8 signs a woman feels deeply attracted you but wants you to make the first move

Attraction isn’t always about words—it’s often about signals. And sometimes, a woman who feels deeply drawn to you won’t come right out and say it. Instead, she’ll give subtle hints, hoping you’ll take the lead.

It’s not about playing games; it’s about comfort and confidence. She may want to know if you’re willing to step up, if you’re paying attention, and if you have the awareness to recognize her interest.

The good news? Once you know what to look for, these signs become clear. Here are eight ways she might be showing that she’s attracted to you—while waiting for you to make the first move.

1) She finds reasons to be near you

One of the clearest signs a woman is attracted to you—but wants you to take the lead—is her proximity.

She’ll find subtle ways to be around you, whether it’s choosing a seat next to you, standing closer than necessary, or casually bumping into you.

This isn’t an accident. When someone feels drawn to you, they naturally seek out opportunities to be in your space. It’s her way of signaling interest without being too obvious about it.

Pay attention to these small moments. If she consistently places herself in your orbit, she may be waiting for you to take the next step.

2) She remembers the little things you say

I once mentioned, in passing, that I had a big work presentation coming up. I didn’t think much of it—just casual conversation.

But a few days later, she brought it up, asking how it went and even remembering small details I had shared. That’s when I realized she was paying attention in a way that went beyond just being polite.

When a woman is attracted to you, she’ll lock onto the details most people would forget.

Whether it’s your favorite coffee order, a story about your childhood, or an inside joke you made once—she remembers because she genuinely cares.

This kind of attention isn’t random. It’s her way of showing interest and creating a deeper connection.

If you notice her recalling things you barely remember saying, it might be her way of hoping you’ll take the hint and make the first move.

3) Her body language gives her away

Attraction isn’t just in what we say—it’s in how we act. Studies show that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal, which means body language often reveals feelings before words ever do.

If a woman is drawn to you but waiting for you to make the first move, her body language will send subtle but consistent signals.

She might play with her hair when talking to you, angle her body toward you in group settings, or mirror your movements without realizing it.

Eye contact is another big giveaway—if she holds your gaze a little longer than usual or looks at you, looks away, then looks back again, she’s likely interested.

These signals aren’t random. They’re natural responses to attraction, and if you notice them happening frequently, chances are she’s hoping you’ll take the next step.

4) She teases you in a playful way

Playful teasing is one of the oldest signs of attraction.

When a woman feels drawn to you, she might poke fun at you in a lighthearted way—not to put you down, but to create a fun connection.

It’s her way of keeping the conversation engaging while also testing the waters to see how you respond.

She might jokingly challenge something you say, give you a funny nickname, or lightly call you out on a habit she’s noticed.

The key difference between friendly teasing and actual disinterest is the energy behind it—if she’s smiling, laughing, and keeping the interaction going, it’s likely her way of showing interest.

This kind of playful banter builds tension in a good way. If she’s teasing you often and with warmth, she’s probably waiting to see if you’ll turn that chemistry into something more.

5) She supports your goals and ambitions

When someone truly cares about you, they don’t just listen to your dreams—they encourage them.

A woman who feels deeply attracted to you will show genuine interest in your passions, offer words of support, and celebrate even your small wins.

This isn’t just about being nice. It’s about emotional investment. If she believes in you, pushes you to go after what you want, and takes the time to check in on your progress, it’s a sign that she sees something special in you.

Attraction isn’t just about chemistry—it’s also about connection. When she roots for you in ways that feel sincere and consistent, it’s her way of showing that she cares on a deeper level.

And if she’s waiting for you to make the first move, this kind of support might be her way of hinting that she wants to be part of your journey.

6) She gets a little nervous around you

Sometimes, attraction isn’t about what someone does—it’s about what they can’t quite hide. If a woman likes you but is waiting for you to take the lead, she might show small signs of nervousness.

Maybe her voice wavers slightly when she talks to you, or she fidgets with her jewelry or sleeves. She might stumble over her words or laugh at things that weren’t really that funny, just to fill the silence.

There was a time when I couldn’t figure out why she acted so differently around me compared to everyone else. With others, she was confident, quick-witted, and relaxed.

But with me, there were moments of hesitation—like she was overthinking what to say next. At first, I thought maybe she wasn’t interested. But looking back, I realize she was just waiting for me to make a move.

Nervous energy isn’t a bad thing—it’s often a sign that someone cares about how they come across to you.

If she seems a little flustered in your presence, it might not be because she’s unsure about you. It might be because she hopes you’ll take things further.

7) She finds small excuses to touch you

Physical touch is one of the most natural ways people express connection, even in subtle ways.

If a woman is attracted to you but waiting for you to take the lead, she might find small, seemingly casual reasons to make physical contact.

She might brush lint off your shirt, playfully nudge you during a conversation, or let her hand linger just a little longer when passing something to you.

These small gestures aren’t always conscious, but they often reveal what words don’t.

Touch creates a sense of closeness, and if she’s initiating it—even in small, seemingly innocent ways—it’s likely her way of testing the waters.

If you notice these moments happening often, she may be hoping you’ll pick up on the signal and take the next step.

8) She makes it easy for you to make a move

Attraction doesn’t always come with grand gestures—sometimes, it’s in the way she makes things effortless for you. If a woman is interested but wants you to take the lead, she’ll create opportunities for you to do so.

She’ll say yes when you suggest spending time together. She’ll linger in conversations instead of looking for a way out.

She’ll give you openings—whether it’s mentioning a place she wants to visit, hinting that she’s free this weekend, or simply making it clear that she enjoys your company.

No one wants to feel rejected, and she may be waiting for a sign that you feel the same way. If she’s consistently making it easy for you to take the next step, chances are, she’s hoping you will.

Bottom line: Attraction is often in the unspoken

Human connection is complex, and attraction isn’t always about direct words or dramatic gestures.

More often, it’s in the quiet signals—the lingering glances, the subtle shifts in body language, the small ways someone makes space for you in their world.

Psychologists have long studied how nonverbal communication shapes relationships.

Dr. Albert Mehrabian’s research suggests that up to 93% of communication is conveyed through tone and body language rather than words alone.

This means that when someone is drawn to you, their actions will often reveal it before they ever say a thing.

But attraction alone doesn’t move things forward—someone has to take the next step. If she’s showing these signs, she may be waiting for you to bridge the gap.

And sometimes, recognizing what’s unspoken is all it takes to change everything.

Picture of Ryan Takeda

Ryan Takeda

Based in Sydney, Australia, Ryan Takeda believes that a strong personal brand starts with a strong sense of self. He doesn’t believe in surface-level branding—real impact comes from knowing who you are and owning it. His writing cuts through the noise, helping people sharpen their mindset, build better relationships, and present themselves with clarity, authenticity, and purpose.

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