He may not say it, but his body language and habits scream it louder than words.
Not every guy is great at expressing his feelings—especially in a workplace setting where professionalism can blur the lines. Still, subtle clues slip out when a male coworker is secretly crushing on you, even if he tries to play it cool. If you’ve got a hunch but aren’t sure, these low-key signs might confirm what your gut already knows.
Here’s how to tell he’s into you—even if he’s working hard to keep it a secret.
1. He always finds excuses to talk to you.
Somehow, he’s always popping by your desk or starting random conversations, even about things he could’ve emailed or asked someone else, according to Dev Murphy, MA at WikiHow. He might pretend it’s about a project or a quick update, but these “just checking in” moments are more about connection than business. If he seems to linger longer with you than others or circle back for extra clarification, he’s trying to spend time with you in a way that won’t raise eyebrows. It’s his safe bet to feel close while keeping things casual on the surface.
2. He remembers the smallest details about you.
If he brings up that offhand comment you made about loving pistachio ice cream or asks how your dog’s vet appointment went two weeks later, take notice, as reported by Kaila Kibbe at Cosmopolitan. Guys who are trying to hide their feelings often let it slip in how well they listen. He’s tuned in when you talk and quietly collecting details because he genuinely cares. It’s his way of feeling more connected to you without crossing any lines. Most people forget the little things—but someone who likes you never really does.
3. He gets weirdly awkward or nervous around you.
He’s smooth with everyone else, but when you’re around, he stumbles over his words, fidgets, or suddenly forgets how to act normal, as stated by Anna Drescher at Simply Psychology. It’s not that he lacks confidence—it’s that you throw off his usual rhythm. When feelings are involved, even the most put-together guys start second-guessing how they come across. That awkward energy isn’t accidental; it’s tension trying not to spill over. His brain is racing to keep his cool, which ironically makes him less cool—and more revealing.
4. His mood shifts when you interact with others.
You joke around with another coworker, and suddenly he’s quieter. You mention grabbing lunch with someone else, and he makes a snarky comment or shuts down. He probably doesn’t even realize he’s doing it, but jealousy leaks out fast. Guys who are hiding their interest often try to stay neutral, but their reactions betray them. If his vibe noticeably changes when you talk to other men, his feelings are more than just friendly, no matter how much he tries to hide them.
5. He finds ways to compliment you subtly.
It’s never flirty enough to raise HR concerns, but he always finds a moment to mention how organized your desk is, how sharp your presentation was, or how your laugh made his day better. These compliments are dressed up as casual remarks, but they’re little gifts he’s offering to make you feel seen. He’s careful not to be too obvious, but the frequency adds up. It’s his version of flirting in a buttoned-up workplace setting.
6. He offers help even when he’s swamped.
He’s drowning in his own deadlines, but if you so much as sigh over a jammed printer or mention a stressful client call, he’s suddenly there. Guys don’t go out of their way for people they don’t care about—especially in a competitive environment. When he drops his priorities to ease your burden, it’s not just kindness. It’s a hidden crush in disguise. Helping you is his chance to be your hero in small, safe ways.
7. He mirrors your movements and speech.
If you start to notice he uses similar phrases, mirrors your posture during meetings, or picks up on your expressions, it’s not random. People subconsciously mirror those they’re emotionally drawn to—it’s a neurological way of building connection. If he’s in sync with you without realizing it, that’s a neon sign he’s into you. It’s not creepy; it’s almost instinctive. His brain is aligning with yours before his heart is ready to admit why.
8. He always sits near you during meetings or group lunches.
It doesn’t matter how the seating is arranged—somehow, he ends up beside or directly across from you. He may not initiate anything outright, but he positions himself close enough to feel included in your space. That proximity says a lot. Being near you brings him comfort, and it allows him to engage with you subtly, even in front of others. If he always gravitates toward your orbit, it’s not random—it’s emotional gravity pulling him in.
9. He teases you in a playful, almost middle school way.
The sarcasm, the playful jabs, the light teasing—they’re his way of expressing affection without admitting anything serious. This kind of interaction often has an energy behind it that feels just a bit more intense than casual coworker banter. If he’s singling you out in a fun way, he’s trying to build chemistry while keeping it low-stakes. Think of it like emotional testing—seeing how you react, hoping you’ll flirt back without either of you having to say too much.
10. He’s noticeably more responsive to your messages.
You send him an email or a Slack message, and his reply is faster than everyone else’s—even if it’s not urgent. Or maybe he adds a smiley face or an emoji he wouldn’t normally use with others. These little digital clues show he prioritizes your communication. He wants to be helpful, responsive, and engaged. If he puts extra effort into how he talks to you compared to others, it’s not just about work—it’s about maintaining that connection between tasks.
11. He gets a little protective without making it weird.
When someone criticizes your idea, he jumps in to back you up. If you’re carrying something heavy, he insists on helping. If someone makes a joke at your expense, he’s the first to check in or redirect. That protective instinct isn’t about ego—it’s affection with a lid on it. He’s trying to look out for you without overstepping. It’s subtle, but sincere. Underneath it all, he’s rooting for you, quietly showing up in ways that matter.