Understanding the depth of someone’s interest can often feel like decoding a complex puzzle. Especially when it comes to deciphering the realm of romantic and platonic relationships, most of us have been left wondering, “Are they genuinely interested in me or just being polite?” While body language, tone, and demeanor provide crucial clues, the words someone uses can offer even greater insight into their true feelings.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the linguistic hints that signal genuine interest. Whether it’s a potential partner, a new friend, or a professional contact, we’re going to unravel the mystery with the help of eight phrases that people often use when they’re genuinely interested in you.
1. “Tell me more about that.”
When someone is genuinely interested in you, they will express a desire to know more about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The phrase “Tell me more about that” not only shows that they are actively listening to what you’re saying, but it also indicates that they find your perspective intriguing and worth exploring further. They’re encouraging you to delve deeper into your story, ideas, or feelings, which is a clear sign that they value your point of view and want to understand you better.
Active listening is a hallmark of genuine interest. When someone uses this phrase, it’s more than just a casual conversation filler—it’s a sign that they’re invested in the discussion and eager to hear more from you. They’re showing that they’re not just there to talk about themselves or make surface-level small talk, but to engage with your thoughts, interests, and experiences in a meaningful way.
In a world where distractions are aplenty and attention spans are dwindling, such focused attention and inquisitiveness are precious.
2. “I remember you mentioned…”
Recall is a powerful tool when it comes to evaluating someone’s interest. If someone remembers the details of past conversations and references them in the present, it’s a clear sign they’ve been paying attention to you. The phrase “I remember you mentioned…” shows that they consider your words important enough to remember and bring up again, indicating a sincere interest in you and your experiences.
When someone uses this phrase, it demonstrates they’re not only good at listening but also value your conversations. They remember what you say because it matters to them, and they’re invested in the ongoing dialogue with you. This phrase can often precede a deeper discussion or inquiry into the topic you initially mentioned, further indicating their interest.
Memory and recall are inherently tied to how much attention we give and how much value we place on certain interactions. If someone recalls specific things you’ve said, it implies that your words have had an impact on them.
3. “How does that make you feel?”
When someone asks about your feelings, it’s a definite sign that they care about your emotional state and want to understand your perspective better. The phrase “How does that make you feel?” goes beyond the surface-level facts of a situation and delves into your personal reactions. This person isn’t just interested in what’s happening around you, but how it’s impacting you on an emotional level.
By asking about your feelings, they’re showing empathy and respect for your emotional experience. It demonstrates they’re prepared to engage with you on a deeper, more intimate level, which is a key indicator of genuine interest. They’re not shying away from potentially complicated or intense emotions; instead, they’re inviting you to share these experiences with them.
This phrase also indicates a certain level of emotional maturity on the part of the person asking. It shows they’re comfortable discussing feelings and emotions, a skill that is crucial in building meaningful and genuine relationships.
4. “That reminds me of what you said about…”
When someone uses the phrase “That reminds me of what you said about…,” it indicates they’ve not only been attentively listening to you but also connecting your words and experiences with their own thoughts and perspectives. This shows that they’re thinking about your conversations outside of the moments you’re together, and they’re relating what you say to their own experiences or observations—a key sign of genuine interest.
By referencing something you’ve previously said, this person demonstrates that your words have stuck with them and have had an impact. This phrase implies that they are reflecting on your shared conversations and integrating them into their own thought processes.
Moreover, it shows they’re trying to understand you better by drawing connections between different things you’ve said at different times. It’s an active process of piecing together who you are, based on your words and experiences, which requires a significant level of interest and engagement.
5. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about…”
When someone says, “I’ve been meaning to ask you about…”, it’s a clear indication that you’ve been on their mind even when you’re not around. They’ve thought about your previous conversations, and something you said sparked their curiosity or concern enough that they’ve made a mental note to bring it up again. This shows a level of thoughtfulness and consideration that often comes with genuine interest.
This phrase implies that they’re taking your discussions seriously and are engaged enough to want to follow up on things. They’re not just having casual, forgettable conversations with you—your discussions are meaningful to them, memorable enough that they want to revisit certain topics.
Whether it’s a story you began but didn’t finish, a problem you were dealing with, or an interesting thought you had, their eagerness to return to the topic shows that they’re invested in your life.
6. “What’s your opinion on…”
When someone asks for your opinion on a topic, it’s a strong sign that they value your thoughts and respect your perspective. The phrase “What’s your opinion on…” demonstrates that they’re interested in more than just casual, surface-level conversation. They want to delve into deeper discussions and understand how you think and where you stand on certain issues.
This phrase also indicates a level of trust and respect. By asking for your opinion, they’re showing that they believe you have worthwhile insights to share and that they’re open to being influenced by your thoughts. They’re not just interested in sharing their own viewpoints; they’re genuinely interested in hearing and considering yours.
Moreover, asking for your opinion is a way for them to learn more about your values, beliefs, and experiences. Each of our opinions is shaped by our unique experiences and perspectives, and by asking about yours, they’re indicating a desire to understand you on a deeper level.
7. “I’d love to hear your thoughts on…”
Similar to asking for your opinion, when someone says “I’d love to hear your thoughts on…,” it’s a clear indication of their interest in you. This phrase goes beyond just being polite or making conversation—it demonstrates an active interest in your perspective and an appreciation for your intellect.
Using this phrase shows that they respect you and are interested in what you have to say. It shows that they value your perspective and are eager to learn from you, indicating a genuine desire to understand you better. They are not just looking for any response; they want to hear your unique insights and perspectives.
Furthermore, this phrase often comes up in more in-depth, intellectual, or complex discussions. If someone wants to hear your thoughts on such topics, it likely means they are interested in more than just casual conversation. They’re interested in the way you think, how you analyze situations or ideas, and how you express yourself.
8. “We should do this again.”
Perhaps one of the most straightforward indicators of someone’s interest in you is the phrase, “We should do this again.” Whether you’ve just had a coffee together, attended a concert, or completed a business meeting, if someone suggests repeating the experience, it’s a clear sign that they enjoyed your company and are interested in spending more time with you.
By suggesting a future meeting, they are showing that they are looking forward to interacting with you more and are eager to continue building your relationship. This shows not only that they’ve enjoyed the time spent with you but also that they are willing to invest more time and effort into your relationship.
This phrase also indicates a certain level of comfort and satisfaction with your company. They’ve enjoyed your presence, found your conversation engaging, and now they want to experience more of it. This willingness to plan for future interactions is a powerful sign of genuine interest.