Let's just be honest: the dating scene can be rough, especially when you're not sure if that person likes you back or not.
Some people, however, are very comfortable with their dating histories and believe there's a certain "cheat code" to confirming if someone is interested.
But for those of us who have always been bad at flirting and consider ourselves "oblivious" to other people's advances and compliments, maybe there could be some hope for us after all with these tips.
Redditor Independent_Slide932 asked:
"What are signs that there's sexual tension between you and someone?"
Their Undivided Attention
"It's serious eye contact for me, like when they would rather admire you than look anywhere else. It just makes it so obvious."
- GoGoHesHere
Butterflies
"For me, it's not just the eye contact itself, but when the eye contact is made, the two of you are in your own little world. There’s communication happening in that eye contact that you aren’t having with other people."
- la_metisse
The Thrill of the 'Chase'
"To answer the actual question OP asked, it’s finding reasons for eye contact."
"It’s 'accidentally' making physical contact. It’s always ending up sitting next to each other in a group."
"It’s a tingly tight feeling in your guts."
"It’s a beautiful pain to experience. It’s almost more fun than actually 'getting' the other person."
- AllAfterIncinerators
Literal Physical Attraction
"Angling. Always feeling like your center of gravity is shifting towards them."
- thelibrariangirl
Interested or Not?
"There's a regular who comes into my work who makes serious serious 'seductive' eye contact with me and has a smile that looks flirty."
"But he's also hot as f**k. He's just incredibly attractive. So like, just because it's making me turn to jelly doesn't mean it's anything other than just being friendly and having a regular smile to him."
- MangoMambo
It is, Indeed, ...Tense
"It's that awkward, 'I want to f**k this person, and I'm pretty sure this person wants to f**k me, but I'm not sure enough about it to actually make a move.'"
"That's sexual tension."
- Grueaux
Sounds Awkward
"It can manifest in a lot of ways. Usually, sexual tension develops when two people are attracted to somewhat attracted to each other. The funny part is, sometimes they aren't even fully conscious of it, or want to acknowledge it."
"That is where the tension lies. There is a reason why both are not participating in healthily acknowledging attraction for each other. It can look like tense awkwardness, constant fighting, overt flirtatiousness without any progression, and even consciously ignoring/avoiding the other person."
- EimiCiel
Silent Communication
"It's a shared gaze that at once leaves you both relaxed and on edge. It's like being old friends with a stranger."
"It's like an inside joke that isn't funny, it's sexy. I mean, it could be funny or sexy, but you see what I mean, it's a common understanding."
"It's like, 'You've got a secret, and I know it, and I've got a secret, and you know it, and the secret is the same thing, and we both know it, and it's so f**king delicious that we both know that without discussing it. The secret is nothing and everything, it's the knowing and sharing and the edging that is wonderful."
"It is something that is involuntary, but also once you've experienced it (enough), you can put yourself in that mode, make eye contact with a sexy stranger, and they may respond positively. It won't be as good as spontaneous mutual attraction, but you can put the signals out, 'Hey, I dig you, are you interested?'"
"Some people that you have that intense mutual attraction for aren't the right one(s) for you, except that they are the right ones to practice making that connection with. The person who is perfect for you might be someone who grows into the right emotional responses... and that's true of you, for them, as well."
"And lastly, you can choose to ignore both the mutual and asserted versions; the right relationship choices are both an emotional and intellectual decision, don't rely on one exclusively."
- im_dead_sirius
A List of Obvious Signals
"Reading signals is tough, I’m glad I don’t have to date these days."
"But some legit signals I’ve learned, in no particular order:"
"Prolonged or suggestive eye contact."
"Body positioning mirrors yours or stands closer than typical in your culture."
"Playing with hair when you interact."
"Light unconscious brushing up against or touching."
"If seated, leaning forward towards you frequently and/or touching you hand in a friendly way."
"Flushed or light blushing when they interact with you but not others."
"Suggestive teasing."
"Excessive awkwardness that isn’t the case with them around other people. Especially if they straight up start babbling like a loon."
"Awkward silences you could cut with a knife but they still keep seeking you out."
- AndrogynousRain
When Someone Gets It Wrong
"It’s hard to explain. Basically, it’s a nervous, delicious breathless feeling when they are close to you. You both go out of your way to stand just a little bit closer to each other."
"The sad thing is, some people think they 'feel' this with someone just because the other person is being friendly and misread signals. I once had a guy insist that we had sexual tension simply because I twisted my hair."
"He told me that twisting my hair was a 'mating signal.'"
"I told him that I had been twisting my hair has been a nervous habit of mine since I was a toddler, but of course, he wanted to believe I was interested and insisted that I must secretly want him."
- Joygernaut
Obvious to Other People First
"When other people pick up on it."
- The_She_Ghost
Responding to Looks
"When they suddenly look and hold eye contact and then look away. (Low)"
"When they look and notice you're looking then they run their hand through their hair. (Medium)"
"When they notice you looking and suddenly gently bite their lip looking away. (High)"
"When they notice you’re looking and do something to draw attention to their body either stretch and reveal skin or adjust an intimate part of their clothing. (Extreme)"
"Each of the above will make you get butterflies as you know that she knows AND that she knows that you know."
- DragonofDojima_
Trying to Keep the Conversation Going
"When there's a lull in the conversation, and eye contact is maintained while you both are trying to figure out what to say next."
- djpack
Looking But Not Looking
"Catching glances, by either party. The kind where they’re looking at you and don’t think you’ll look up or at them. Then suddenly the ceiling is really interesting to them when you make eye contact."
- HuxEffect
The Classic Note Trick
"When they hand you a piece of paper that says:"
"'Do you think that there is sexual tension between us?'"
"'[ ] Yes or [ ] No'"
- xaradevir
While we'd all love for the dating scene and general flirting to be straight-forward, simple, and stress-free, this thread serves as a reminder that it comes easily for some while being a puzzle for others.
At the end of the day, if you're interested in someone, the easiest thing to do, though it's terrifying, might be to ask them.
Things That Make A Man Instantly Attractive That They Don't Even Realize According To Women
While we all notice the way people look, the superficiality of instant attraction doesn’t last forever.
More often than not, a man with a good personality becomes more attractive while men who are rude or have an attitude become less attractive, regardless of their physical appearance.
Going along with that, there are some superficial traits or actions that make any man look attractive.
For example, I really like when a guy runs one hand through his hair when he is thinking about something.
The thing is, many men don’t realize these traits or actions are attractive to potential partners.
Luckily, Redditors are ready to share their opinions.
It all started when Redditor tgfree16 asked:
“Women, what are some things that make a man insanely attractive but they don’t realize?”
Speak Your Mind
"Standing up for what is right, especially when his friends don’t"
– BeautifulInfinite288
Paying Attention
"Attentiveness was something I noticed with my Husband right away. Little things like, I made a face of discomfort so he traded me spots when sitting in uncomfortable chairs or I had said earlier that day to no one in particular I would love a Yoohoo and he picked me one up. The thing that really made me fall for him though is he is like this with everyone. Strangers, family, friends seriously everyone. We have been together almost 10 years and married for almost 8, and he still does this so I know it's not just to win me over lol this behavior has also begun to carry over to my 4-year-old daughter who the other day notice me rubbing my lower back grimacing in pain (I'm almost 9 months pregnant) and she ran and grabbed my back massager without me realizing and started rubbing my back with it."
– bahamamama28
And Don't Say "Calm Down"
"Patience. If a guy is just calm and reassuring when sh*t hits the fan, that’s insanely attractive. Also if he’s teaching something and just gently aids without getting annoyed."
– miss_kimba
"It is SUCH an attraction killer to see a man become angry or frustrated with minor annoyances."
"A man who can handle circumstances calmly (addressing it when needed, showing empathy when that's the right response, or just letting it go when his attention is not needed or not likely to be productive) - whatever that circumstance is - is super attractive to me."
– itsybitsybiter
Listen Up!
"When a guy is a good listener, it’s really attractive"
– saltyy_spitoon
"I know she doesn't see it, but I'm a listener par excellence."
"Wife: Are you listening to me?"
"Me: Yes."
"Wife: What did I just say?"
"Me: Are you listening to me?"
– InsaneRabbitDaddy
Adulting
"They can take care of themselves. Clean house, cook, do laundry etc. They don't have to be perfectionist but just have a grown up ability to take care of their needs."
– carolizzy81
"In other words are capable of being an adult"
– eileen404
Be Kind
"Kindness, I find men of all shapes and sizes incredibly attractive when they show kindness when they think they are not watched."
"Absently minded petting an animal, greeting a child, very small gestures that show the kindness that is within them, not because they were taught it is the right thing, but because they feel it."
– Myilana
"I remember when I went to Petsmart with my then girlfriend and now wife and I hit donate 1 dollar for pets in need. She made mention that it was sweet that I did that, but I always did that cause it’s only a dollar and pets are cute. But it meant a lot to her that I did that."
– Shadow_Fox1216
The Hair Matters
"I don’t think a lot of men realize just how much a good haircut can help. Obviously it’s a a bit subjective, but a flattering haircut can make a massive difference."
"My partner got a bad hair cut once and although he is a handsome dude, he looked like a turnip."
– NoMrBond3
The Best Voice
"When he has that low, relaxed tone that says he's absolutely chilling. That's absolutely it."
– tif333"
"You just love deep voices. Me too. They are goddam sex in syllables.
– throwaway_messylady
Loyalty
"-When a man makes decisions, big or small. Love that. Also, something very attractive to me is when a man has had the same friend group for most of his life (and they're good people). Just a huge green flag to me that he is loyal and cares about his friendships."
– elmsa517
The Confidence To Be Nice
"Being confident enough to compliment other men without the need to say something stupid like "no homo""
"Like my boyfriend often tells our coworkers nice things, i.e : you looked nice today, I like your shoes, you have a nice smile, ect. and it's nice to see."
"Like as a woman, it hits different when another women compliments me. I'm sure it's the same for men."
– Anxious_Light_1808
"If another bloke walks past and has a nice smelling cologne I'll compliment the scent and ask what it is. Seems not all men can take a compliment."
– WokSmith
Crazy For You
"Not a woman, but something my wife shared with me after 17 years of marriage. She told me that I always have a smile on my face whenever we go to kiss each other. She said I always smile right before we kiss and it is always my genuine, happy smile. I didn’t realize I did it at all until about a year ago when she shared that info."
– Chopperkene
Dads Are The Best
"When they are hanging out with their offspring being good dads. Could be as simple as holding their kid in one arm and some groceries in the other. Like I'm a lesbian, but holy sh*t do dads turn me on. I obviously have daddy issues."
– scubaordie
"Wife and I were dating, I have two boys, they were 2 and 4 at the time, they were running around and had eaten some candy, wife and I were having a conversation about something, I quickly told the kids to stop running because they were going to get sick, as soon as I said that, the 2 yr old stops by the fridge and hurls onto the floor, I scoop him up, take him to the sink, clean him up, let him loose, clean the vomit up, and never stopped the conversation the entire time. That’s when she said she had fallen in love with me"
– surfdad67
Learn Something New Everyday
"Knowing a lot of cool facts about weird stuff."
– Breeblez
"The Doritos mush you get on your fingers isn't there for flavor. The creators say that it's for the "Doritos experience.""
– StayGlazzy
"Every 60 seconds, a minute passes in Africa"
– boy_with_reddit
Passion For What You Love
"When he is excited over his interests. My hubs can tell you anything about fish, like any fish at all. Sounds boring, but it's his favorite thing, and I love the way his face lights up when he talks about it."
– kwunschel316
The Roll Up The Sleeves Type
"That thing when they’re wearing a button down shirt and roll up the sleeves."
– echoIalia
"Ugh YES, especially when they take the time to roll them up properly, like sir, please."
– jadakissed143
"And highly concentrated on doing something that requires them to roll up the sleeves. Physical or mental. When I got my first job I pretty much had crush on every guy when they were trying to figure out a problem."
– javalorum
"Ah f**k I only have button up shirts. I need to do some shopping."
– Over_Necessary_738
I totally concur!
Well, what other attraction-worthy traits and qualities should we add? Let us know in the comments below.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which basically means when it comes to someone's looks, everyone has their specific tastes and opinions.
And while everyone is entitled to the certain aesthetics that turn them on, there are some beauty standards that some people generally can't get on board with.
Curious to explore what those might entail, One Redditor asked:
"What don't you find attractive that society says you should?"
If it makes them confident about their appearances, people should have the right to enhance their look in any fashion.
But some observers prefer the look of natural, physical blessings you're born with.
Luscious Lips
"Based on what I've seen in Miami... lip injections...apparently."
"Looks horrendous... and yes, we can tell."
– ImBecomingMyFather
A Specific Sensation
"I don’t like the look or feel of injected lips…I just recently kissed a girl with them and it felt like I was kissing jello 😑"
– TallestSiren
Being Full Of It
"Lip and cheek fillers. Please stop making us think we need these things, especially really young people who's thin lips suit their face perfectly."
– AngelicWooGirl
Fabulous Gnashers
"Super white, super fake veneers teeth."
– machoseatingnachos
Pulling Up The Rear
"And those huge a** butt fillers where it looks like you have 100 pounds of potatoes tied to your waist."
– PolyGlamourousParsec
Dramatically Defined
"Jaw lines so sharp that they make their heads look like a yassified Minecraft Steve."
– YeahSheIsALesbian
These examples don't involve procedures. But they do elicit "tsk tsk" responses.
"Brand culture. People spend way too much in the name of brands."
– Naik0n_
Voluntary Marketing
"Fashion items with the designer logo THIS BIG all over it. Cringe."
– wiredandtired1980
Body Baking
"Artificial tanning."
– little_thing28
Find Your Boundary
"As someone who works at a tanning salon, yes. It’s very easy for people to over do it. That’s why I normally don’t recommend anything with a high intensity bronzer. We wanna make you look sun kissed, not sun f'ked."
– Catbuds123
Let's take a look at behaviors that are considered turn-offs.
Wild Fandom
"The obsession of famous people. Sure I enjoy art and athleticism in most forms but to be obsessed over someone who isn't even physically in your life is wild to me."
– 99bonanas
Pompous Punks
"A cocky attitude, I'd rather a genuine person who's awkward any day. At least you know they're trying to communicate rather than show off."
– TheTastySpoonicorn
Practically Begging For "Likes"
"The whole instagram thing in general. I do care about looks with a partner, but I care about every day looks, not making hair and makeup a personality replacement."
– gsfgf
Going For That Artificial Look
"Phone camera apps use so much processing AND THEN ON TOP OF THAT there's instagram filters and stuff like that. It makes everyone look weird and unnatural."
"I remember having to dig deep into the settings on my samsung phone to disable that crap because the selfies looked weird."
– Kyanche
Ditching The Natural look
"Filters on pics. They are getting so bad that they don't even look like they have real skin, more like mannequin skin. I'm a single guy in my 40's and looking for women in the same age range. I get turned off when I see a filtered pic of them. Like, you're older, don't hide it just to disappoint us later, have the confidence to show your true, non digitally altered self!"
– thefox47545
Desperate To Please
"I think it's more about genuine versus tryhard. A try hard cocky person is insufferable, but a tryhard cringe nerd also just makes you wish he'd stop talking."
– izactuallydolan
Bye, Felicia
"Fame. F'k that noise."
– SirPiffingsthwaite
The thing is, no one should be able to dictate to people what is or isn't "attractive."
If it makes you feel sexy, get those body enhancements and wear those designer logos proudly.
Those aesthetics may not appeal to everyone, but you doing you will get you noticed by someone who appreciates your confidence.
Everyone has their own turn-ons, something that gets the instantly aroused or in the moment of passion. This is what makes new relationships so interesting, trying to figure out what works for the other person while uncovering new buttons of yours you didn't know you liked pressed.
As it turns out, it doesn't take much to get people hot and heavy. In fact, we should all be so lucky to find ourselves in the situations these people found themselves in with our own romantic partners.
Or, in some cases, total strangers.
WARNING: Some of these are extremely NSFW.
Reddit user, Nightfury0818, wanted to know what made your tummy all funny when they asked:
"What was the hottest thing someone said to you?"
Keep it polite, but make your intentions known.
Makes You Wonder How Long They'd Been Looking At You...
"I was listening to the lecture in English class, and one of the smartest and hottest guys in the room looks at me and says “hey [name], your shirt is both inside out and backwards.”
"I mean, I realized that he was right, but at least he talked to me"
Person9183736
Cute First Times Are Allowed
"That he never felt so anxious about kissing someone"
Halle-Hellion
Don't Start A French Girl Tripping Spree
"French girl, I grabbed her when she fell. I apologized 'sorry if I hurt you'"
"In THE sexiest accent EVER"
“'Darling….I’m not made of sugar”' and blew me a kiss ."
"Sh-t !! Makes my heart flutter just thinking about it ."
Previous-Status-4652
"I didn't know that was a French idiom. You learn something new every day."
Scarlet_Skye
The Way To Someone's Heart
"This banana bread is delicious"
"Wow, you make a great goulash"
"I've never had a better lasagna"
"Complimenting my cooking is pretty much dirty talk to me."
RaccKing21
Maybe that wasn't enough.
Maybe you need to turn the heat up to let the object of your desire know what they mean to you.
It's A Simple Question
"'You want to be my boyfriend?' - some girl who I secretly had a crush on"
ZodiacKiller1968
Like To Be The Little Spoon, Eh?
"I'm 5'1 and had a coworker who's 6'3 - 6'4. I was struggling to get something down from a cupboard, he stood behind me and fully towered over me (duh) while grabbing what I was trying to reach. He was partially pressed against my back while reaching for said thing and brushed my hand. Once he reached said thing he looked down on me, still towering over me, and smiled and said "It was fun to see you struggle." (roughly translated) before handing me whatever I was trying to grab earlier. It was like one of those romance anime scenes. It wouldn't have been hot if it wasn't for the entire situation but...goddamn."
"Kinda had a crush on him back then."
HumanParfait_
What Better Time?
"My girlfriend(F18) and I(M18) are in the same class. During one online lecture, I get a text from her saying, "I wish something else would replace my necklace right now". I look up to see her necklace in her mouth."
Empty-Intention-9745
Step On Me...What?
"I accidentally knocked a female coworker's water bottle off the table. She looked me square in the eye and said, "pick it up b-tch.""
"I never knew I had a sub bone in my body until that moment."
User Deleted
Not The Effect You Thought You Had...And You Liked It
"I was in theatre and we were playing an improv game to warm up that involved guessing so a few people had to leave the room so we could come up with ideas and not be heard. When it was time to go get the first person I run into the back room and yell at the top of my lungs “FIRST VICTIM!” (Note that I am a bass and a gravelly one so it’s not like a child yelling it) and everyone In the room jumps except for one girl, who was already walking towards me and with all the confidence in her strut in the world said “You don’t scare me…” Hands down the hottest thing I’ve ever seen someone do"
BuriedDeepInMyHead
Hold It In Your Heart
"I like it when you pull me close to you."
"From a girl I had met just 5 seconds prior and started dancing with. Sent chills down my back. I hope I never forgot about that moment."
LlamaManatee
Outta Nowhere!
"A soft, "I love you" whispered point blank in my ear."
Tumulousmaple56
"That sounds nice"
Nightfury0818
"It was made better by the fact that it'd never happened before and was completely unexpected."
Tumulousmaple56
And then there's these, the moments when all the barriers are dropped and all the pretense is taken out of the romantic entanglement that leads to love.
Stop being so polite and get to it, people.
Who Needs To Wait?
"When we were making out pretty hot and heavy she grabbed my hand and said “stop being such a gentleman”. I thought we were taking it slow but she had other ideas."
somethingunnatural
"That's the sex equivalent of mashing A to skip all the cutscenes."
sin-and-love
When You Learn It's Bigger Underneath
"I was at my bf house and we had been kissing and I was in his lap so I could feel everything yk and I felt him get hard and I said "damn being stabed over here" my bf is kinda shy about that's stuff so he kinda looked away and said "it's barely hard" by being stabed it felt huge and it was"
_crunchy_grass_
Get It All Planned Out
'We can either go out for dinner at 5, or you can f-ck me and we will get there at 530 ish'
"My ex loved planning things out"
Lazy-Pumpkin-9116
The Power Of Your Voice
"Being told that they masturbated to the sound of my voice from the voice memos I sent them. Wasn’t even sexual in nature, my voice just did it for them. lol never thought my voice had that power."
TheWeirdGirl143
No Place Better
"The first time me and my ex girlfriend had sex at my house. It was late and the room was dark, she decided to get on top and seemed like she enjoyed it more than usual. She stopped suddenly. Grabbed me by the back of my neck and pulled me in. She whispered in my ear, “if I had the choice, I’d have you inside of me for the rest of my life” She wasn’t a very confident person, so it took me by surprise."
Sad-Thought-6831
Speak Up, Guys
"Anytime a man moans or is vocal in general during sex I melt"
ricesaladenthusiast
"This, exactly! So many men are quiet and it is so hot to hear those groans."
RadRac
Don't Ever Let The Passion Fade
"My wife and I were out watching a band. They were really good, place was packed. But she had gotten dressed up for it and looked amazing. After maybe a half hour I turned to her and said, "Want to go home and f-ck?" She said "Yes...", then grabbed my arm and said "Yes!" It was the second yes that got me. We picked up our stuff and started to leave and saw the people behind us smiling. They had obviously heard us, and she clearly didn't care, which was also really hot."
conejon
Take a cold shower.
Then call your significant other to let them know how you really feel.
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People Break Down The First Thing They'd Do If They Were The Most Attractive Person In The World
There's no denying that the world is easier for attractive people. There have even been studies done on this phenomenon.
Attractive people get paid more, get considered for more jobs, and they're likelier to have much stronger social skills than someone who is considered unattractive. This isn't to say that attractive people do not succeed on the basis of their efforts and talents, but the hill is much tougher to climb if you're considered less attractive.
Suppose you wake up one day to find that you're drop dead gorgeous.
Just kidding – you already are!
But what would you do?
People shared their their ideas with us after Redditor _Lanaaaaa asked the online community,
"You're now the most attractive person in the world, what would be the first thing you'd do?"
"Probably..."
"Probably still find something about my body or face to be insecure about."
too_annoyed
Ouch! This is probably the realest response here. We all felt this.
"Replace..."
"Replace my online avatar with my actual face, instead of some anime character."
[deleted]
How liberating! Poor anime characters... they didn't realize they'd be retired so quickly.
"Strip nude..."
"Strip nude in front of a full length mirror and worship my immaculate jawline and my perfectly structured body."
FinancialCounty710
Whoa, I feel like I intruded on something personal... get a room!
"Get..."
"Get a free coffee from McDonald's."
IndividualUse6959
Wait a minute, they do that? I guess I'm ugly...
"Get dressed..."
"Get dressed and go walk through a huge crowd to see how they react. Nobody ever notices me."
Iride3wheels
That's what you think! You'd be surprised. You might have a secret admirer somewhere.
"Walk around..."
"Walk around complimenting people and telling them how gorgeous they are."
[deleted]
Aww, this is sweet! They'd no doubt appreciate it. Go ahead and make someone's day!
"I'd go..."
"I'd go into acting. Why not?"
[deleted]
Why not, indeed. If you are most attractive person you will get some work even if you aren’t Daniel Day Lewis. And you can take acting classes after getting some small parts.
"I'd wonder..."
"I'd wonder how in the f*ck the world became so ugly."
KPWrath
I mean, fair. It'd probably shock you, being such a hot god among mere mortals.
Whoa!
"I already am."
BlueIsAGreatColor
I think many aspire to have this degree of confidence.
"Same thing..."
"Same thing I do every day. Try to take over the world!"
scjjay
What's that sound? Is that the Pinky and the Brain theme song I hear in the distance?
Given all this, I'm surprised no one said what seems the most viable option: Secure a plethora of sugar daddies and modeling contracts to make bank before it all ends.
Work smart.
Have some suggestions of your own? Feel free to tell us more in the comments below!
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