This article was co-authored by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Madeleine Flamiano. John Keegan is a dating coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. He runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.
There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 21,591 times.
Are you trying to draft the perfect text to say “I like you” to someone special? Maybe they’re a new crush or a person you’ve grown really close to over time. Either way, there are lots of sweet and creative ways to make them smile. You can heap on the compliments or even flirt a little. We’ve got lots of cute and romantic examples of how to say “I like you” over text. Try one out and make some magic together!
Steps
"Hope you had a good day!"
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Reach out and check in so they feel valued. Send a casual, upbeat message. Ask them if everything is going well with them. If they face any challenges, reassure them that they can share what they went through. When you prove you’re curious about them and text them regularly—about once every two days—they’ll bond with you.[1] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- “I always want you to have a good day! 🤗 How’s everything going for you?”
- “How’s school? Are you hitting the books? 📚”
- “How’d your presentation go? I think you’re such a great speaker! 🎤”
- Take things slow if you're chatting with your crush. Let them feel your presence and make it clear that you don't have an agenda.
"You’re my fave because you make me laugh!"
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Praise their sense of humor and celebrate the fun you have. Show you’re compatible and have lots of romantic potential because you laugh a lot together. Bring up all the jokes, memes, and silliness you two share. Then, let them know that they enhance your life with their smarts and playfulness. They’ll enjoy making you smile and be your go-to comic relief.[2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- “You’re the meme master! 🖼️ Hit me with another one, please?!”
- “LOL! Where do you even find all those gifs?! 🔎”
- “We’re ridiculous together! 😝”
"That new pic is so cute!"
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Express your attraction so they’ll know about your crush. When you let them know that you’re totally into them and can’t get enough of how they look, they’ll get the hint that you want to see a lot more of them. You’ll also give them a great opportunity to flirt back.[3] X Research source
- “Your new profile pic gives me butterflies. 🦋”
- “That swimsuit pic, though! 😳”
- “You’re the most gorgeous person I know. 😍”
"Wanna grab a bite to eat?"
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Invite them out to say you want to get to know them. Offer to go to a new place and spend one-on-one time with each other. You can even tell them that you really like their company and you'd love it if just the two of you hung out. They’ll figure out that you’re interested in more than just friendship.[4] X Research source
- “I’d like to take you out to dinner! 🍝 I really want to get to know you better.”
- “I’ve got tickets to this awesome show. 🎫 I’d love to bring you.”
- “Let’s grab some late night gelato! 🍨 I’m craving your company.”
"This song makes me think of you."
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Share that you have some warm memories to flatter them. A song, picture, or even a movie quote can show off your creativity and prove you’re into their personality. Share whatever you associate with them to say they’ve been on your mind a lot. They’ll be impressed that you noticed so many details and feel cherished.[5] X Research source
- “This rock song totally fits your vibe! 🎶 You’re so exciting and mysterious.”
- “Saw this picture and thought of you! 🎨 I think it captures your creativity.”
- “🍿 Just saw this movie last night and this quote totally reminded me of you…”
- "I was traveling in Paris and I just saw this painting that reminded me of you! 🖼️"
"Thank you for being you."
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Say you’re grateful they’re in their life to make them swoon. Everyone loves to hear that they’re appreciated. Tell them that you think they’re perfect just the way they are. Bring up their special traits and talents as well as any cute quirks they have. When you embrace every part of them, you’ll get their heart racing.[6] X Research source
- “Thank you for being you! You’re the sweetest person around. 🍫”
- “You’re wickedly smart! You always make me think. 🧠”
- “You send some of the weirdest videos! It’s awesome. 🤣”
"I love texting you after a long day."
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Gush about them after you spend time apart. Put your attention into activities, hobbies, and work that you love. After you’ve wrapped up for the day, ping your crush. Catch them up on what you’ve been busy with, then remind them that it’s so rewarding to chat with them. They’ll love that you’re passionate about life and just as enthusiastic about them.[7] X Research source
- “So many meetings! 🤪 They were really important, though. Now I get to talk to you!”
- “Finished shooting hoops with my friends. ⛹️♀️ Time to talk to one of my favorite people!”
- “Wrapped up my culinary final. 🧑🏿🍳 We whipped up desserts, but you’re the real treat!”
"Hanging out with you is always an adventure."
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Point out you enjoy quality time with them to boost their confidence. Reassure them that you have a blast no matter what you two are up to. Maybe you love long weekend hikes with them or lazy movie nights. When you tell them that you look forward to all kinds of casual, everyday events, they’ll know that you really just like them and their awesome company.[8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- “Where are we going to hike this weekend?! Hanging out with you is always an adventure. 🗺️”
- “I know all we did was lay around and watch movies, but I had such a blast! 🎥 💥”
- “Our long talk last night totally transported me! 🪄”
"You make me blush!"
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Admit that they excite you to compliment their flirtiness. Tell them that their flattery has a strong effect on you. You can share all the feelings you have. Maybe they make you feel really warm, or you feel some fun jitters when they say they’re attracted to you. Be open and honest about your reactions. They’ll love your authenticity and keep pursuing you.[9] X Research source
- “You’re totally making me blush! 😊 Don’t stop, though!”
- “Um… hold on. I’m speechless. 😳”
- “Whoa! You’re getting my heart rate up! 💓”
"I miss you. Send me a selfie."
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Ask for pictures and they’ll know you’re super sentimental. If a lot of time has gone by, remind them that you really crave their company. Compliment any video or picture they send you. They’ll feel really confident in themselves and proud that they’ve caught your eye.[10] X Research source
- “I miss your smile. Can you send me a selfie? 🥺”
- “Send a pic! I need a pick-me-up! 😇”
- “Aww! Thanks for sending that vid. It’s so cute. 😍”
- "I've been thinking a lot about you! We haven't talked in months and I really miss you 💓"
"I’m kind of catching feelings for you."
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Confess any romantic emotions and you’ll warm their heart. Tell them when you realized that you became attached to them. You can also explain all the reasons why you have more than just a small crush. You’ll encourage them to think about your past together and see that you’re a great match.[11] X Research source
- “Last night was amazing. ✨ I’m kind of catching feelings for you.”
- “So, you know when we went to that carnival together? 🎡 I really fell for you then.”
- “I knew I really liked you months ago. 😅”
"I just adore you."
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Use affectionate words so know they’re incredibly special to you. Maybe it’s too soon for “I love you,” but it’s just the right time to say how much you care. Use any phrases that feel honest to you and capture the sweet message you want to share. You’ll sweep them away and make them want to gush about how much they cherish you, too.[12] X Research source
- “I have to say this…I really just adore you. ❤︎”
- “You have such a special place in my heart. 💝”
- “You’re really captured my heart. 💘”
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References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2891543/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4779443/
- ↑ https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/initial-attraction/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201105/5-ways-indirectly-ask-date
- ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140417-why-does-music-evoke-memories
- ↑ https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2012-13667-001
- ↑ https://psychnsex.com/space/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2863117/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/intense-emotions-and-strong-feelings/201412/how-blushing-exposes-you-and-benefits-you