The look of love: how to tell if someone’s digging you (bar simply asking them)

Not sure if your date is feeling the love? Watch out for the tell-tale signs in their body language 

ITV’s Love Island gives an interesting insight into how people behave when they fancy someone. With so many flirty singletons in such an enclosed space, it’s like a lesson in romance (or if nothing else, like watching wild animals mate on the Discovery Channel).

From the way they sit next to each another, to their body movements, there are many ways to tell if the singletons are feeling it… Or not. We all remember how Siannise nearly fell off the daybed when Nas scooched too close to her.

Besides straight-out asking them, here are seven ways to tell if someone’s digging you.

Inadvertent touches

According to couple’s therapist Terri Orbuch at Oakland University in Michigan, touch symbolises intimacy and emotional closeness. She told Women’s Health that, “Most people have a radius of about a foot and a half around us that is our personal space, and if you let someone into that it indicates intimacy.” If your significant other keeps inadvertently brushing against your arm or thigh (or tucking your hair away from your face), there’s a good chance he or she is in love.

Frequent looks towards you

When listening to a story or watching a film together, a loved-up person may frequently look towards you to gauge your reaction and ensure you’re both on the same page. What’s more, you may find yourselves looking towards each other automatically when something interesting happens. It’s both a reassurance thing and a love thing.

Feet turned in your direction 

When was the last time you looked down at your date’s feet? Apparently, if his toes are pointed in your direction, he’s feeling the love. In her book Success Signals, A Guide to Reading Body Language, body language expert Patti Wood said, “The feet tend to point where the heart wants to go.”

Leaning in

As opposed to recoiling away. When you talk, does your date lean in towards you, or lean back? It doesn’t have to be an over-the-top lean, mind you; a simple incline of the head is enough to show he (or she) cares.

Prolonged eye contact

Eyes are often described as a gateway to the soul. If your partner can gaze into yours – and they allow you to gaze into theirs – for prolonged periods of time, its a sign of intimacy and love.

More laughter

Even when the joke’s not funny. Whether they’re trying to please you by laughing along, or they genuinely find everything you’re saying a joy, regular laughter is a true sign that the relationship is blossoming.

Raised eyebrows and widened eyes

Anyone can fake a smile, but it’s harder to fake genuine expressions of happiness. When you walk into a room, do their eyes widen and eyebrows raise? This is a tell-tale sign they’re genuinely thrilled to see you. What’s more, a quick raise of an eyebrow is often an indicator of sexual attraction.

Of course, if you’re unsure whether or not your relationship is going places, just flat-out ask.

Photo: Love Island, ITV

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