Let's Talk Signals (Page 6)

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

Sherlock Holmes can probably use his deduction skills to tell if your date is a keeper or not. But we can't all be the greatest detective to ever live, especially in the case of love.

So we're here to help you take off those rose-colored glasses and see your dates clearly, even with feelings in the mix.

The following articles dive deep into the anatomy of human behavior and social cues. Learn how to decipher and send good verbal and nonverbal cues, whether you’re dating casually or in a committed relationship.

Get advice to interpret and understand romantic interest, mixed signals, and emotional availability. Learn to read body language, tone, eye contact, and other subtle cues so you can assess your connections from the right frame of mind.

We give you the skills to spot inconsistencies in behavior and recognize when someone may not be ready for a relationship.

We have guides that also touch on dating safety, abuse, infidelity, and how to detect whether something’s amiss in your relationship. Guard your heart and remove the complexities of dating with help from our experts.

220 Results

What Our Experts Say:

151.
He’s Just Not That Into You
Jonathan Welford

Jonathan Welford

This phrase was eloquently used in an episode of “Sex and the City.” Just replace Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and (the quite marvelous) Samantha with some gay men and you’ve got exactly the same setup in the gay world. There will always be the one who will continually whine about things, the one with extremely high standards who has difficulty in finding a match, the cynical one that feels relationships are a...

Read More »
152.
How to Approach Women in Unusual Places
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

It’s sort of every man’s fantasy to be able to approach any woman he finds attractive at any time, no matter where she is or what she’s doing. This desire stems from the fact that men tend to go through their days constantly encountering a slew of women they find attractive without any understanding of how they can actually start talking to her and potentially get to know her a little better. This leads a lot of...

Read More »
153.
My Ex Goes Out of His Way to Bother Me. Why Does He Act This Way?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: My ex-boyfriend broke up with me but would not go more than five to seven days before he would call or text me. He would typically start texting while he was drunk, saying he was "so sorry.” When I found out he was with another woman, yet in touch with me, I cut all communication. The ex and his girl go out of their way to act extremely affectionate around me, yet I have been told they constantly...

Read More »
154.
I Don’t Know if He’s Into Me. Should I Give Up?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I am currently trying to date a British man. I invited him to a friend’s party, but he declined because of his daughter and stated “We will do something fun later.” It’s been about two weeks and nothing. We work in the same building and see each other almost every day. I am normally aggressive and would have already asked him out on another date, but I’m not getting any clear indicators that he is...

Read More »
155.
We Don’t Text Anymore. How Do I Get Her to Talk to Me?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I was talking to a girl for a little while and some of my friends tried to talk me into buying flowers for her. I didn't want to do that because I thought it would be too much too soon. The same night she got the flowers she text me that she didn't want a boyfriend right now and wanted to be just friends. That wasn't what I wanted, so I told her about my friends and that I might have accidentally...

Read More »
156.
Why Do I Go On Dates That Don’t Lead to a Relationship?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: Why do I go on so many dates and none of them lead to a relationship? No, I am not weird or do or say things to turn someone off. I'm a very decent student going in the medical field. I’m very attractive, so they tell me (not to toot my own horn). No, there is no sex. I often wonder maybe I don't show that I am also interested. I'm kind of shy and reserved when it comes to dating. I also feel like...

Read More »
157.
He Withdrew After Sex. Is There a Chance of Reconnecting?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: Now that we have had sex, he has totally withdrawn. He only texts occasionally. I really liked this guy. Is there any chance of reconnecting with him? If so, how? -Amy (Ohio) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Ooooh, Amy. I wish I could say something you want to hear, but the best I can do is tell you what you need to hear. Men don’t fall in love through sex. They fall in love through trust....

Read More »
158.
How Can I Be Friends When His Dating Life Makes Me Jealous?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met my friend Alex one year ago this month. What was supposed to be a one-hour happy hour session turned into five hours of great conversation. When I asked him out a second time, he responded yes, but only as friends. He had been dating a guy and recently became exclusive. Six months later, he and I were out with a group of friends. As the night progressed, he and I became more and more...

Read More »
159.
What Does “You’re Not My Type” Mean?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Guys are usually straightforward when they speak. They don’t generally try to be cryptic or talk “around” a topic. They’re all business and logic, so if they are not lying, they are probably just telling it like it is. Don’t try to find a lot of subtext between the lines because there probably isn’t any. If he says you’re not his type but he’s still interested, take it at face value. He most likely is trying to...

Read More »
160.
How to Know You’re a Booty Call
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Have you ever wondered if the guy you’re with thinks of you as just a booty call and not really as a girlfriend? Actually, wondering about it is the first danger sign that it might be true! Sex is an important aspect of adult relationships, but if it’s the only aspect, then it’s not really a relationship at all. You can get to the truth of the situation by asking yourself some serious questions and giving honest...

Read More »
161.
How to Know Your Boyfriend is Cheating for Gay Men
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Cheating often means the end of a relationship. Even if a couple decides to stay together after one cheats on the other, there’s a good chance your relationship won’t be the same as it was beforehand. If you and your partner communicate exceptionally well, then cheating might ultimately strengthen your relationship, reaffirming your commitment to each other and causing a re-evaluation of both of your...

Read More »
162.
Is it Bad if I Have a Crush on My Best Friend?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Ladies, it’s not unusual to fall for your best friend. If you spend enough time with someone whose company you enjoy, it won’t be long before you begin to focus on all their positive attributes. The more they make you laugh, the hotter they will appear. When you realize how comfortable you feel around them and how much fun you have together, it will seem natural to take the friendship to the next level. Remember,...

Read More »
163.
She Disappeared Out of Nowhere. What Am I Doing Wrong?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I have been seeing this girl for the past couple of weeks (met on Match.com) and we have been having a great time. She invited me to one of her student’s birthday parties and to hang out with her family. The last time we had a lot to drink and she was even talking about the rest of our lives together. I have held off on the physical contact due to liking this girl. Now these seem like signs that...

Read More »
164.
What a Man’s Scent Says About His Mate Potential
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

This news might seem a bit surprising — Your nose may be a better boyfriend detector than your eyes and ears combined. According to researchers, a whiff of a lover’s pheromones sends biological data to the brain that indicates if you two could be a good long-term match. And, unlike your eyes and ears, your nose can’t be tricked. Look no further than the famous Swiss T-Shirt study to understand how biology...

Read More »
165.
She Doesn’t Want Long Distance. Should I Give Up?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I've been dating someone and have grown quite fond of her. We actually dated last summer as well, but one of our issues is long distance. She's had bad experiences with long distance and says she doesn't want to do that again. Second, she's not over her ex-boyfriend. I really like her and feel a strong connection. She says she likes me, too. I want to continue talking to her but only if it's...

Read More »
166.
How to Know it’s a Real Date
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

To be quite frank, we women have a way of complicating even the simplest of events, gestures and conversations in regards to the men we find ourselves attracted to. We psychoanalyze everything to the point that it drives us psycho from all the analyzing. On top of that, we spend countless hours dissecting every single moment of our interactions with a potential suitor with our girlfriends. "And then I said, and...

Read More »
167.
Do Men Like Aggressive Women?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

"Aggressive" often carries the connotation of hostility and belligerence, which men don’t like in women and women don’t like in men. However, men are very much attracted to confident women with a bold personality and lifestyle. Nevertheless, what is good socially and in the workplace doesn’t usually work as well in intimate situations, unless you’re just in it for the sex. A man might enjoy an anonymous beauty...

Read More »
168.
How Affectionate is Too Affectionate?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Men and women are both susceptible to the problem of being too eager with their affection. Every man appreciates the attention, fond gaze and tender touch of a lady, but there is a point at which too much sweetness becomes cloying and engages our gag reflex. Affection is something that should be returned in kind. For most men, the amount of privacy is also important when it comes to displaying affection,...

Read More »
169.
How to Read Her Body Language
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

According to Jeremy Nicholson, M.S.W., Ph.D., in a blog post titled "Reading Basic Body Language for Dating and Persuasion Success" (Psychology Today), there are certain cues to look for clusters of positive or negative body language. The following is how Dr. Nicholson defines the two. Read below while thinking about how the definitions relate to relationships. Positive body language. Your partner might move...

Read More »
170.
He Isn’t Interested in Dating After Vacation. Why Does He Still Flirt?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I met a guy on vacation and we really hit it off. We exchanged phone numbers but about three days before we were due to leave, he said he felt bad because I was still involved with someone back home. I then explained that it was going to be over with that other person. He clearly stated that he wanted to see me again when at home too but also mentioned that he liked being single. But I told him I...

Read More »
171.
What a Woman’s Home Says About Her
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Sometimes women overestimate the level of aesthetic sensitivity they believe men bring to the table. Most men are largely oblivious to the details of your style, whether we’re talking about how you dress or how you decorate your home. The average man, even the average high-quality man, will notice the large scope of your clothing style (preppy, athletic, etc.) but they won’t know what designer shoes you’re...

Read More »
172.
I Think She Has a Crush on Me. What Should I Do Next?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I think she has a crush on me. I sent her a message on Facebook that said I never got a chance to meet and fully introduce myself. She ignored it. I sent another a week later and still ignored. I'm guessing she is shy because around others she's social and participates in class. I got her number from my friend who gave it to me because I mentioned I am having trouble. What should I do next? I...

Read More »
173.
I Want to Contact Her One More Time. Which Approach Do I Take?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I was seeing this girl for few months. She has been very inconsistent by sending me mixed signals. I guess this is mainly due to her last BAD breakup experience, which she still has not fully recovered. We had a big fight and I told her I need to move on. After a month, I text her once mainly just to say hi. I didn't ask her out because I want to let us both cool down. However, I do plan to try...

Read More »
174.
I’ve Been Trying to Be Her Man. Should I Try Again?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I love a girl. I've been trying to be her man for five months. She liked me too but recently she said "We don't belong together." We agreed four months ago that we can be together if we have the same feelings. Should I wait and try again? I really want to become a part of her life. Or should I forget her? If I need to forget her, how can I start talking to other girls without feeling guilty or...

Read More »
175.
What Does it Mean if a Guy Asks About Your Relationship Status?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: What does it mean if a guy asks a friend about your relationship status? Does it mean he is interested? Would a guy ask this question just for conversational purposes? -Lindsey L. (Louisiana) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Never! If he’s asking, he’s interested. No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers...

Read More »
176.
I Know He Has a Busy Job. Why Does He Never Contact Me?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: My boyfriend and I have been together four years. When we were together, my best guy friend, who I have been in love with forever, tells me he loves me and wants to marry me. I agreed to end my relationship with my boyfriend for him, but things didn't work out as planned. After my boyfriend and I broke up, my best friend said he still wanted me to marry him. After that, I got a text that said...

Read More »
177.
How to Get a Gay Guy’s Number
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Getting a number from an attractive member of your preferred sex is always nerve-racking, but it’s doubly troublesome when you have to first figure out whether that attractive person is: Attracted to your gender. Attracted to you specifically. Single. Figuring all this out may be a little tricky, but it’s hardly impossible. Is he gay or straight? This is the first question you need to answer before you...

Read More »
178.
Why Men Won’t Tell You They Aren’t Interested
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

If he’s a man, he’s capable of lying to you. It doesn’t matter if he is a sweet and sensitive David Archuletta-type or dangerous and confident like Snoop Dogg. The reasons may differ — some want to spare your feelings, while others want to live a double life. Sometimes it may come as a shock if their interest suddenly evaporates, but most of the time the signs were there all along. You just have to learn to pick...

Read More »
179.
What Your Home Says About You
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

Guys, listen up! What your house, apartment, condo or RV looks like is a direct indication of who you are. Sorry, but it’s true. Take for instance my husband. When I met him, he had a large condo by the beach with completely stark white walls. His stepmother had adorned his bachelor pad in high-quality furniture, but there were zero to no tchotchkes or accoutrements. For me, a person highly interested in...

Read More »
180.
Should I Wait and See if She Contacts Me, or Should I Contact Her?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I was a groomsman in a wedding where I was the only single groomsman and there was one single bridesmaid. I finally approached her and we actually had a nice conversation. The next day while at the airport, I decided to text her just to have some conversation. The last text I sent her was that I really wanted to get to know her better. She replied and wished me a safe flight home. I haven’t...

Read More »
Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

Share the Knowledge!

Our dating experts work hard to show you the best dating sites. Want to show your appreciation? Share this page!