Is this subtle flirting?

[Unic0rn]

I was checking up on my male friend who was sick on WhatsApp after asking him how he was feeling he told me he loved my display picture and all that was remaining to make it perfect was a smile. Was it subtle flirting?

[Bethany22]

He might want friends with benefits. If all he does is give you compliments here and there and some honest advice, then he might be attracted to you, but not enough to worry that giving you constructive criticism might make you not like him back.

[Oliverlogan263]

It's possible that could be seen as subtle flirting, but it's also hard to say for sure with just that one comment. Here are a few things I would consider:

- Complimenting your display picture is a nice thing to do, but focusing specifically on what would "make it perfect" adds a layer of him paying close attention to your looks.

- Saying he loved it also uses a strong word like loved that you wouldn't necessarily say about a friend's pic.

- The context of him being sick so you were checking on him - he may have wanted to give you a compliment to seem interested since you showed you cared how he was.

- Guys don't usually point out specific things to "add" to a friend's appearance, but would to someone they're into.

So I'd say there's a chance he was putting out a subtle feeler to flirt and gauge your reaction. Hard to know for sure without knowing him better. If he starts complimenting you more or finding excuses to talk one-on-one, it may be flirty interest. But don't read too much into just this one comment alone either.

[Unic0rn]

We barely see each other but the last time I saw him at a wedding proposal party for his sister. He came from behind and started rubbing my shoulder when I wasn’t in distress and then proceeded to call my name and asked me if I was about to leave

[Unic0rn]

And I have heard him call me baby under his breath which I found weird

[Oliverlogan263]

Okay yeah based on that additional context, it does seem like there could definitely be some flirting or interest going on from his side. A few things that make me think that:

- Rubbing your shoulder out of nowhere like that is a pretty intimate/physical gesture, especially coming up from behind. Most guys don't do that with female friends.

- Calling you "baby" under his breath is like a pet name which implies familiarity/attraction beyond just being friends.

- Tracking you down at the party to ask if you're leaving yet shows he's paying attention to you in particular.

It's possible he's just extremely friendly, but those things combined with the compliment on your photo do read as subtly flirty to me. I'd say there's a good chance he likes you as more than a friend based on those interactions. The question is whether you're interested in exploring that possibility or just want to stay as buddies. Either way is fine - just trust your gut on how you feel about it. Let me know if any other signs start to come up!

[A_Bell]

Yes. He's telling you he thinks you're attractive in a non-committal and non-threatening way.