How to Tell If a Guy Really Likes You

My mom always said, "You've gotta kiss a few frogs before you find your prince." In the changing dating scene sometimes we get whiplash trying to understand whether our date really likes us. Is he into me? Does he like what I like? Is he telling the truth? Well, here are the indicators he might be into you.

Smiles a Lot

Some men are just happy, others will give you a certain smile when they really feel emotion for you. It will be a smile, unlike any other smile. Not your regular smile for the camera. You'll know if you're paying attention. It's a grin they only give you. It could be fueled by emotions or memory if you were friends prior to dating.

He smiles this way because he thinks good thoughts about you. Generally, if you're discussing a topic and your date likes it he will smile. Chances are its something he enjoys too. If you're looking for your perfect match try to move past the common likes and dislikes and delve more into specific stuff. There could be a popular TV show you both like, but also mention your favorite shows that might not be mainstream.

For instance, anime is often seen by some guys as "cartoons" even though its adult animation in Japan. While there is a large group of guys who are into anime for other reasons than big boobs, you may like a less popular series than your date, if he likes anime at all.

If he smiles when you talk about your job, your likes and dislikes, whether you're outgoing or a staying in kind of girl. If he smiles you'll know he's interested or pleased. Often the phrase, "you gotta live your life" is not very good on a date. It usually means that your date is not too excited about something you've said you enjoy doing.

Tries to Be a Gentleman

If he holds the door for you, opens the car door for you, offers to hold things, holds your hand or has no problem showing you affection in public it means he's comfortable with you, respects you and wants to take care of you. Men don't usually put a lot of time and effort into something they aren't invested in. On that same note, don't string him along or use him. Gentlemen don't like to be taken advantage of, and you'll find those smiles turn to frowns real quick.

He might let you order first, he'll offer to pay for dinner or offer to buy dessert. There's nothing wrong with splitting dinner every now and then or buying for each other every now and then. It shows that you really care for each other and want to spend time with each other.

He might bring you flowers for a couple of dates, every few dates or something else that is small. Finding love in small things is a part of having a good relationship. Being materialistic can set a lot of guys off because it makes them feel like you're just after their money.

Writes, Texts or Keeps in Contact

I know it seems obvious but if he's keeping contact with you he's interested. I would generally say to keep sex out of the equation for the first couple of months. It's important that you get to know each other, spend time together and develop a friendship before becoming lovers. Especially if you are looking for a forever someone. A guy who texts you back, calls you and writes emails to you is pretty interested.

If you avoid sex for the first month and he stops all contact, you'll know exactly what he was interested in.

Enjoys Your Company

If he's constantly asking you out, taking you places, and actively doing things with you then you know he's interested and invested. My boyfriend and I played mini golf, bowled, shot hoops, threw frisbees, played catch, went to the movies, went to the arcade and had dinner every Friday.

There's a magnetism when you meet your soulmate. You feel like you've known them forever, even though you've only known each other for a short period of time. I know it sounds cheesy but its the one thing Twilight didn't get wrong. Love is magnetic. You want to be with that person, hold their hand, spend time with them and enjoy their company. Their quirks, habits, and shortcomings don't matter. You love them.

So when a guy wants to spend all his downtime with you, then you know he's something special. Be understanding of his time too. Don't ruin the moment by throwing a hissy fit when he needs a weekend off, or he needs to do something with his family.

Watch Out for the 'Shake Grin'

Sometimes, not always, we will physically express the answer "yes" or "no" either with a head shake or with a nod. For instance, a liar who hates another person might be asked, "Do you hate ______" to which his reply will be "no" but with a head shake yes. His words don't reflect his feelings. While this is not consistent, after you've known someone for a while you will begin to see the small things.

The "Shake Grin" is just one of these small gestures. It happens when you say something you like, and he responds that he does too. However, he grins, lowers and shakes his head. This can be a few things, firstly it could be that he's recalling a funny memory in his head related to the topic. If it's snowboarding, maybe he and his friends had a hilarious crash or something funny he remembers. Second, it could be amazement. Sometimes when we find something amazing we shake our heads at it. Kind of like, "can this really be true?" Third, he says he likes what you like, but then shakes his head in disagreement and grins to hide it.

How to get to the bottom? If he really likes what you like he'll know about it, or at least a little bit. So just start bringing up random things you know about that topic. If he looks confused or he says he doesn't know ten or more things that a person should know, then he isn't very interested.

Tread Lightly

While these things I've told you can be helpful in a lot of different scenarios, also remember that people are different. How they hold onto information, remember things, interact with hobbies or interests; and while you might be a buff on certain things he might only know a few.

With everything give it time, have a good amount of proper dates before committing and true to this, keep sex out of the equation for the beginning. You'll never know if he wants you or your body if you just give it to him.

Body, Mind and Presence Are the Reward

Think of it this way. You both are dating each other. If he wants to pay let him pay for dinner or dates. If you split that's cool too. Remember, you're not HIS prize. He didn't "win" you for being an awesome date or agreeing with everything you said. You're his "reward" he earns you, just as you earn him. You earn each other by respect, kindness and being honest to one another.

If a guy takes you out one time, he hasn't earned your love. Treating people with respect needs to come back into society. As much as having sex whenever you want, with whoever you want might be awesome, it leads you down a very dark and empty road. It's filled with nothing but trade.

If you wait and focus on getting to know each other before diving in you'll find that spending time with him is fun too. In marriage, there won't be time for sex every night, and you don't want your marriage built on it either.

Marriage or any relationship built on sex is not a firm foundation. It would be like laying bricks without any concrete in between them. They may last for a while, but eventually, they come crashing down. That's why it's important to get to know who you're dating. To spend time with them without the physical aspect crushing in.

A firm foundation is made on genuine interactions—interactions that cannot be undone by a simple word or event.

Think about it and if you try it, you may find you enjoy the quality time you gain with your significant other.

Happy Valentine's Day and may you walk the road less traveled.