The Best Ways to Respond When a Guy Says He Misses You (& What It Really Means)

Co-authored by Michele Fields and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: July 6, 2022 References

Hearing the words “I miss you” can leave your heart pounding and mind drawing a blank. When a guy says this, it could mean he likes you. This is great if you like him too, but maybe not so great if you’re trying to move on. Before you start to overthink it, take a deep breath and keep reading because we’ve compiled a list of replies to help in any situation.

Section 1 of 4:

What does it mean when he says he misses you?

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He likes you. Does he say “I miss you” while looking you in the eye? Is he saying this after you’ve had a deep conversation? These could be signs that he’s totally into you. Maybe you’ve been chatting for hours on the phone, video chat, or in person. Either way, if the sparks are flying and he springs this in a moment of silence, chances are he’s crushing hard.^{[1]
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He’s thinking about you. You’re totally on his mind if he calls out of the blue to say he misses you. Maybe you’re long-lost friends and he remembered something funny from your past, or he’s your long-distance boyfriend counting down the days until he sees you again. If he’s gone out of his way to say “I miss you,” he’s thinking about the connection you have or used to have.^{[2]
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He wants to get back together. There’s no denying that breakups are tough, and hearing “I miss you” from your ex can stir up conflicting emotions. Maybe you’ve just broken up, or it’s been years since you both went your separate ways. Think about the context of the situation: is he saying this to be polite, manipulative, or does he miss the idea of you?^{[3]
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- He may not know what to say in an awkward situation, and “I miss you” might be the first cordial thing that pops into his head.
- He could be trying to make you fall for him again. This is a sneaky game, and no one should be toying with your heart.
- His feelings for you may have resurfaced when he sees you. There may be a sudden spark, but it’s more likely that he misses the idea of being with you than the actual relationship.

Section 2 of 4:

Responding to Your Crush or Boyfriend

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Let him know you feel the same way. Maybe he lives far away and you don’t get to see him that often, or he just left for a family trip and already misses your company. No matter the situation, chances are you miss him too! Whether you’re talking on the phone or video call, smile while you give one of these responses:^{[4]
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Expert Source

Michele Fields
Matchmaker & Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.}
- “I miss you 100% more.”
- “I miss you to the moon and back.”
- “I bet I miss you more! How am I supposed to live without seeing your cute face every day?”
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Tell him you wish you could be together. Long-distance relationships can be tough, especially when all you want is to hug each other. Share that you miss him too, and then add in details about what you want to do when you are together in person. Sharing your hopes for the future will show him you’re committed to your relationship.^{[5]
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- “I miss having you here with me.”
- “I wish we were together. I can’t wait to bring you to this new restaurant.”
- “I’m going to bring you to all my favorite places when we’re finally together!”
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Use a countdown to get your boyfriend excited about seeing you again. You’re probably counting down the days until you see him again, so share that with him. Planning and looking forward to the future is an important part of keeping long-distance relationships alive. You’ve had to go your separate ways, but the next visit is just around the corner. Let him know you miss him too with a friendly and cute response like:
- “Only a few more days till I see you!”
- “Counting down the days till I can run into your arms!”
- “Would you believe me if I said I had a calendar counting down the days till I see you?”
4
Say you’ve been thinking about him too. He’s constantly on your mind, so let him know it. If he’s your crush, this is bound to grab his attention and let him know you feel the same way. If he’s your boyfriend, he’ll be happy to know you think about him too. Give one of these responses a try:
- “I had a dream about us last night.”
- “You’re the only thing I think about.”
- “I miss you so much that I can’t get you off my mind.”
5
Flirt with him to see what he misses about you. Maybe your late-night phone call has gone on for hours, and you’re missing him more and more with each passing minute. When he whispers, “I miss you,” play coy and ask about what he’s missing most. This is a great way to keep him thinking about you and learn what he likes most about you. Smile flirtatiously and try one of these questions:
- “What are you missing?”
- “What do you miss about me?”
- “If I tell you what I miss about you, will you tell me what you miss about me?”
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Get frisky with a flirtatious question. Ask him what he would do with you right now if you were by his side. This is a great, spicy question to ask if you’re talking on the phone or video chat. There’s nothing wrong with being a little playful, so fantasize what you would both do if you were together.
- “What would you do if we were together?”
- “Tell me what you would do if I were next to you.”
- “What would you say if I was with you right now?”
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Share what you miss most about him. Chances are you probably miss everything about him, so say “I miss you” in a special and unique way. Think of something specific you miss about him. Maybe that’s his smile or hugs. You can even think of something silly to make him chuckle!^{[6]
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- “I miss your hugs.”
- “I miss your laugh.”
- “I miss stealing your hoodies.”

Section 3 of 4:

Responding to Your Ex

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Acknowledge the distance if you’re unsure about your feelings. People grow apart for a variety of reasons. If you run into someone from your past and you’re not sure where your relationship stands, keep things polite and friendly while acknowledging that you’ve lost touch. You can say something like:^{[7]
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- “Long time, no talk.”
- “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”
- “I guess it has been some time since we talked.”
2
Be blunt if he’s all talk. Actions speak louder than words. If you’ve heard “I miss you” from him a thousand times yet he continues to push you away, maybe it’s time to push back. Stand your ground with responses like:^{[8]
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- “I miss me too.”
- “Join the club.”
- “I can’t say the same to you.”
3
If you don’t feel the same way, let him know. Be clear and to the point with your response.^{[9]
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Expert Source

Michele Fields
Matchmaker & Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.} Maybe you just don’t feel like talking to him or need more time to get over the relationship. Either way, be kind in your rejection.^{[10]
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- “Please stop calling me. I'm don’t really want to talk.”
- “Our relationship is over, so please stop reaching out.”
- “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel the same way. I think it’s time that we both move on.”

Section 4 of 4:

Responding to Your Friend

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Tell him you miss him too in a friendly way. Just because there’s nothing romantic happening between you two doesn’t mean you can’t miss him. He’s your best friend after all! Keep things casual by tossing in a “friend” so you’re both on the same page.^{[11]
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Expert Source

Michele Fields
Matchmaker & Dating Coach
Expert Interview. 17 August 2021.} If you’re stuck, go for one of these upbeat replies:
- “I miss you too!”
- “Not as much as I miss you, friend!”
- “I miss having lunch with you! It sucks that our schedules don’t line up this year.”
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Ask him how he’s doing in return. Perhaps he calls for a quick catch-up, or you bump into him at the store, and he cheerfully says, “I miss you!” Keep the conversation going with a smile and one of these quick questions:
- “How are you?”
- “How’s life treating you?”
- “What are you up to these days?”
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Ask him to elaborate if you’re confused. Maybe you haven’t heard from him in years, and he suddenly calls. You’re a bit perplexed by why he says “I miss you,” so don’t be afraid to ask for details. His answer can tell you where your friendship stands.
- “Why?”
- “How come?”
- “Why do you feel that way?”