make them feel valued which will help them like you better. This is especially effective if the person has been feeling lonely or left out lately!

Be genuine and sincere

Introverts don’t typically like talking to people they don’t know, but if you’re genuine and sincere, they will warm up to you.

One way to get an introvert to be comfortable with you is by asking questions and listening. Introverts are naturally curious individuals. They want to know all about the world around them! So, be curious too!

Ask them what they’re interested in, what their hobbies are, or even what their favorite TV show is.

Let them do the talking

Introverts are more likely to be attracted to someone who listens. So, you should probably let them have the floor. This will make them feel like they’re in control, and that might help break the ice.

When you talk, they might not respond right away or at all. That’s okay! They need their space and they need to warm up before they open up.

You can help them by asking them questions about themselves and their lives.

Let them do most of the talking while you listen attentively.

Moving on…

I hope this guide helps you understand introverts better.

Whether you were interested in their friendship or you wanted to pursue a romantic relationship, if the signs point to an introvert not liking you, then it’s time to move on.

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Picture of Tina Fey

Tina Fey

I've ridden the rails, gone off track and lost my train of thought. I'm writing for Ideapod to try and find it again. Hope you enjoy the journey with me.

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