Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Makes a Nervous Habit?Common Nervous Habits That Might Mean They’re Into YouDo These Little Behaviors Mean They Like Me?Practical Tips for Responding to Nervous Habits

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Makes a Nervous Habit?

Common Nervous Habits That Might Mean They’re Into You

Do These Little Behaviors Mean They Like Me?

Practical Tips for Responding to Nervous Habits

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Navigating the subtle signs of romantic interest can feel like decoding a secret language. Maybe you’ve noticed your crush fidgeting with their sleeves or stumbling over their words when you’re around. And it’s kind of cute when they do it, honestly! But does this mean they’re into you? Or are they just a bitanxiousin general?

We’ve all been there, and we’ve all Googled these exact questions before. We wonder if the little things mean something bigger, overanalyzing someone’s facial expressions, pondering whether their emoji use means they’re into you.

While nervous habits can definitely be clues, they can also be tricky to interpret. So, let’s break it down and figure out whether those nervous habits are a sign your fantasies about this person could turn into reality.

Nervous habits are those little behaviors people tend to do without even realizing it—likefidgeting, avoidingeye contact, or shifting in their seat. They’re just our natural reactions to feeling uncomfortable or excited.

Feeling nervous around someone you’re into is completely normal, saysHannah Owens, LMSW, former mental health clinician and editor at Verywell Mind. “Feeling a romantic interest in somebody can be anxiety-inducing—you don’t know if they reciprocate the feelings, and you’re focused on making a good first impression, which can be nerve-wracking,” Owens says.

Nervous habits in romantic settings might differ from general anxiety in that they often centered on one’s looks, saysSabrina Romanoff, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. For example, they might nervously adjust their clothes or smooth their hair.

Hannah Owens, LMSWFeeling a romantic interest in somebody can be anxiety-inducing—you don’t know if they reciprocate the feelings…which can be nerve-wracking,

Hannah Owens, LMSW

Feeling a romantic interest in somebody can be anxiety-inducing—you don’t know if they reciprocate the feelings…which can be nerve-wracking,

9 Non-Verbal and Body Language Signs They’re Into You

Nervous habits can definitely be a sign of romantic interest. But what do these habits look like?

Here are some common examples:

Of course, nervous habits can differ from one person to the next.

Okay, so they’re nervous. But why? Is it because theylikelikeyou, or could it be something else—like general anxiety,stress, or a personal issue?

Dr. Romanoff suggests paying attention to context. “If you know the person is a competent communicator and is relaxed and calm in other areas of their life, you may conclude that their signs of anxiety when around you may be indicative of their romantic interest in you,” she says.

According to Owens, romantic interest might manifest as someone unconsciously shifting closer to you, as well as adjusting their appearance. “These differ from more general signs of anxiety that are more self-effacing, like nail-biting, or that are more focused on creating boundaries between yourself and the source of the anxiety, like crossing your arms in front of your stomach,” Owens says.

You might also want to consider contextual factors, like:

It’s important to remember, though, that everyone expresses nervousness in their own way—there are no hard-and-fast rules here. A person might bite their nails when they like you, while another might frequently smooth their hair because they’re self-conscious about skipping wash day. The key is to look for patterns and context over time.

So, you’ve noticed someone showing nervous habits around you. How can you respond in a way that puts them at ease?

Consider What You Want

Regardless of their feelings towards you, it’s important to consider your own feelings.

Do you have romantic feelings for them, too? If so, how would you like things to play out? Would you feel comfortable making a move?

Remember, you’re not obligated to return someone’s romantic interest. Even if they’re kind and wonderful, it’s okay if you just don’t reciprocate those feelings.

Ask Them About Their Feelings

If you’restillnot sure whether they’re interested in you or not, it’s best to straight-up ask them how they feel. Beingdirectcan help you clear the air.

If saying “Hey, do you have a thing for me?” feels too intense, try something lighter, like, “You seem a little nervous—everything okay?”

Opening up a conversation gives them a chance to share their feelings, and it takes the guesswork out of the situation.

Who knows—maybe they’re nervous because they’re dealing with some general life stress, in which case, they could probably use asympathetic ear.

Share Your Own Feelings

Try to be open and clear about your feelings towards them, no matter what those feelings are.

“Not having to worry about trying to decipher your feelings can create a more open atmosphere that fosters clearer communication and requires less guesswork,” says Owens.

Whether through words or actions, reassuring them that you’re enjoying their company can work wonders.

Create a Supportive Environment

Whether you’re romantically interested in them or not, it’s a good idea to respond with empathy and kindness. Having a crush can be exciting, but it can also feel very nerve-wracking and confusing.

If you sense they’re struggling with nerves, allow space for them to open up at their own pace. A little patience and validation can go a long way.

Keep in Mind

Sometimes, nervous habits are more than just quirky behaviors—they can be signs that someone is romantically interested in you.

By understanding the psychology behind these behaviors and being mindful of how they show up, you can better interpret the signs and respond in an empathetic way.

Whether or not you end up with a romantic spark, recognizing these little cues could be the key to deepening your bond with someone, making both of you feel seen, understood, and appreciated.

Approaching a Potential Love Interest IRL: How to Get More Comfortable

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