It’s not always easy to tell if someone is just friendly towards you or if they’re already into you. Similarly, how do you know whether you like a particular person or just want to be good friends with them?
To answer these questions, we asked experts to share their insights. Here are the 7 physiological signs of a crush.
Table of Contents
Sign #1: Their Cheeks Are Flushed
This is one of the most telltale signs of a crush. If you notice that a person’s cheeks get a little pink, or even bright red, when they are around you, that likely means they have a crush on you. This is due to a release of adrenaline, which causes increased blood flow to the cheeks.
Sign #2: They Shake When You’re Around Them
If you notice that they shake, or tremble, more when around you, they might have a crush on you. This is simply due to nerves, or anxiety because they like you so much.
Sign #3: Their Pupils Are Dilated
When somebody likes us, their pupils tend to dilate. This is subtler, and you’ll have to look into their eyes to pick up on it. In normal daylight, pupils tend to be more constricted, so if you notice dilated pupils in this situation, you might have a crush on your hands.
When we are attracted to someone, we unconsciously open our eyes wider so we can see things better, and get to know the person better.
Sign #4: They Sweat a Lot
Some people are naturally sweaty, so this does not always mean they have a crush on you. However, sweating can be a definite sign of someone who has a crush on you. The person may not be sweating, rather they are just hotter than normal. This may be noticeable if you’re close to them.
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Related: How to Tell Someone You Like Them
Sign #5: They Have a Rapid Heartbeat
This is difficult to discern by looking at someone. But if you happen to be pressed against them you may feel their heart racing. Also, you may notice rapid pulsations in their neck coming from the carotid artery.
Adina Mahalli
Certified Mental Health Consultant, Enlightened Reality | Relationship Expert, Maple Holistics
Sign #6: Your Palms Tend to Be Sweaty
If you find that your palms are sweaty when you lay your eyes on someone you like, it may be a physiological sign of a crush.
When you’re excited, the hormones dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine combine to produce those feelings of excitement. Norepinephrine is the particular source of your sweaty palms when you see someone you like.
Sign #7: You Have Butterflies in Your Stomach
That feeling of butterflies in your stomach is a common physiological sign that you have a crush on someone. The neurons that line your gut means your stomach is connected to the nervous system.
Feeling nervous around your crush can result in the “butterflies in your stomach” feeling that we associate with liking someone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I get tongue-tied when I talk to my crush?
Feeling tongue-tied or nervous while speaking to your crush is linked to adrenaline release, which can make it difficult to focus and find the right words. This happens because your body is reacting to the heightened emotional stakes of impressing someone you like.
Why does my voice change around my crush?
You might notice your voice gets higher, shakier, or quieter around your crush. This can happen because nervousness and excitement can cause your throat muscles to tighten or affect your breathing pattern, making it harder to control your voice naturally. It’s a physical response to emotional stress.
Why do I feel nervous or anxious when thinking about my crush?
Your brain releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol when you think about or see your crush. These “stress” hormones can make you feel jittery or anxious, as they are part of the body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Even though you’re not in danger, your brain perceives the high-stakes emotional situation (like impressing your crush) as something that requires extra energy and alertness.