Being well liked generally provides a feeling of contentment (Picture: Getty Images)
Everyone likes to be liked. That’s just human nature.
Whether it’s by your colleagues at work, friends old and new, or the hot Tinder match you’re going on a second date with, being liked is a natural desire that can be traced all the way back to our beginnings on this Earth.
This feeling not only derives from our need to belong – in ancient times, being accepted (see: liked) by a social group was a non-negotiable survival mechanism – but it’s also essential for our mental health.
Knowing you are well-liked by your peers boosts self-esteem, makes people feel worthy (note that your worth is not defined by this, nor is it measured by the opinion of others), and generally provides a feeling of contentment. And, as social beings, being connected is an important part of our existence.
But if you’ve ever been curious about how to recognise the signs that someone likes you, you couldn’t have come to a better place.
We spoke to Dr Elena Touroni, a consultant psychologist and co-founder of The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, who shared her knowledge on the subject.
Being connected is a huge part of life (Picture: Getty Images)
1. They initiate contact and communication
‘When someone likes you, they often go out of their way to initiate conversations and maintain contact,’ Dr Touroni explains, adding that this behaviour ‘demonstrates a genuine interest in you and a desire to build a connection.’
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From a psychological perspective, she notes how ‘consistent communication is a key indicator of someone’s investment in a relationship, whether it’s a friendship, a work connection, or a romantic interest’.
2. They remember and acknowledge details about you
There’s no better feeling than when a person remembers an obscure fact about you that you told them on a random Tuesday.
According to Dr Touroni, paying attention to small details about your life and remembering things you’ve shared ‘indicates that the person values you.’
You’ve got a friend in me… (Picture: Getty Images)
She continues: ‘This could be remembering your favourite coffee order, asking about your recent trip, or recalling past conversations. Such attentiveness shows that they are not only listening but also care enough to retain information about you, which is a clear sign of affection and appreciation’.
3. They offer help and support
Dr Touroni suggests that when a person likes you, they’re often willing to offer help and support without being asked.
Maybe they help out with a project at work or simply offer a listening ear. Or, maybe they’ll have no qualms about dropping everything …read more
Source:: Metro
