When embarking on new relationships, there’s always a mix of excitement and anxiety. After all, we can’t peek into someone else’s mind and read their thoughts. Yet, there’s a strong desire to understand what the other person is feeling and whether they are being genuine. Psychologists claim that the answers to these questions can be found by paying attention to a person’s behavior.

The direction of their feet.

If their feet are facing toward you, this can show that they are interested. “Open body language is an indication that someone is curious and attentive to you,” says licensed therapist Shamyra Howard. Other signs can include leaning toward you with relaxed shoulders and uncrossed arms.

Pay attention to how often a person blinks: it can reveal a lot.

When someone isn’t particularly fond of their conversation partner, they involuntarily blink more frequently. Their eyelids serve as a sort of barrier, helping them distance themselves from the undesirable person. Conversely, a person will blink less often if they like you.

The 2-direction head tilt.

If your crush tilts their head to the side when they’re listening to you talk, it can be a great sign. The head tilt can show that they’re curious and tuned in.

They stumble over their words.

Another way someone could give away that they’re nervous is if they stumble over their words — especially if they’re usually confident or the center of attention. “When you know they’re not normally awkward, but they’re being awkward and can’t seem to formulate sentences around you, this could be a sign of interest,” says a relationship expert.

They rock a toothy smile.

A lot of us stop smiling in a way that shows our front teeth when we are around 5 years old, unless we’re super happy. So when they’re having loads of fun, look for teeth. If they are genuinely very happy, they won’t bother to cover up their front teeth when they smile.

They lick their lips (in a cute way).

Science says that when you’re attracted to someone, your mouth produces extra saliva. So your crush might lick their lips or press them together when they’re around you if they’re very interested. Mind you, make sure this lip-licking isn’t creepy!

They single you out in a group.

In group situations, they find ways to have little moments with you. That could be asking you direct questions or just responding to what you’ve said. Laughing at your jokes, looking at you, and making side conversations are good too.

Whether you can see their hands.

When someone is comfortable around you, you can usually see their hands. This could be a great indicator of a partner feeling safe and connected with you.

Their hands are clammy.

We might assume that this just means someone is hot or sweaty, but it can actually signify nerves. Being nervous is a sign they could have interest in you and don’t want to mess anything up, which is a good sign that they care!

They stand or sit close to you.

If they stand inches away from you in situations where you’re together, it could be that they just can’t resist the urge to be as close to you as possible. If they’re not afraid of closeness, and they make their desire clear (but not in a creepy way), it’s likely that this is a good sign.

They lock eyes with your full face.

Nonstop eye contact can make people feel uncomfortable nowadays. So if their eyes spend most of the time moving between your eyes, nose, and lips, it means they’re into you.

They touch their throat.

The throat is an area of the body that represents communication and vulnerability. So if they touch this area while they interact with you, it could mean something. For instance, it could be a sign that they’re interested in you and worried about themselves coming across the right way.

They are consistent in communication.

Consistency in communication is a great indicator of interest. Keeping in touch is key to building relationships, so they shouldn’t “disappear” for long periods of time and then come back with no explanation.

Raised eyebrows speak not only of surprise.

During a greeting, someone who finds you appealing will involuntarily raise their eyebrows. The stronger the liking, the more noticeable the lifted eyebrows will be. However, this movement is barely perceptible — it can easily go unnoticed.

If you’re walking with someone, pay attention to their position relative to yours.

If the person of interest is walking ahead of you, from a psychological standpoint, it may indicate that they prioritize themselves, and you might not be particularly interesting to them. On the other hand, if the person is walking behind you, chances are you’re appealing to them. And if they’re walking side by side with you, step by step, it’s almost a sure sign of mutual liking.

Relationships are a daily effort from both partners; only then do they evolve into lasting love and respect. Nevertheless, people often cheat, and psychologists have explained what lies behind these transformations.