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18 Things Women Say When They Actually Want You to Make a Move

Updated on December 1, 2025 by TMM Staff · Dating & Confidence

A woman looking at her colleague
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Sometimes, it’s not about what she does–it’s about what she says. Women don’t always directly tell you to make a move, but they often give verbal clues to test the waters. If you pick up on them, you’ll stand out from the majority of guys who miss their moment entirely. These phrases aren’t random small talk–they’re signals of comfort, curiosity, and invitation. The key is to listen not just to the words, but why she says them and how she says them. When a woman gives you one of these cues, she’s not waiting for you to be perfect–she’s waiting to see if you’re actually paying attention.

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • 1. “You can sit here if you want.”
  • 2. “I feel safe around you.”
  • 3. “I usually don’t tell people this, but…”
  • 4. “Are you dating anyone right now?”
  • 5. “Let me know when you get home.”
  • 6. “We should go there together sometime.”
  • 7. “I feel like I’ve known you for a long time.”
  • 8. “I don’t normally do things like this…”
  • 9. “What are you looking for?”
  • 10. “You’re different from other guys.”
  • 11. “I like being around you.”
  • 12. “Text me when you’re free.”
  • 13. “I trust your opinion.”
  • 14. “I was just thinking about you.”
  • 15. “I like your hands / voice / smell.”
  • 16. “You should teach me that sometime.”
  • 17. “What would you do if I…”
  • 18. “I can’t explain it, but something about you…”

Here are 18 things women say when they’re hoping you’ll take the lead–confidently, respectfully, and at the right moment.

1. “You can sit here if you want.”

Friends having a meal together
©Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash.com

This is more than an offer for a seat–it’s an invitation to her space. Women don’t casually suggest proximity unless they’re comfortable with you. When she makes room beside her, she’s subtly testing how confident you are about moving closer. Don’t just plop down awkwardly–use the moment to start a deeper conversation, make eye contact, and mirror her body language. If she stays open and engaged, it’s a green light to progress gradually.

2. “I feel safe around you.”

A couple on a restaurant date
©Curated Lifestyle/Unsplash.com

Safety is one of the highest compliments a woman can give, and it usually means she trusts you enough to be more vulnerable. When you hear this, she’s telling you that emotional and physical closeness is welcome–as long as you continue to respect her comfort zone. You don’t have to act immediately, but you should start paying attention to opportunities to be more intentional, like guiding her through a crowd or putting your hand lightly on her back when you walk together.

3. “I usually don’t tell people this, but…”

A couple on a cafe date
©Alina Kurson/pexels.com

When she starts revealing personal stories or deeper thoughts, she’s inviting intimacy. Opening up is her way of moving the connection forward–but she won’t do all the work. Listen actively, avoid judging, and share a bit about yourself, too. This is often a sign she’s emotionally investing–and she’s waiting to see if you’ll step up and match that energy.

4. “Are you dating anyone right now?”

Colleagues talking at work
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

This is as bold as it gets without being direct. She’s not just curious–she’s checking if there’s room for her in your life. Most guys answer too quickly and change the topic. The smarter move? Ask her the same question back, playfully. If she smiles, hesitates, or gets a little flustered, she’s signaling that she thought about it–which means you should, too.

5. “Let me know when you get home.”

Colleagues high fiving at work
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

If she cares about your safety, she’s thinking about you when you’re not around. That’s emotional connection. It also gives you a built-in chance for follow-up conversation and maybe even a late-night call. When you text her, don’t just say, “Home now.” Instead, keep the energy going: “Made it home–but hanging out with you was the best part of my night.” If she keeps texting… keep going.

6. “We should go there together sometime.”

Friends laughing at a restaurant
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

This isn’t a casual suggestion–it’s a seed she’s planting. Women often test interest by mentioning future plans to see if you’ll pick them up. If you respond with enthusiasm and suggest an actual date and time, it shows confidence and initiative. Don’t overthink it–just lock it in. “Saturday afternoon? I’ll grab the tickets.” Simple, smooth, effective.

7. “I feel like I’ve known you for a long time.”

A couple talking over coffee
©Katerina Holmes/pexels.com

This means she feels a natural connection–one that doesn’t require effort or explanation. It’s also her way of fast-tracking closeness without things feeling rushed. When you hear this, she’s telling you she’s comfortable enough to explore more–that trust is already established. Use this moment to transition into deeper conversation or light physical cues that feel natural, not forced.

8. “I don’t normally do things like this…”

A couple laughing at a restaurant
©Los Muertos Crew/pexels.com

This phrase means she’s stepping slightly outside her comfort zone–for you. She wants you to notice the effort she’s making. Treat it as something special, not ordinary. Reassure her subtly with confidence, kindness, or humor. This is often the turning point–handle it well, and the door opens wider than most guys ever realize.

9. “What are you looking for?”

A mature couple smiling at each other
©Marcus Aurelius/pexels.com

This question isn’t random–it’s strategic. She wants to see if your intentions align with hers. Don’t give a robotic answer or dodge it with jokes. Be real, but keep it positive and forward-moving. Having clarity doesn’t make you less attractive–it makes you more reliable. And reliability is rare–which makes it extremely appealing.

10. “You’re different from other guys.”

A couple at a restaurant date
©Mikhail Nilov/Unsplash.com

This is a compliment disguised as curiosity. She’s hinting that she sees potential in you–and she’s waiting to see how you respond. The key is not to act arrogant or surprised. Just lean into it with confidence: “I’ll take that as a good thing.” If she playfully pushes back, keep the energy going. That’s flirtation–and it’s your cue to reciprocate.

11. “I like being around you.”

A couple having coffee outdoors
©Bethany Ferr/pexels.com

When she verbalizes enjoyment of your presence, she’s handing you momentum on a silver platter. Most of the time, she wants that moment to become more than casual–more intentional. You don’t have to go full romantic immediately, but you should dial up your presence. Eye contact, slower pace of conversation, light touch (if it feels right)–let the energy shift naturally.

12. “Text me when you’re free.”

Colleagues laughing with each other in the office
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

This isn’t politeness–it’s permission. She doesn’t want to always be the one starting conversations. If she’s opening that door, walk through it confidently. Don’t wait days–reach out soon and escalate the connection instead of lingering in small talk. Suggest plans, share something funny, or send a voice note. Lead with intent–that’s what she’s hoping you’ll do.

13. “I trust your opinion.”

A couple talking and chatting at work
©Getty Images/Unsplash.com

Trust is attraction’s quiet foundation. When a woman asks what you think and genuinely values your input, she’s inviting more than just casual conversation. Respond thoughtfully–don’t brush it off or say “I don’t know.” Take it seriously. If she trusts your judgment, she may be thinking of you as someone who could play a bigger role in her life. That’s your signal to step up, not stay quiet.

14. “I was just thinking about you.”

A woman smiling while texting
©Vitaly Gariev/Unsplash.com

This is a powerful tell–because it means you’re on her mind when nothing is happening. That’s emotional presence. When you hear this, don’t respond with a dry “oh really?” Match her openness. “Funny, I had a reason to think about you today too.” If she asks what reason–she’s looking for connection. That’s your chance to build real momentum.

15. “I like your hands / voice / smell.”

A couple talking closely at a cafe
©Anete Lusina/pexels.com

Complimenting physical traits is one of the clearest signals of attraction. Women don’t say this randomly–it’s often a test to see how confident you are receiving flirtation. The worst move? Getting awkward or downplaying it. The better move? Smile, hold the moment, and respond with playful confidence. That energy becomes magnetic when handled right.

16. “You should teach me that sometime.”

Colleagues looking at something on the computer
©SEO Galaxy/Unsplash.com

When she wants to learn something from you, it’s rarely about the lesson–it’s about time together. She’s giving you a built-in excuse to hang out again in a comfortable, low-pressure way. Don’t schedule a lecture–make it fun and hands-on. Shared learning can create physical closeness, playfulness, and deeper bonding… if you set it up right.

17. “What would you do if I…”

A couple talking at a restaurant
©cottonbro studio/pexels.com

This kind of hypothetical question is often a subtle test–she wants to see how bold or romantic you might be without putting herself fully on the line. Respond with confidence and curiosity–not over-the-top bravado. Play along and see where it leads. These “what if” moments often contain all the unspoken desire she’s not ready to say outright.

18. “I can’t explain it, but something about you…”

A couple looking at each other during a coffee date
©Ekam Juneja/pexels.com

This is a sign she feels a chemistry she can’t logically describe–which usually means she wants it to grow. She’s giving you permission to explore it, to define it, to escalate it respectfully. At this stage, words matter less than presence. Be intentional, be genuine, be aware. She’s not hinting anymore–she’s opening the door. The question is, will you step through it?

Dating & Confidence

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About TMM Staff

The Modest Man staff writers are experts in men's lifestyle who love teaching guys how to live their best lives.

If an article is published under TMM Staff, that means multiple writers worked on it. For example, sometimes several of us have experience with a certain brand, so we collaborate to publish a more thorough review.

Or, if an article was originally written by one person, but then it was updated by someone else, we'll re-publish it under TMM Staff.

Remember: all of our articles (including those below) are written by real people with decades of combined experience in men's fashion and lifestyle topics.

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