You can tell if he's just being nice by observing if his actions are consistently helpful but lack romantic intent (like only initiating group hangouts or keeping a safe distance) versus showing exclusive, focused interest (finding reasons for physical closeness, asking personal questions, remembering details, and wanting to spend time alone with you). Look for consistency, exclusivity, and a desire to get physically and emotionally closer, not just polite, general friendliness that doesn't progress.
17 signs he only sees you as a friend
3-6-9 rule is 3 months honeymoon phase of the relationship 6 months is conflict stage, 9 months is the decision phase is this really worth pursuing or not.
Red flags in a guy include controlling behaviors, disrespect (for you, your time, boundaries), lack of empathy or accountability, poor communication (like the silent treatment), excessive jealousy, dishonesty/manipulation (gaslighting), and any form of abuse or disrespect toward service staff, often patterns like love bombing, substance issues, or making all exes "crazy". These signs signal potential toxicity, immaturity, or a lack of respect and emotional stability, making healthy partnership difficult.
He thinks everything you say is interesting
When a guy is into you, he literally cannot get enough of you. So if he listens to every single word you say, it's not just because he wants to be polite. The reason he can listen to you for hours is that he's into you. He will think everything you say is interesting.
The strongest indicator of attraction is often considered sustained, meaningful eye contact, especially when combined with other cues like leaning in or pupil dilation, as it signals interest and intimacy, but the most reliable confirmation is always direct communication like verbal consent or expressing interest. Other key indicators include positive body language (leaning in, mirroring), increased physical closeness, frequent smiling, and a strong desire to learn about the other person, with biological factors like scent also playing a role.
Based on scientific research, Dr. Hall's guide identifies five flirting styles - physical, playful, sincere, traditional, polite - to help people find and attract compatible partners.
The 777 rule in relationships is a framework for intentional connection: go on a date every 7 days, take a night away every 7 weeks, and plan a longer getaway every 7 months, ensuring consistent, quality, uninterrupted time to build intimacy, reduce stress, and prevent drifting apart. It's a proactive way to prioritize your partner and keep romance alive by scheduling regular milestones for focused connection, though timings can be adjusted to fit a couple's lifestyle.
Certain red flags in dating could mean the person you're interested in is a player.
My view is that when your well-being, safety, and sense of self are at risk, it's not just okay to walk away—it's necessary. A healthy relationship should feel like a safe space—one where you are respected, valued, and emotionally supported.
survived the dreaded two-year mark (i.e. the most common time period when couples break up), then you're destined to be together forever… right? Unfortunately, the two-year mark isn't the only relationship test to pass, nor do you get to relax before the seven-year itch.
However in Strauss' book, the three second rule is a very different concept. It refers to the idea that when guys see a woman they fancy, they have three seconds to approach her, make eye contact, or strike up a conversation before she loses interest - or he bottles it.
A date night every 7 days An overnight trip every 7 weeks A vacation (kid free) every 7 months.
The researchers discovered there are three distinct stages people have to negotiate in order for their flirtatious behavior to succeed.
They genuinely show interest in you.
For example, anyone could ask how your day was and be satisfied with “fine.” An emotionally available person will be interested in your answer and ask follow-up questions, she explains. They want to know more than just the surface-level stuff.
Signs of a Player: 12 Red Flags to Spot Players in 2025
Another way to know if a guy is playing you is his disposition to important things in your life. A player can't show genuine interest in some things in your life because they are just around for the short term. They are likely to treat most things that concern you with fun because they don't have serious plans for you.
The taxonomy is based on a character theory. This character theory consists of four characters: Achievers, Explorers, Socializers, and Killers (often mapped onto the four suits of the standard playing card deck; Diamonds, Spades, Hearts, and Clubs, in that order).
You know you're falling in love when your someone begins to take up major real estate in your thoughts. You might find yourself rehashing your conversations in the middle of work, thinking about your next date days in advance, or even envisioning your future together.
While many factors contribute, many experts point to poor communication (especially criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling) and a breakdown in emotional connection/trust, often stemming from dishonesty or disrespect, as the #1 things that destroy marriages, eroding intimacy and making partners feel unheard and unloved over time. Infidelity, financial stress, and shifting priorities (like putting family/in-laws above spouse) are also major contributors that feed these core issues.
Be honest and plan your romance in advance
And when you're ambitious, balancing work and life can be challenging. But if he's dating you, then it's only fair he puts in the effort. Avoid openly criticizing his work ethic.
The top 10 flirting signs include sustained eye contact, coy glances, compliments, physical affection, playful banter, physical closeness, interest in hanging out, mentioning that they're single, flirty emojis in text messages, and clumsiness or nervousness.
The heart of a thriving, healthy relationship lies in mindful loving, a concept deeply rooted in the Five A's: attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing. Attention, the first of these elements, entails being present and attentive to your partner, fostering a deeper connection and understanding.
Flirty 20 Questions are playful prompts to get to know someone better, ranging from lighthearted ("What's your favorite emoji when flirting?") to deeper (Do you believe in love at first sight?) or spicier ("What's your biggest turn-on?") to build connection and spark attraction, focusing on first impressions, ideal dates, relationship dynamics, and physical chemistry.