How to Tell if a Cancer Boy Likes You

Co-authored by Jan & Jillian Yuhas and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: February 10, 2022

Cancer boys are usually shy, reserved, and a little bit mysterious. They’re also highly emotional and romantic, but their nervous outer shell makes them hard to read. It can be tough to figure out if a Cancer is crushing on you, but like all signs, they have their unique ways of expressing romantic interest. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of ways to tell if a Cancer boy likes you!

1

You catch him staring at you.

If a Cancer boy likes you, he won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Looking at you is the number one way he’ll show his affection for you. He might be afraid to approach you or fess up to his feelings, but he’ll send a signal by gazing at you from across the room or looking at you nonstop.^{[1]
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- A Cancer won't stare at someone unless they feel some kind of emotional connection.

2

He compliments you nonstop.

Compliments are one of a Cancer boy’s top flirting tools. He feels good when he makes you feel good, and this is another way for him to express his feelings without telling you directly that he likes you. The more he compliments you, the more special you are to him.^{[2]
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Research source}
- Cancer boys tend to notice everything, so expect unique compliments!

3

He offers to help you.

A Cancer boy with a crush will make everything he does about you. He’ll carry your books, help you study, or stand up for you in public if it means he can please you. He’ll follow through on his task or promise, no matter how difficult or inconvenient it is for him.

4

He opens up to you.

He might ask for your advice or help with a problem. Cancers can be shy, so asking for help can be their way of deepening your connection without declaring their feelings. Cancers also take a long time to build trust with someone, so this might be his way of checking to see if you're compatible.

5

He tries to make you laugh.

Introverted Cancer boys will come out of their shell to crack you up. Witty jokes or pleasant surprises, like leaving you a funny or cute note, are his attempts to catch you off guard and make you smile. It doesn’t matter to him how goofy he looks if he can get you to laugh.
- Cancers are reserved around others, but they come alive with jokes and giggles around their crushes.

6

He's a gentleman when he flirts with you.

Cancer boys are well-mannered and a little old-fashioned. He might do charming things like bring you flowers or hold the open the door for you. He’ll also be slow to initiate physical contact (like hand holding) since he might worry that he'll offend you by being too forward.

7

He wants to spend time with you.

Cancers want attention and can even be a bit clingy. If he likes you, he’ll do anything to spend as much time with you as possible. One negative trait of his sign is that they can become clingy. If he starts feeling like a constant presence around you, he might have feelings for you.

8

He introduces you friends or family.

Cancer boys are sentimental and family-oriented. He chooses his friends carefully and is in his element when he’s at home, enjoying the company of his loved ones. If he brings you around to a family dinner or asks you to join him and the guys for a beach day, he’s definitely got you on his mind.^{[3]
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- Cancers have strong family values. If he likes you, he’ll want you to fit in and feel comfortable around his relatives and friends.
- Before you meet his parents for the first time, ask him if there is anything you need to be aware of.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jan & Jillian Yuhas
  Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
  Expert Interview. 19 August 2021.}
- Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions.^{[5]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jan & Jillian Yuhas
  Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
  Expert Interview. 19 August 2021.}
- Try to look your finest and represent yourself in the best way possible.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Jan & Jillian Yuhas
  Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
  Expert Interview. 19 August 2021.}

9

He gets physically close to you.

Touch is important to Cancers, but they withhold if they’re anxious. If he does intentional things like brush your hand or pull a piece of fuzz off your sweater, it means his feelings for you are strong enough to overcome his nerves. This is the most direct he’ll be, so he’s for sure crushing on you!
- If you like your Cancer boy back, hold his hand or give him a hug first. He’ll be blown away and let his guard down faster.

10

He's protective of you.

Cancers are nurturing and take care of people they like. His protective signs might be subtle at first, like the classic “text me when you get home” message. He might also do things like offer to walk you places.
- If he stands close to you in crowded places, especially when other boys are around, he’s crushing on you.

11

He gets jealous of other boys.

Watch him when another boy talks to you in front of him. He’ll probably make a visibly sour or moody face or shift his posture to be more assertive. Cancer guys get possessive over the ones they like, even if they’re having a harmless conversation with a friend or a classmate.
- If you start talking to another guy, your Cancer will probably walk up or find a way to steal your attention from his competitor. A jealous Cancer might also say things like, “What’s that guy’s deal?” or “He seems sketchy."

12

He wants to know more about you.

He’ll ask you about your passions, dreams, and favorite memories. A Cancer with a crush wants to understand how to interact with you through meaningful conversation. Taking the time to get to know you and asking you deep, personal questions is his way of flirting and a surefire sign that he’s into you.
- Cancers are sincere people. He’s truly interested in what makes you tick.

13

Your words and actions change his mood.

Cancers can be pretty moody and emotional. They’re ruled by the moon, so disposition can change at the drop of a hat. If he’s super sulky all of a sudden after you say you can’t hang out, or he gets defensive when you ask him to give you space, chances are he’s crushing on you.
- A Cancer might experience a wide range of emotions on any given day, so try not to take his mood swings personally.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can someone treat their boyfriend better in a relationship?

Jan & Jillian Yuhas
Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas are Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists and the Founders of Entwined Lifestyle. They specialize in helping individuals and couples work on effective communication, healthy boundaries, and lifestyle wellness. They have also been featured on media outlets such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Bustle. Jan and Jillian both hold a BA in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Jan & Jillian Yuhas

Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists

Expert Answer

Treating a boyfriend better means understanding your partner to meet their emotional and physical needs. Discover what he values about the relationship. The more you know about him, the easier it will be to connect and show him you care.
Question

What should you keep in mind when you meet your partner's parents?

Jan & Jillian Yuhas
Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists
Jan Yuhas and Jillian Yuhas are Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists and the Founders of Entwined Lifestyle. They specialize in helping individuals and couples work on effective communication, healthy boundaries, and lifestyle wellness. They have also been featured on media outlets such as Yahoo Lifestyle and Bustle. Jan and Jillian both hold a BA in Psychology from The University of Illinois at Chicago and an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Adler School of Professional Psychology.

Jan & Jillian Yuhas

Relationship Coaches & Boundary Specialists

Expert Answer

Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions, so try to look your best and represent yourself in the best way possible. Let your conversation be amicable.