He’s Just Not That Into You…or is He?

As I’ve mentioned many, many, MANY times, I’m not great at relationships. Well, actually I take that back. I’m a good boyfriend—it’s just that none of my relationships have lasted to this point. Regardless, though I may not know how to make a relationship last, I do know people….more specifically men. I know them suckers like the back of my hand because I happen to be one (shocked, right?!).

If there’s one question I’m asked on a constant basis, it’s, “How will I know if she/he likes me?! OmG, i’M fReAkInG oUt, cOrY!!” Okay, maybe not that bad, but the question is presented to me quite often. So, that being said—and because I’m not about to act like I know what women are EVER thinking—I decided to put a little guide together for the ladies that hints at when a young fella may have takin’ a liking to ya.

As always, these are guidelines, not hard rules to live by. Some of these may be fairly obvious, but it never hurts to touch all of our bases, ladies.

Without further ado, I present to you, “Cory Copeland’s Guide to the Male Mind”:

If he does…find a way to personally contact you every single day.
I know what you’re thinking. “DUH, Copeland!” But stick with me here. If a young squire finds random, off-the-wall reasons (mentioning things you like, funny stories to tell you, asks how your day is going, etc.) to text, call, or message you, then he’s got an itch to scratch and the only medication for said scratch is you, dear. It may sound elementary, but you’d be surprised at how many chicas miss this sign.

If he doesn’t…miss an opportunity to hang out with you.
Again, simple. Yet, it seems the female is programmed to dismiss the most obvious sings of infatuation. Maybe it’s the fear of rejection, maybe it’s the adamant refusal to give a guy a break…I don’t know. But if a guy readily accepts just about every invitation to be around you, IT MEANS HE PROBABLY LIKES YOU. Are we clear? Good. Moving on.

If he does…talk to his friends about you.
I’m not joking when I say guys are simple, basic creatures. We are. So it only makes sense that if a guy is talking about you to mutual friends (in a good way. Never forget that guys can be total douchebags sometimes), it means he can’t get you off of his mind and has to let that goodness out. It’s a good thing. It may not mean he’s automatically ready for marriage (he’s no Ross Gellar, amiright, ladies?!), but it does mean that you hold a special place with him, and he—more than likely—would like to get to know you on a more personal level.

If he doesn’t…mind doing/buying stuff for you.
Dudes are cheap. I don’t care who he is or how much money he makes, he’s watching his dollars like Luke watched Peyton through the windows of her house (One Tree Hill anyone? Anyone? No? Okay…). So it only stands to reason that if he offers to pay for your meal, or buy you presents, flowers, etc. that he’s got a wee bit of a crush on you. Either that or you’re just one of those manipulative females that’s got him wrapped around your little finger. THAT’S RIGHT! I SAID IT!

If he does…find reasons to be alone with you.
This maybe the most simple one of all. Look, a guy is a fraternal thing. We like to be around other guys so we can tell gross jokes and make farting noises with our mouths (I’m only half joking here). So if a guy finds a way to be alone with you—no matter the venue—it means he probably has a thing for you and just isn’t brave enough to ask you out on a proper date. Either that or he’s looking to pull a Derek and wants to tie you and your best friend up in your basement on prom night (Two OTH references in one post?! I am on FIRE!).

Alrighty, that’ll have to hold you over for the time being*. Hopefully you’ll find these guidelines helpful in your pursuit of the perfect man. If not, that’s what you get for listening to a guy who’s watched every episode of One Tree Hill until Luke and Peyton left, but refuses to acknowledge that it’s still being aired (because they WERE the show, you guys. THEY…WERE…THE…SHOW).

*Feel free to add your own helpful hints in the comments.

(Follow me on Twitter at @Cory_Copeland. Thanks for reading! Luke + Peyton= 4lyfe)