33 Sweet Signs a Guy Really Likes You But Is Scared & Afraid of Rejection

Is he blowing hot and cold, confusing the life out of you? Look for signs a guy likes you but is scared – they could give you the answer you need. 

Trying to figure out if a guy likes you can be a frustrating experience. They may do things like throw you mixed signals, or just simply not reveal how they are feeling about you. You might be picking up on signs a guy likes you but is scared and afraid of rejection, and you’re not sure how to interpret them.

Wouldn’t it be easier if you could just tell somehow if a guy liked you, just like you can tell if a guy is single on Facebook by looking at his relationship status?

Even though that technology doesn’t exist yet, there are certain signs that men can give away, which can tell you that he likes you. He might be feeling nervous or too scared to admit it, but his body language and other non-verbal signs will give him away. [Read: How to get the shy guy to ask you out]

Why would he be scared to admit he likes you?

If you’re getting weird vibes from a guy, it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s not interested in you. It could actually mean the opposite. It might mean he’s terrified of rejection, so he’s hiding how he feels. There are many signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection, it’s possible you’re just not seeing them.

At the end of the day, we all have our fears that make us behave in a specific way. So, figuring out why he’s acting like this will help you determine your next step. Should you make a move? Should you move on?

Well, before planning ahead, let’s figure out what’s going on. We’re going to show you the signs a guy likes you but is scared to admit it.

Why are boys so complicated? [Read: Relationship facts – The real facts of love no one talks about]

All the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection and scared to make a move

A guy can be hopelessly in love with you, yet, terrified to make the first step. So, if you want to know if a guy likes you but is scared, it’s time to listen closely. Bring out the notepads!

1. When he’s with you, it’s amazing

But when you two aren’t together, there’s not much happening. You guys don’t text each other, and he’s not making too much of an effort. But, here’s the thing, when together, you have the best time.

Does he like you? Absolutely. Is he wanting a relationship? No. That’s the difference. What he feels and what he thinks he wants are in two different places. [Read: 20 subtle signs a guy likes you but is trying not to show it]

2. He’s keeping the relationship where it’s at

He’s not saying he wants to get into anything serious, however, he isn’t saying he doesn’t want anything. That’s the thing, he’s keeping everything where it’s at. He likes you but also doesn’t have to commit to you, and for him, this is perfect.

He can be your “boyfriend” without the label because he’s scared of committing. It’s also one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection.

3. His friends don’t hit on you

It’s because they’ve been warned. They all know you’re his girl. Maybe he didn’t tell them, but they’re not stupid, they see it.

So, if you talk to his friends and you notice they simply keep it friendly, it’s because they’ve been told to back off. [Read: Win ’em over – How to get your boyfriend’s friends to like you]

4. He doesn’t talk about other women

Because there are no other women. Now, fear of committing to you could be because he’s simply scared of messing things up, or he’s scared of losing out on other opportunities.

So, if he’s not talking about other women it’s usually because there are no other women—right now. Again, this is one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection or simply because he doesn’t know what he really wants.

5. No talk about the future

He met your friends, slept over, and had dinner at your parents, but he’s not talking about the future with you. If he isn’t bringing up future plans, let’s say, even to travel during the summer, he’s not ready to settle down with you. [Read: Talking to someone about your relationship – DTR made easy]

6. Blowing hot and cold

When you like someone, there’s a lot of emotional instability going on. You’re nervous, then you’re happy, then scared, then jealous—it’s a lot to go through.

He may be super affectionate and thoughtful one minute, and then the next, he goes completely cold. This is usually because of an internal fight with his emotions. He likes you, but he’s not sure what he should do. [Read: 27 hints and secrets to make a guy realize he’s losing you]

7. He wants to get to know you

When a guy spends his time getting to know intimate details about you, he’s not doing it for his health. If he was just a friend, he would care, but he wouldn’t be trying to find out information about you. If he likes you, he’ll dig around to get to know you.

8. He’s always around you

No one, and we mean no one, spends time hanging around people they aren’t interested in. Friends are different – we’re talking in terms of relationships and intimacy. If he hangs around you all the time, calling you, visiting you—he’s into you.

It’s not rocket science. It’s one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection. [Read: 30 peculiar signs to look for when a guy likes you]

9. He’s there when you need him

There are times when you need a helping hand. Maybe someone in your family passed away or you lost your job, these things happen. But someone who really cares and loves you, supports you through those hard times.

If he sticks it out with you during those times, then he truly does care. [Read: 17 signs he likes you more than a friend and wants to ask you out]

10. He doesn’t like other guys around you

He’s jealous. We mean, guys hate to admit that, but it’s true. If he’s all red in the face because you talk to another guy, he’s into you.

Remember, he’s too scared to admit his feelings for you, so don’t hold yourself back from talking to other people. He knows what he should do. [Read: 30 wicked ways to make a guy jealous and win his attention]

11. It’s in the eyes

You know when someone just looks at you and when someone looks at you. You feel it and see it in the eyes. If he looks at you like a newly discovered diamond, well, then it’s safe to say that he’s into you.

12. He thinks of the little things

Maybe you’re sick, so he brings over chicken soup. Well, first of all, that’s adorable. Second of all, if he wasn’t into you, he would just call you in a week.

It’s the little things to keep an eye on. Those small details show the feelings that they have for you. [Read: The little things in love that make romance better]

13. He compliments you

Now, when we say compliments, we don’t mean him saying, “Oh, you look banging today.” No, no! Those guys are douche bags, and we recommend you stay away from them.

We mean when he tells you that he likes your hair today or that you’re funny. Those comments are genuine. If you’re confused about what he feels for you and you’re getting regular compliments, it could be one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection. [Read: Decoding compliments: 50 cute words and their true meanings]

14. He invites you out

Any party that he’s invited to, you can be sure you’re going with him. He takes you everywhere he goes. He’s into you.

His taking you to a party makes people question his status.

15. His friends tell you

Friends are great for finding out information. If his friends come up to you and tell you that he’s into you, well, he’s into you. This usually happens if his friends really like you and want you two to be together. [Read: How to tell if a guy likes you – The complete guide to decode guys]

16. He tells you

Or, he could deny it when you ask him. We don’t make the rules, and guys tend to make things more complicated than necessary. He may get drunk one Saturday night and confess his feelings to you, or if you confront him, he may completely deny it.

Either way, he’s literally terrified and can’t handle his emotions.

17. You feel the chemistry

When someone likes you, you feel it. You may not be able to explain it, but deep down, you know exactly what’s going on. Don’t ignore those feelings because they’re probably right.

If you’re feeling the chemistry between you and him, well, he’s probably into you. But something is holding him back—maybe it’s fear of rejection. [Read: How to tell if there’s serious chemistry between two people]

18. He’s nervous around you

When we like someone, we don’t want to screw up any encounter with them. So, instead of being relaxed, we get nervous and start to talk fast or stutter.

When speaking to him, focus on how he acts during the conversation. Is he nervous? Stuttering when he speaks? Bragging about himself? [Read: Does he like me? 18 signs to decode his body language]

19. He teases you

Now, he may be scared of rejection, but he’s into flirting and teasing you, which is a great sign that he likes you. Now, the flirting could be very intense or playful. Regardless, it shows that he’s into you and that’s all you need to know. 

20. He’s open to touch

When someone doesn’t like you, physical contact will be limited. He won’t try to touch you, and when you touch him, he’ll tense up. Those are the signs of a lack of attraction.

But if he’s into you, he’ll love it when you touch his arm or back when he makes a joke. He may not be touchy, but how he reacts to your touch can tell you a lot about his feelings. [Read: All the signs he’s not playing hard to guy but just playing you]

21. He puts his phone away

Who would have thought this would be a sign. Well, it is. When we’re hanging out with friends, we’re still connected to our phones. But, if he likes you, he’ll put his phone away and won’t feel the need to look at it.

Why? Because he wants to spend quality time with you. If you’re still questioning what he feels, it’s one of the signs a guy likes you but is scared to admit it.

22. He tries to impress you

This is one thing you’ll notice when you’re with a guy who likes you. He’ll try as hard as he can to impress you. He may brag, and show off his strengths and skills. In other words, he wants you to see he’s the man for you. [Read: How guys flirt – 15 signs he’s trying to impress you]

23. Everyone thinks you’re a couple

When you’re talking to other people, they all assume you are an item. People sense this from the energy shared between you. You thought people didn’t notice? Think again. [Read: Can a girl ask a guy out before he asks her out?]

24. He blushes around you

It’s not just women who blush. If a man likes you, there is a good chance that you might be able to catch him blushing around you. It could be because he is nervous, or he thinks that you can tell that he likes you, but if you see his cheeks get a little red, this can definitely mean there are some sparks.

It’s one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection, so go easy on him!

25. He can’t hide his smile when he talks to you

If he is smiling a lot more than the average person does when you talk to him, there is a solid chance that he likes you. The mere sight of you might be making him happy, and he might be having a hard time containing it.

You might be wondering why he doesn’t just tell you he likes you if he is having such a hard time containing it. But he is probably worried that you might not like him back. That’s why he is hesitating and it’s one of the signs he likes you but is scared to admit it. [Read: A guy likes you but doesn’t want a relationship – Will he ever be ready?]

26. He’s fidgeting

Classic fidget habits include twiddling his thumbs, tapping his leg, and eyes that shift everywhere except to your eyes. At first, you may think he’s just acting weird. But you may realize that he’s just so nervous when you’re around, because he doesn’t want to do anything you’d disapprove of.

When a guy suddenly has these quirks when you’re around, try your best not to call attention to them. He’s already nervous enough as it is, and he’ll be even more conscious if you let him know that you can see his jerky movements. [Read: The big things girls should never ever say to guys]

27. He’s sweating when he talks to you

This goes hand in hand with fidgeting, and sometimes, instead of fidgeting, you can see his nervousness manifest as a shining sheen of sweat on his forehead. Unless it’s inordinately hot while you’re talking, you can take this as a sign that he’s attracted to you.

28. He laughs at all your jokes

Everyone has a bunch of corny jokes that no one would probably laugh at. But it’s a dead giveaway that a guy likes you if he laughs at all your lame jokes and eats up everything you say at the drop of a hat. [Read: The socially awkward person’s guide to flirting]

29. He buys you a drink

If the guy you are talking to at a bar buys you a drink, there is a good chance that he likes you, or at the very least, is interested in you. Guys don’t want to spend their hard-earned money on just anybody, that is, unless he’s just doing that to get you drunk enough to go home with him.

But if he’s buying your drinks and still acting like a perfect gentleman afterwards, you can be sure he’s into you.

30. He always opens the door for you

Opening the door for you is just another classic move that guys will pull for girls that they like *though some guys are chivalrous around all women*. Chivalry, after all, isn’t dead. It is a way to be a gentleman and just show a girl she’s special.

Gentlemanly acts like this are a great way to show you that he likes you since there’s no way you’d reject a polite gesture. If he does things like this and you’re still confused, it’s probably one of the signs a guy likes you but is scared. [Read: 9 reasons guys get rejected by the women they want]

31. He makes jokes about liking you

Making jokes about liking you may be a way for him to express his feelings in a way that can be laughed off when things don’t go well. It could be one of the signs a guy likes you but is afraid of rejection.

He may not be ready to tell you how he feels yet, so he jokes about it. After all, some jokes are half-meant.

32. He constantly picks up your tab

The mere fact that a guy spends money on you would be enough to tell you that he is somewhat interested in you. Though some guys are just extremely generous, having a guy pick up your tab repeatedly is one of the clear signs that he’s really into you. [Read: Sharing expenses in a relationship – The golden must-follow rules]

33. He is always willing to listen to you talking about your problems

Despite what you may think, guys don’t always enjoy listening to girls discuss their latest falling out with their friends or similar problems. But a guy who likes you will hang on to your every word, and he might even give a little bit of feedback.

It takes a certain kind of patience to do that for a girl, and he may only do that for someone he genuinely likes. [Read: 19 ways on how to be a better listener in a relationship]

Now you know what to look for, is he into you or not?

Men can be complicated. Sometimes, they really like girls, but are too afraid to show it. It may be because they are insecure, they don’t know if the girl will like them back, or perhaps they just aren’t ready to take that step.

But for girls, trying to read a man’s emotions can sometimes be like trying to crack a riddle.

Although this can be frustrating, checking for signs a guy likes you but is scared is just a part of the game of dating. But even if he isn’t displaying all or many of these signs, he still may like you and is just very shy.

After all, some guys are so guarded with their feelings that they won’t allow even one slip-up to reveal all.

[Read: 30 facts about guys that can help you read his mind]

Now that you know these signs a guy likes you but is scared and afraid of rejection, start putting the pieces of the puzzle together. If he’s too scared to make the first move, you can either be the one to do it, or move on to someone else who has the balls to be with you.