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15 Signs That Someone Likes You Based On How They Text#8. They throw in a heart emoji or two. By Carolyn Steber Updated:May 24, 2021 Originally Published:Dec. 21, 2017 From a shift in their emoji usage to the kinds of questions they ask, there are lots of ways to spot the difference between how people text when they like you versus how they text when theyre just chatting as a friend. Its a subtle art, but it really does come in handy when deciphering messages from your crush. Texting is, after all, not really the best way to communicate especially when it comes to sharing ones feelings. "In person, there are many factors you can use to determine if someone likes you," Jonathan Bennett, a certified counselor and dating expert, tells Bustle. "This includes vocal tone, facial expressions, physical touch, and other body language indicators." With texting, its so easy to miss a joke, misunderstand someones intentions, or even miss the fact theyre flirting entirely. But if you know what to look for, the signs will be there. When someone likes you, their texting habits will definitely change, Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, a licensed clinical psychologist, tells Bustle. In fact, she says making an effort via text is often one of the first things people do when they catch feelings. Not only is it an easy way to begin the talking stage of a relationship, but its also a casual way to see if they like you back. If you spot the signs and are feelin their heart emojis, thats when youll want to ask if theyd like to meet up. Once youre around each other youll be able to see if you have good chemistry. (If youre brave, you could even straight up ask if they like you!) Until that day comes, here are a few ways to tell if someone likes you over text, according to experts. 1They Reply QuicklyWhile you cant expect someone to text when theyre busy at work or traveling, it is a great sign if your possible-future-partner makes an effort to write back quickly as often as possible. In fact, Schiff says one of the surest signs someone likes you over text is a rapid response. Its a way for them to show that youre a priority in their life. Its also a sign they enjoy talking to you and want to keep the conversation going. 2Their Texts Are EngagingThey wont give one word answers like yep or idk. Instead, theyll share how they feel, tell you all about their day, and most importantly ask questions about your life. Basically, your texting conversations will be deeper and meaningful, Bennett says, and itll seem to be creating a greater bond. This will be true even if the person isnt a huge fan of texting. As Bennett says, theyll still try to do more than pass along facts and information because they know its important to you. (Once you get past the talking stage, they might even admit they didnt like texting, but did it anyway because they were excited to talk to you. Aww.) 3They Let You Know When Theyll Be BusyIf someone likes you, theyll make it clear when theyre going to be unavailable maybe because theyre working, going to sleep, or seeing friends instead of just leaving you to wonder why they stopped responding. This is an indicator of consideration for you and that again affirms that the connection is important, Virginia Williamson, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle. They may not want you to get the wrong impression if they are out of touch. 4They Apologize For Being GoneWhile theres no need to gravel after missing a text, it is a good sign if they offer a quick apology for missing your message. This shows that they are considerate since they dont want to leave you wondering why they stopped responding to your texts, and that the connection you share is important to them, Schiff says. 5They Start Saying WeGiselleflissak/E+/Getty Images Another giveaway that someone has a crush on you? They start saying we and us. As relationship expert Gary W. Lewandowski Jr., PhD, tells Bustle, Those pronouns suggest a greater sense of a couple or shared identity (or what researchers call cognitive interdependence). In relationships, individuals merge and share their identity to become one. Using pronouns like we and us is a subtle sign that the process has already started. 6They Dish Out The ComplimentsKeep an eye out for compliments, which therapist Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW says is yet another sign they like you. Theyll find ways to say you look great, that youre funny, that they love talking to you anything that makes it clear theyre interested in you as a person. Compliments might also be their way of testing the waters to see if you like them back, so go ahead and respond in kind. It can be nerve-racking to flirt via text, but this is a surefire way to start building a connection in the early talking stages of dating. 7You Use NicknamesIf youve come up with cute or funny nicknames for each other, go ahead and be (mildly) thrilled. "Using pet names such as 'sweetie' or 'babe' are signs they are falling for you," Hershenson says. Or, at the very least, that theyre willing to flirt and see how things go. While the person in question shouldn't be doing this too early you probably won't want a "hey babe" from a perfect stranger, for example it can be a sweet sign, as you get to know each other better, that they like you. 8They Start Using Heart EmojisSince it can take a lot of guts to send someone a heart emoji especially when you actually like them receiving one should pique your interest, Rori Sassoon, a matchmaker and dating expert, tells Bustle, as it shows they are adding extra emphasis on sharing 'love. Again, if theyve acted like this from day one you might not want to read into it. But if you've been chatting for a few weeks and hearts start popping up with greater frequency, it may be their subtle way of showing they care. 9They Show ConcernDoes this person text to make sure youre home safely? Do they reply quickly when youre going through a tough time? Do they want to know about your day? "Obviously you cant see facial expressions or hear tone when texting, Hershenson says, but these habits tend to indicate genuine care and concern. And who typically does that? Folks who have a crush. 10They Start To Open UpLuke Chan/E+/Getty Images Another way to spot mutual interest is if your text exchange moves past light-hearted chitchat and into more couple-y territory. You might share secrets, open up about worries and concerns, or text late into the night about your past. As Sassoon says, these changes can point to a deeper level of closeness and trust. They might even mean the other person has caught feelings, since its clear they feel comfortable and want you to know more about their life. 11They Text First Thing In The Morning & Last Thing At NightTake note of when someone texts you, certified coach Randi Levin, tells Bustle, especially if its first thing in the morning or right before bed. If someone is beginning or ending their day with you or showing up repeatedly throughout the day to just say hello, she says, you are more significant to them than you may realize. It's meaningful because these texts are coming in at the most intimate moments of the day, Sassoon adds, like when youre just waking up and still lying in bed. If youre always saying good morning and goodnight even if it's just via text its clear youre top of mind and becoming a priority in their life. 12Their Texts Seem PersonalizedIts one thing to receive a generic hope your day is going great text. Its something else entirely to receive a message thats uniquely catered to you. It might show that they remembered an important date, like the fact you have a big meeting at work. And if it includes an inside joke? Its possible that love is blooming. Not only do these texts show this person is invested in your life, Levin says, the banter-y language shows youre starting to build a rapport. 13The Conversation FlowsAnother sign is it becomes easy to have texting convos. If they are into you, they will love the constant flow of conversation, Schiff says. It wont feel like youre running out of things to say or bothering them by sending a text. In fact, right when the convo starts to wind down, thats when theyll send a message to start up an entirely new topic. No matter how busy they are, they want to demonstrate that answering you and talking to you is a priority, she says. 14They Always Remember To Check InEven if you arent texting back-and-forth constantly, youll notice that they make an effort to check in at random times to ask about your day, relationship expert Chloe Ballatore tells Bustle. They might just want to know what youre up to or see if youre having a good afternoon, which is a cute way of showing that youre on their mind. Its also a good sign if they learn something big and reach out to tell you first, Ballatore says. This means they view you as an important person in their life. 15They Want To Do More Than Texturbazon/E+/Getty Images All of that said, the most telling sign of all is a desire to move past texting, Dr. Christie Tcharkhoutian Kederian, EdD, MA, MFT, a marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle. Do they want to talk on the phone? Chat via FaceTime? Meet up in person? If so, you may have a budding romance on your hands as it shows they want to invest more time and energy. Should you notice any of these texting habits, and if it seems like you're hitting it off, it very well may be true. Just try not to overthink it until youve had a chat to define the relationship. Until then, enjoy the moment, text 'em back, and see where things go from there. Sources: Dr. Holly Schiff, PsyD, licensed clinical psychologist Virginia Williamson, LMFT, licensed marriage and family therapist Jonathan Bennett, certified counselor and dating expert Gary W. Lewandowski Jr., PhD, relationship expert Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW, therapist Rori Sassoon, matchmaker and dating expert Randi Levin, certified coach Chloe Ballatore, relationship expert Dr. Christie Tcharkhoutian Kederian, EdD, MA, MFT, marriage and family therapist |