How to Know if a Boy Likes You in School

We’ve all been there — you’re in class, and you catch him staring at you. Maybe he’s always trying to make you laugh, or maybe he seems a little nervous whenever he’s around you.

The problem is, you’re not sure if these signals mean that he likes you, or if he’s just being friendly (or awkward). Sound familiar?

But how can you tell if it’s just friendly banter, or if there’s something more going on?

Well, from the way he acts around you, to the little things he does, there are many signs that can indicate a boy’s interest.

The key to understanding these signals is to look for patterns. When you start to see the same behaviors over and over again, it can be a pretty clear indicator that a boy likes you.

1. He makes an effort to be near you

Ah, the age-old question of whether proximity equals interest. If a boy is making an effort to be near you in school, it could be a pretty big clue that he’s into you.

We naturally gravitate toward the things and people we like, right? So, if he’s always hanging around your locker, sitting next to you in class, or just seems to always be in your vicinity, it could be because he wants to be closer to you.

It shows that he values your company and wants to spend time with you. And let’s be real, who wouldn’t want a boy who’s always within arm’s reach? Just make sure to pay attention to his body language and overall behavior, as well as other signs, to get a full picture of his feelings towards you.

2. Sign of nervousness around you

The nervous jitters are a classic sign that a boy might be into you. Why?

When a boy likes you, he’s probably feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety every time he’s around you. The thought of making a good impression and the fear of saying something stupid can make him a little fidgety.

But that’s not a bad thing. It’s a cute indicator that he’s nervous because he wants to make a good impression on you and is worried about messing up. Think of it as a compliment – he’s so smitten with you that he’s worried about doing everything just right.

So next time you see him getting all nervous and fidgety around you, just remember that it’s a sign of his feelings for you. It might not be the most obvious of signs, but it can still be a pretty big clue that a boy likes you in school.

It’s like his brain and body go into overdrive, and suddenly he’s not quite sure what to do with himself.

[Also read: 15 Sure Signs He Likes You But Is Hiding It]

3. Generously complimenting you

When a boy is crushing on you, he’ll often go out of his way to make you feel good about yourself. And one of the most obvious ways he might do this is by giving you compliments.

Now, not all compliments are created equal, so it’s important to pay attention to the specific things he’s saying.

For example, if he’s complimenting your intelligence, your sense of humor, or your kindness, that’s a pretty strong sign that he’s interested in getting to know you on a deeper level.

But even if he’s just telling you that you look nice today, that’s still a good indication that he’s thinking about you and wants to make you smile. After all, why would he bother taking the time to compliment you if he didn’t care about you in some way?

4. He tries to make you laugh

Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially when it comes to romance. When a boy is trying to make you laugh, it’s often a sign that he’s into you.

Think about it, why would he go out of his way to bring a smile to your face and make you feel good? It’s simple: he wants to see you happy and make a connection with you. Plus, it shows that he’s confident enough in his sense of humor to use it to win you over.

Whether he’s cracking jokes, making silly faces, or just being silly in general, if a boy is putting in the effort to make you laugh, chances are it’s because he’s hoping to make a lasting impression on you.

5. He avoids flirting with other people

If you like someone, you often want to keep your attention solely on that person. It’s the same for guys, if he’s avoiding flirting with other people, it could be a sign that he’s trying to make sure that his flirting efforts are directed towards you, and no one else.

Assume he’s spending all his time flirting with everyone else, it might be harder for you to tell if his attention is really on you. But if he’s not flirting with anyone else, then it’s pretty clear that he’s focusing his efforts on you.

Of course, this could just mean that he’s shy or doesn’t want to be rude by flirting with other people, but it’s worth considering that it could also be a sign that he has feelings for you.

It’s always best to be direct and ask the boy how he feels. That way, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s going on and you can make sure that you’re both on the same page.

But avoiding flirting with other people is a sign that he may be interested in you, so keep an eye out for other signs that he likes you too.

6. Physical contact

Does he frequently reach out to touch you or maybe try to do that once in a while? Well, physical contact might be his way of expressing his affection and emotion calmly.

For example, maybe he gives you a light touch on the arm when he’s making a joke, or he puts his hand on your back when guiding you through a crowd. These small touches can indicate a deeper level of interest and affection.

It’s always a good idea to pay attention to the context and your feelings as well. If you’re not comfortable with the physical contact, it’s okay to set boundaries and let the boy know.

But, if you are comfortable with the physical contact and it feels natural and genuine, that’s ok.

[Read: Why Did He Kiss Me If We Are Just Friends?]

7. He remembers details about you

Him remembering details about you is a way of showing his interest in you. He doesn’t just engage in long conversations with you but he pays close attention to the things you say, especially details of your life.

You see, when a boy is interested in you, he wants to know everything about you. He wants to make sure he’s always got something to talk about, and he wants to be able to impress you with little tidbits of information about your life.

It’s his way of showing you that he’s interested in getting to know you better. And when he’s able to recall these details in conversation, it’s a clear sign that he’s been paying attention.

It’s not just a casual interest, but rather a deep connection that he’s trying to form with you. He wants you to know that you’re special to him, and he’s taking the time to get to know you.

8. He protects and supports you

We all protect the things and people we care about. We protect our dolls and pets from whatever can cause damage or hurt to them, we protect our family and friends by having their backs and making sure they’re ok.

It’s also the same when you have a crush on someone, you just want to be there for them through thick and thin. You want to make sure they are safe, comfortable, and happy.

For example, if a boy steps in to defend you when someone is being mean to you or he helps you with a difficult assignment, it shows that he values your well-being.

He’s putting his own time and energy into making sure that you’re okay, and that’s pretty special. It’s a sign of affection and love, even if the boy may not realize it himself.

[Also read: When A Guy Acts Interested Then Backs Off, This is Why]

9. Making time for you

Being a student means having a busy schedule. Having to go to classes, doing assignments, extracurricular activities, hanging out with your friends… the list is endless. But if a boy is willing to carve out time in his day just for you, that means he values your company and enjoys spending time with you.

And it’s not just about making time for you, it’s about how he makes that time. Is he always eager to see you and hanging on your every word? Does he pay close attention to what you’re saying and make an effort to understand your perspective? That’s a surefire sign that he likes you.

Also, if he goes out of his way to make plans with you or invite you to events, that’s a pretty big deal. It shows that he not only likes spending time with you, but he also wants to include you in his life and make memories with you.

10. Sharing his interests with you

Sharing any detail about yourself with anyone means you want to connect with that person and want them to know you beyond a surface level.

If he shares his interests with you, he’s letting you into a part of his life that he’s passionate about and he wants you to be part of it too.

This allows him to show you a glimpse into his personality and show you who he truly is. What an incredible way to make a connection. It’s also a sign that he trusts you and feels comfortable around you.

Sharing your interests can be a vulnerable thing, and if he’s willing to do that with you, it’s a good indication that he sees you as someone special.

11. He gets jealous

Jealousy is often a sign of possessiveness and protectiveness, both of which stem from a strong emotional connection to someone.

So, if a boy is feeling jealous, it means he cares about you and wants to make sure you’re only paying attention to him.

If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t bother getting jealous in the first place. It’s like when someone gets all protective of their favorite toy – they only do it because they love it and don’t want anyone else playing with it.

The same goes for a boy who likes you – he wants you all to himself.

Now, I’m not saying that jealousy is always a good thing – it can get out of hand and become problematic. But, in general, a little bit of jealousy is a good indicator that a boy is really into you and wants to make sure you’re his.

12. Buying little things for you

When a boy buys you gifts, it’s like he’s saying “Hey, I was thinking of you and I wanted to make you smile.” It’s a little gesture that shows he cares. Plus, buying someone a gift takes time, effort, and money, so it’s a pretty big deal.

Think about it, if a boy was just being friendly or wanted to show his appreciation for your friendship, he could do that in other ways. But the fact that he went out of his way to buy you something special, that’s a pretty strong signal that he might have some feelings for you.

It’s like when he compliments you, it’s great to hear, but when he gives you a thoughtful gift, it’s like he’s going the extra mile to show you how much he cares.

Of course, you should look at the big picture and consider his other actions and behaviors.

[Also read: 15 Signs a Guy Likes You More Than You Think]

How do you get a boy to like you at school?

Now that you know some of the signs that a boy might be interested in you, it’s time to take things to the next level. Here are some practical tips for how to get a boy to like you in school.

Be yourself

Okay. This may sound cliche, but it’s really important. It’s crucial to be true to who you are and let your unique personality shine.

Trying to change who you are or pretending to be someone you’re not will only attract the wrong kind of attention and eventually lead to disappointment. When you’re comfortable in your skin, you’ll exude confidence and positivity, which are both attractive qualities.

Get his attention

Of course, you don’t want to be too obvious with this. But you want to give subtle green lights that you’re also interested in him. Studies show that we’re more likely to like someone back when we already know they like us.

Plus, when a guy sees some signs that you like him, he’ll find it easier to make a move on you since he’s sure that there’s a lower risk of him being rejected by you.

Show an interest in him

Showing interest in a boy is a great way to get him to take notice of you. Ask him questions about his interests, hobbies, and life in general, and listen to what he has to say.

People love to talk about themselves, and when you show genuine interest in him, he’ll feel special and valued. This will not only make him feel good, but it will also give you a chance to get to know him better and see if you have a connection.

Get involved in activities

Join a club or team that you’re passionate about, or attend school events. This will give you the opportunity to meet new people and potentially connect with a boy who shares your interests.

Be friendly and approachable

Being friendly and kind to everyone, not just the boy you like, is a great way to get noticed and attract positive attention. Smile, say hello, and be approachable.

When you’re easy to talk to and approachable, you’ll make others feel comfortable and welcome, which can help build trust and a connection.

[Read: How To Attract A Guy Physically]