Let’s be honest: men are not great at picking up subtle hints. You could drop a neon sign that says “I LIKE YOU” and some guys would still be like “maybe she’s just being friendly?”
But here’s the thing—there ARE signals men pick up on. They just won’t tell you they’re picking up on them because that would require acknowledging that they understand nonverbal communication, and we can’t have that.
So let me decode this for you.
These are the “flirting codes” that men absolutely notice, even if they play dumb about it later.
1. The Prolonged Eye Contact (With the Look Away)
You catch his eye, hold it for a beat longer than normal, then look away with a slight smile. This is flirting 101, and yes, he notices.
The key is the TIMING. Too short and it’s nothing. Too long and it’s uncomfortable. But that sweet spot of 2-3 seconds followed by looking away? That’s the signal.
Pro Tip: The smile is crucial. Eye contact without a smile can read as intimidating. The smile says “I meant to do that.”
2. Laughing at His Jokes (Even the Bad Ones)
When you laugh at his mediocre jokes more than you laugh at anyone else’s? He notices. It’s about being more generous with your laughter when he’s the one talking.
Example: He makes a dad joke that gets groans from everyone else, and you genuinely giggle. He’s thinking “she thinks I’m funny” which translates to “she might be into me.”
3. The “Accidental” Touch
You touch his arm when you laugh. You brush past him when there’s plenty of space. You find reasons for physical contact that seem natural but are definitely intentional.
Men are VERY aware of this, even if they pretend not to be. Physical touch is one of the most obvious flirting signals.
Pro Tip: Keep it light and casual. A hand on the arm during conversation, a playful push. Nothing that screams “I’m touching you!” but everything that says “I’m comfortable in your personal space.”
4. Asking About His Interests (And Actually Remembering)
When you ask him about that thing he mentioned three weeks ago and bring it up again later? He notices. It shows you were listening and that he’s been on your mind.
Example: “Hey, didn’t you say you were working on that presentation? How did it go?” He’s thinking “she remembered that? She’s been thinking about me.”
5. The Smile That’s Just for Him
There’s your regular smile and then there’s the smile you give someone you’re into. It’s softer, lasts longer, reaches your eyes, sometimes comes with a little head tilt.
Men might not be able to articulate what’s different about it, but they can feel it. That smile makes them feel special.
6. Finding Reasons to Be Near Him
You somehow end up next to him at group events. You migrate toward him at parties. You choose the seat closest to him.
This isn’t stalking—it’s strategic proximity. And yes, he notices that you keep ending up in his orbit.
7. Asking for His Opinion or Help
“What do you think about this?” “Can you help me with something?”
Men love feeling useful and valued for their expertise. When you specifically seek HIS input over anyone else’s, he reads that as interest.
Example: “You’re good with tech stuff, right? Can you help me with my phone?” Maybe your tech-savvy friend lives closer, but you’re asking him. He notices.
8. Playful Teasing (The Good Kind)
Light, playful teasing shows you’re comfortable with him. It’s flirtatious banter that creates chemistry.
Example: “Did you really just order pineapple on pizza? I don’t know if we can be friends anymore.” Said with a smile, clearly joking, but engaging him in playful debate.
Reality Check: If he doesn’t banter back or seems hurt, dial it back. Not everyone speaks fluent sarcasm.
9. The Hair Flip/Touch
Playing with your hair while talking to him is classic flirting behavior that men absolutely notice. Twirling your hair, tucking it behind your ear—these are signals of nervousness and attraction.
Pro Tip: This works best when it seems natural, not performative. If you’re doing it every five seconds, it reads as rehearsed.
10. Mirroring His Body Language
You lean in when he leans in. You match his energy and posture without thinking about it.
Mirroring creates subconscious harmony that he feels even if he can’t name it.
11. Remembering Small Details
You remember how he takes his coffee. You remember his dog’s name. You remember that random story he told.
When you reference them later, it shows you pay attention to him specifically.
Reality Check: There’s a fine line between thoughtful and creepy. Remembering his coffee order? Sweet. Remembering obscure details from one conversation? Stalker vibes.
12. The “I Was Just Thinking About You” Text
You see something that reminds you of him and text him about it. You send him a meme related to his interest.
Translation: “You’re on my mind enough that random things remind me of you.” He gets it.
13. Making Yourself Available (But Not Too Available)
When he suggests hanging out, you’re usually free or you suggest an alternative. But you’re not dropping everything—you have a life, you’re just making room in it for him.
Pro Tip: Always available reads as desperate. Never available reads as disinterested. Sometimes available? Perfect.
14. The Genuine Compliment
Not “nice shirt” but something specific. “You have a great laugh.” “I love how passionate you are about your work.”
Men don’t get complimented often, especially on non-physical traits. When you give him a real, meaningful compliment, it stands out.
P.S. — If you’ve done ALL of these things and he still hasn’t made a move or reciprocated, he’s either not interested or waiting for you to hit him with a literal “I like you” statement. At that point, either be direct or move on. Life’s too short for endless signal-sending.
P.P.S. — Remember: these signals work on men who are available and potentially interested. No amount of flirting will make an unavailable or disinterested man suddenly want to date you. Choose your targets wisely.
related articles to Flirting Codes
- 12 First Date Moves That Make Him Want a Second
- How to Make Him Jealous (Without Looking Like You’re Trying)
- Here Are 23 Subtle Signs He Loves You & Is Feeling All the Butterflies (Even If He Didn’t Say It Just Yet)
