Understanding Indications of Interest (IOIs)
During social interactions, knowing how your partner feels is crucial, especially when seeking a romantic connection. To figure out their feelings, look for Indications of Interest (IOIs)—subtle signs that show how they feel during your chats.
Recognizing the Signs
As you pay attention, you'll notice signs that indicate a deeper connection. The more IOIs you spot, the more likely they want to move from talking to something physical. Both men and women show IOIs, and it’s important for each partner to notice and understand these signals.
Categories of IOIs
IOIs fall into three main categories:
Verbal IOIs: Words that show interest, like:
Asking personal questions
Keeping the conversation going
Physical IOIs: Signs like:
Sustained eye contact
Leaning in while speaking
Behavioral IOIs: Actions such as:
Mirroring your body language
Laughing more than necessary
These basic IOIs are a solid starting point. More advanced IOIs include:
Playing with their ponytail
Preening
Hand-bumping
Advanced IOIs Explained
Ponytail Positioning
When sitting side by side, pay attention to how your partner positions their ponytail:
If they move it away from you, they want to keep the conversation going.
If they move it closer to you, they might not be looking to deepen the conversation.
Preening
Preening is another subtle way for your partner to seem more attractive. This includes:
Running fingers through their hair
Checking their teeth with their tongue
Adjusting their clothing
Watching these actions can reveal a stronger connection.
Hand Bump
A third subtle IOI is the hand bump, especially while walking. If your hands brush against each other more than twice, it might mean something. This is especially true if they adjust their pace to get their arms close enough to touch. If their knuckles tap against your hand, they’re testing the waters.
Moving Forward
As you interact, watch for all the IOIs your partner shows. The more you notice and the closer they are in time, the stronger the sign that they want to increase physicality becomes.
Once you see enough IOIs, it’s usually safe to move forward with physical contact, like a hug or a kiss. Remember to be respectful; IOIs don't always mean consent.