11 Signs Someone Secretly Dislikes You
When it comes to assessing the future of a relationship or friendship, it can help to know the signs that someone doesn’t like you.
I know you’re probably wondering how something so negative can be useful. But believe me, recognizing these subtle and sometimes weird signals will not only save you a lot of time, but also a lot of heartache.
I’m not saying that you should turn into some kind of detective. Life would be pretty annoying if you had to read body language all the time.
But if you practice the art of distinguishing between those who are worth your time (ie, the people you get along with) and those who aren’t, it can make life a hell of a lot easier.
For example, let’s take friendships as an example. When we meet new people, we usually show our best side.
We’re all smiling, kind, and welcoming because we’re adults and that’s right for us.
It’s also polite, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But it makes things ridiculously confusing when it comes to figuring out if someone actually likes you.
If you’re asking yourself similar questions, then read on to find out if someone doesn’t like you as much as you might think.
1. They have closed body language
Body language is particularly interesting because it reveals people’s thoughts – if you know what to look for.
Positive body language that indicates someone is comfortable or happy is very open – relaxed arms, good eye contact, genuine smiles, etc.
Negative body language is often the complete opposite and could be a sign that someone doesn’t like you.
Watch out for people with crossed arms who are leaning away or hiding behind something (e.g. behind their bag).
But be careful. It is necessary to pay attention to several behavioral cues, as a single one can be misleading.
2. Her smile seems forced
Notice the difference between a fake smile and a real one, which is pretty easy to tell.
When you smile, you use more of your facial muscles, and you can see that in the wrinkles around the person’s eyes, which contract more.
A fake smile looks like a tense elementary school kid fussing on the day of the photo.
3. They don’t reflect your body language
If someone likes you, they will reflect your body language. For example, if you lean back in a chair, he will do the same.
As adults, we do this when we talk to someone we like, are interested in, or agree with.
We subconsciously adjust our posture to match that of the other person – this is how we mirror the person’s non-verbal behavior and signal that we are connected and engaged. Pretty cool right?
4. They don’t make eye contact
Just like body language, eye contact is a key indicator of whether a friend is a real friend or a total bore who isn’t worth your time.
There is more mutual eye contact between friends than between others, and a friend’s open gaze is widely interpreted as positive appreciation. Lovers actually look each other in the eyes more.
5. They talk to you briefly
When a relationship goes well, the person will be very excited to talk to you.
You chat freely about your day, your thoughts and your feelings. But what if someone doesn’t like you?
Well, then you might get pretty dismissive answers.
After telling a story about your weekend, they just say, “That’s awesome.”
If you ask them how their weekend was, they just say, “Fine.” You get what I mean.
6. They are not as sensitive as you are
Whether you’re on a date or just hanging out with a friend, you should pay attention to how much physical contact there is.
According to a study, touch is used in different ways: as a sign of belonging when courting, as a symbol of connectedness, to initiate physical intimacy or to provide emotional comfort
If nothing of the sort is happening, it could be a bad sign.
7. They never want to make plans
Sure, you both could have a little laugh when you’re out and about in town. But which one of you two made these plans?
If you find that you’re the only one texting them, the only one trying to make plans, and the only one keeping a conversation going, you should take that as a bad sign.
8. You never seem to listen
A good friend values your thoughts and opinions and lets you have your say. However, someone who doesn’t like you probably won’t bother with such niceties.
9. He or she always lets you down
If your plans occasionally fall through, that’s no big deal. But if the person keeps dropping out or making excuses as to why they can’t meet with you, you should take that as an important clue.
Yes, people are busy, but true friends manage to make time for each other at least once in a while – and if they have to cancel, they’ll try to make it up to you.
10. Things feel… awkward
When you are with people you really love, life feels easy and carefree.
But if your meetings are particularly awkward, it could be a sign that the friendship isn’t as strong as you thought.
11. You feel it in your stomach
When someone doesn’t like you, sometimes you can feel that in your gut.
You may have a sneaking suspicion that the person was hoping you wouldn’t come to their party, or that they’re just pretending to be nice to you. Whatever it is, you should trust your instincts and move on.
Because no one has time for relationships that aren’t worth having. If you suspect that someone doesn’t like you as much as you thought, don’t worry about it.
Just move on to better, more interesting people who are more worthy of your time. As simple as that.
