Have you recently performed a favor for him or helped him out with a task? Or maybe you’re always there for him when he needs to talk about important things. His “I appreciate you” might be his way of acknowledging that!
Did he say this after you did something noteworthy, difficult, or brave, like perform in a play or go through a challenging experience? He may be trying to tell you you inspire him. If he followed up his “I appreciate you” by mentioning a specific attribute or skill you have that he admires, he could just be trying to indicate that he sees you and thinks you are special. An overwhelming 88% of people report recognition as the number-one thing they associate with feeling appreciated. Maybe you’re one of them![3] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
If you are having a hard day, you will likely show it by appearing glum or maybe even crying. If he says he appreciates you on a day you don’t feel very happy, he might be trying to lift your spirits. Did he follow up his comment with something encouraging, like “Chin up,” or a show of support, like “I’m here if you need anything”? He could also be saying it to boost his mood. Studies show that expressing gratitude can make you happier—it improves your physical health and self-esteem, and it’s a known tool to strengthen relationships. Win-win![4] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Does he often try to get you alone or engage you in deep conversation? These are signs he may be interested in taking your relationship to the next level. Mirroring is another sign of romantic interest: does your guy’s body language match yours when he talks to you? It’s a subconscious indicator of admiration. [6] X Research source Does he seek you out in group situations? If you’re at a concert or a party full of mutual friends, see if he tends to follow you around or try to monopolize your attention. If you’re interested in him, take some small risks to determine if he likes you. Smile at him across the room and give him some eye contact to see if he returns it. [7] X Research source
Does he touch you frequently? His touches probably won’t be overtly sexual, but if he’s attracted to you, he’ll likely go out of his way to touch you—for example, by brushing elbows, tapping you on the shoulder, or tickling you. The eyes are the window to the soul: does he stare deeply into your eyes? Just as importantly, does he stare at other parts of you? If you catch him checking you out, he’s probably interested. If he always looks like he’s put effort into his appearance, he might be trying to show off for you. Does he often tease you or engage you in flirtatious banter? If he flirts with you a lot, you can be sure “I appreciate you” holds some sexual connotations.
Does he flatter a lot of people—especially girls? If so, he might be using flattery to score points with you and get you on his “hook. ” Does he compliment you when you’re focused on something else (or someone else)? If he says he appreciates you seemingly out of the blue, it could be a sign that he wants to get your attention for himself. Don’t assume his “I appreciate you” is hollow, but if he seems insincerely complimentary toward a lot of people, take his comment at face value and go about your day.
“I appreciate you” is a nice compliment, but do his actions align with the sentiment? If he regularly asks you for favors or mistreats you, “I appreciate you” might actually just mean “I appreciate that you let me get away with things. ” For instance, if he says he appreciates you after you’ve indicated you’re upset with him about something, he may be trying to sweet-talk you.
If it’s your birthday or another gift-giving occasion, “I appreciate you” might be his way of contextualizing his present for you, especially if he’s written it in a card. He may just be giving you a present for no reason other than that, well, he appreciates you, and he wants to show it!
“Thank you. That means a lot. ” “Aww, that’s very nice. I’m glad you feel that way. ” “Wow, I really needed that today. Thank you for taking the time to express that. ”
“Thank you for all your support. I appreciate you too!” “You’re a great listener. I am truly thankful for your time, and I’m so lucky to have you in my life!” “You’re such a special person in my life, and it means the world that you think the same of me. ”
If you’re not positive about the meaning of his intentions, aim for a reply that subtly indicates your interest: “Thanks. That means so much coming from you in particular. ” A more overt response might be, “I’m really glad I have you in my life! I feel so seen by you. In fact, I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me?”
“That means so much! I’m so lucky to have a friend like you. ” “I really value our friendship. I hope you know I appreciate you as well. ” “Thanks so much for saying that. Brad always says I have the nicest friends!”
If the gift was for your birthday, a simple thank you is enough, but if he just gave it to you out of the blue to show he cares for you, consider responding with a gift of your own, if you want.
Context can help you identify if his intentions are romantic. Observe his body language around you: does he smile at you, maintain eye contact with you, and mirror your movements? These are subconscious signs of attraction. ”I appreciate you” might mean he likes you if he tries to spend time with you a lot and tries to get you alone when you hang out in groups. Sometimes, the best way to figure out his intent is to just ask him: “Hey, I was really touched by what you said! But I’m not positive why you said it. Could you offer some clarification?”
