9 signs someone doesn't like you that can't be faked (2024)

Interpreting people’s behavior can be a tricky business.

Especially when it comes to figuring out if someone doesn’t like you.

It’s not always spelled out in bold letters for you.

Reading between the lines is an art, and often times, there are telltale signs that just can’t be faked.

In this article, we’ll go over nine such signs that might indicate someone isn’t a fan of yours.

Remember, though, every individual is different and these are not concrete rules.

But they can certainly give you some insight into where you stand with others.

1) They avoid you

Interaction is the bedrock of any relationship.

But what happens when someone consistently avoids you?

It’s one thing to miss a coffee date or two due to a busy schedule, but when it becomes a pattern, you might have a sign that they’re not really into you.

Avoidance can come in many forms.

It could be physical, like changing routes to avoid crossing paths with you.

Or it could be more subtle, like avoiding eye contact or skipping out on conversations that involve you.

This isn’t about one-off instances.

We all have our off days.

But if someone consistently avoids you, it might be a sign they’re not your biggest fan.

But don’t jump to conclusions just yet.

It’s worth having a conversation about what’s going on before making any assumptions.

2) They’re always “too busy”

We all have busy lives, right?

There’s always something to do, somewhere to be.

But, a person who truly values you will always try to make time for you.

Here’s an example from my own life.

I had a friend named Alex who I thought I was pretty close with.

We used to hang out a lot, but then things started to change.

Whenever I’d try to arrange a meet-up, he’d always have an excuse ready: “I’ve got too much work”, “I’m really tired today”, or “Something just came up”.

There was always something.

Weeks turned into months, and it dawned on me that Alex hadn’t made the effort to meet me even once during that period.

It was then I realized that his constant ‘busy’ status wasn’t just about a packed schedule.

The lesson here is that if someone is perpetually too busy for you, they might not be as fond of you as you thought.

Again, it’s worth discussing with them before drawing conclusions.

3) They’re indifferent to your success

Did you know that genuine happiness for another’s success is a strong indicator of liking and respect?

It’s a natural response when we truly care for someone.

On the contrary, if someone doesn’t like you, they may show indifference or even disdain when you achieve something great.

This could be as subtle as a lack of enthusiasm, or as stark as negative comments.

When we value someone, we celebrate their wins with them.

So, if someone isn’t sharing in your joy, it could be a sign they don’t hold you in high regard.

As with the other signs, this isn’t foolproof.

But it can provide some insight into how they feel about you.

4) They’re dismissive of your ideas

Everyone has a right to their opinions and ideas.

But, when someone constantly dismisses your thoughts without due consideration, it may indicate a lack of respect or liking.

If every suggestion you make is met with a roll of the eyes or a quick change of topic, it might be more than just a difference in perspective.

They might be subtly showing their disregard for you.

It’s important to remember that everyone is entitled to agree or disagree with your ideas.

However, the key here is the manner in which they express their disagreement.

If it’s always dismissive and devoid of respect, that’s a red flag.

Communication is key in understanding the dynamics of your relationship with this person.

It’s always worth having a discussion to clear up any misunderstandings.

5) They rarely initiate contact

In any relationship, be it friendship or something more, a balance of effort is crucial.

If you find that you’re always the one initiating contact or making plans, it might be a sign that the other person isn’t as invested in the relationship as you are.

Sure, some people are just naturally less proactive.

But if they genuinely like you, they’ll make an effort to reach out and engage with you.

If you’re always the first one to text, call, or suggest hanging out, it might be time to reassess where you stand with them.

It takes two to tango – if they’re not putting in any effort, they might not be as fond of you as you’d like them to be.

As always, it’s best to have an open and honest conversation about how you feel before jumping to any conclusions.

6) They don’t remember the details

There’s a certain warmth that comes from knowing someone remembers the little things about you.

It shows they care, and that your conversations mean something to them.

On the flip side, if someone consistently forgets the details – your birthday, your favorite book, the name of your pet – it can be a bit disheartening.

It might signify that they don’t hold you in the same regard as you do them.

We’re all forgetful sometimes, and that’s okay.

But if they never seem to remember things that are important to you, it might be a sign they don’t value the relationship as much as you do.

It’s not about keeping score, but about feeling valued and remembered.

7) They don’t share their life with you

Sharing details about our lives is a way of inviting others into our personal space.

It’s a signal that we trust them and value their presence in our life.

There was this girl, Lisa, who I used to consider a good friend.

We spent a lot of time together, but over time, I noticed that she would hardly ever share anything personal about her life.

I knew about her upcoming exams or weekend plans, but nothing about her feelings, her worries, her dreams.

It felt like she was holding back a part of herself.

It was only later I realized that this lack of sharing was a sign that she didn’t consider me as close as I considered her.

8) They’re not interested in your life

Just as sharing their life with you is a sign of closeness, showing interest in your life is equally telling.

If someone genuinely likes you, they’ll ask about your day, your plans, your dreams.

They’ll show curiosity about the things that matter to you because you matter to them.

But if someone never asks about your life or shows little interest when you share something, it might be a sign that they’re not as invested in the relationship as you are.

Again, it’s important not to jump to conclusions too quickly.

Some people are naturally less expressive or curious.

But if this lack of interest is consistent, it’s worth having a conversation about it with them.

9) They’re never truly present

This is perhaps the most telling sign.

Someone who likes you will be present with you, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

If they’re always distracted when you’re together, always checking their phone or looking around, it could be a sign that they don’t value your time together.

Being present is about more than just showing up.

It’s about engaging, showing interest, and making the other person feel seen and heard.

It’s all about communication

The complexity of human behavior is boundless and understanding it fully is a task that even the most learned psychologists grapple with.

When we’re trying to decipher whether someone likes us or not, it’s easy to misinterpret signs or overthink actions.

But remember, these signs are just guideposts, not definitive answers.

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that open and honest communication is key.

If you’re unsure about someone’s feelings towards you, the best course of action is often to simply talk to them about it.

It might be uncomfortable, but it’s the surest way to get a clear understanding of where you stand.

After all, no one can tell you how they feel better than they can.

So, as you navigate your relationships and try to understand the people around you, remember the power of conversation.

It might just save you a whole lot of guesswork.