Does his increased attention signal romantic interest, or is it just friendly?

[Anonymous]

I have a crush on a guy who I know through university theater classes, and lately I’ve been confused about his intentions. Last semester, we barely interacted. I had a crush on him, but he didn’t initiate conversations, and he once didn’t respond to a text I sent him. When I brought it up later, he apologized and explained that he isn’t good at texting and that it wasn’t personal. This semester, though, our interactions seem different.

Here are some things I’ve noticed:

* He initiates more interactions. He’s started sitting near me, joining conversations I’m having with my friends.
* He remembers little things I’ve mentioned. He remembered that I liked his band and offered to bring me some merch.
* There’s been more eye contact.
* He seems attentive to little things I do. I can’t tell whether he’s specifically watching me or whether the movement simply catches his attention.
* We had a playful interaction involving physical contact. I asked him to play thumb war with me, joking that no matter who won or whether he forfeited, he would owe me a sweet treat. He agreed. He joked that it was “the tortoise and the hare” because I was trying harder than he was, and he chuckled when I finally won. He also gave me money for the treat afterward.
* He acknowledged a gift I gave him. I wrote him a thank-you note Later, he thanked me.
* He sometimes seems amused when we make eye contact. Most recently, I was walking down the steps toward class while he was standing by the entrance. We made eye contact, and he shook his head with a small smile before going inside. It felt playful to me, but I have no idea what prompted it.

He has also complimented my personal style before. The age difference is another thing I’ve thought about. He once said that age-gap relationships can be okay as long as there isn’t an unhealthy power dynamic. I don’t know whether that was simply his general opinion or whether it has any relevance to my situation.

[SueShe]

I would say that a sudden increase in attention could be a sign that he is romantically interested in you. However, I am not sure whether this is romantic as such or more that he sees you as a potential candidate to satisfy his urges.

You state that you have a crush on him and that did not go unnoticed. With your crush, you clearly indicate that you are willing to be open to anything and he realizes that you are in a weaker position and he is probably taking advantage of that fact.

Beware that you are not just seen as an object for his sexual needs and that after use, you may be discarded.

[Nikki1989]

Being male, he will be interested in something from you. Whether it is anything worthwhile is for you to judge.

[slatyb]

He's crushing on you but he's shy. How old is he? Yes, age-gap relationships can work.

[EmmaMary]

Why not test the waters by asking if he would like to give you a damn good fucking.

[Alex-Snow]

How old is he? What is the age gap?

[Danny_dan92]

Not a good indicator.

[Anonymous]

Yes.