If someone secretly dislikes you, they’ll usually display these 9 subtle behaviors

There’s a fine line between someone being indifferent towards you and secretly disliking you.

Often, these feelings are hidden behind a façade of politeness, making it tough to discern the truth.

But those who harbor secret dislike have certain subtle behaviors that can give them away.

In fact, there are 9 telltale signs that someone might not be your biggest fan, even if they say otherwise. And I’m going to share those with you in this article.

1) They avoid eye contact

Eyes are often touted as the windows to the soul, and there’s truth in that old adage.

When someone is genuinely interested in you or likes you, they usually maintain a good amount of eye contact during conversation. It shows respect, attentiveness, and interest.

However, if someone secretly dislikes you, they might avoid making eye contact.

It’s not always easy to notice, especially if they’re good at hiding their true feelings. But if you pay attention, you’ll see it. They might look at their phone, scan the room, or just stare blankly at something else while you’re talking.

Of course, not everyone who avoids eye contact dislikes you – some people might just be shy or nervous. But if this behavior is consistent and coupled with other signs on this list, then it could be a sign of hidden disdain.

So keep an eye out (no pun intended) for this subtle behavior.

2) They always seem too busy for you

We all lead busy lives, but we tend to make time for people we genuinely like and care about.

If someone is always “too busy” to spend time with you, it might be a sign that they secretly dislike you.

I remember a friend of mine, let’s call her Lisa. We used to hang out a lot, but gradually I noticed that she was always “busy” whenever I asked her to meet up. Whether it was work, family, or just being tired, there was always an excuse.

At first, I brushed it off, thinking she was genuinely overwhelmed. But as time passed, I noticed she was hanging out with other friends and posting about it on social media.

It hurt to admit it, but it was clear that Lisa didn’t value our friendship as much as I did. She didn’t dislike me enough to end the friendship outright, but her constant “busyness” was a subtle sign of her feelings.

So if someone is repeatedly too busy for you but seems to have time for others, it might be a sign they’re not as fond of you as you thought.

3) Their body language is closed off

Body language speaks volumes about how someone feels towards you.

When someone secretly dislikes you, their body language tends to be closed off. They may cross their arms or legs, avoid facing you directly, or maintain a physical distance from you.

Research in the field of nonverbal communication has shown that these behaviors are often subconscious reactions when we feel uncomfortable or disengaged. It’s a sort of self-protection mechanism, creating a physical barrier between us and the person we’re not fond of.

So if you notice someone consistently exhibiting closed-off body language around you, it might be a sign they’re not your biggest fan.

4) They hardly initiate conversation

Engaging conversation is often a two-way street. If it feels like you’re the one always initiating, it might be a sign that the other person isn’t as invested in the relationship as you are.

When someone secretly dislikes you, they might avoid starting conversations with you. They might respond when you talk to them, but they rarely, if ever, make the first move.

This can be a subtle way of keeping their distance without being overtly rude or confrontational. It’s their way of saying “I don’t dislike you enough to ignore you completely, but I also don’t want to engage with you more than necessary.”

5) They rarely show genuine interest in your life

One of the best ways to tell if someone likes you is by how interested they are in your life.

When someone secretly dislikes you, they’re usually not interested in your personal affairs. They might ask about your day or your weekend out of politeness, but their questions often feel shallow and their responses to your answers may be non-committal or disinterested.

If they rarely ask follow-up questions, seem distracted while you’re talking, or quickly steer the conversation back to themselves or other topics, it could be a sign that they’re not genuinely interested in your life.

Remember, someone who truly likes you would want to know more about you. If that’s missing, it could be a hint of their hidden feelings towards you.

6) They might undermine your achievements

There’s something truly special about sharing your achievements with those who genuinely care about you. Their happiness and pride in your accomplishments can amplify your own joy.

However, if someone secretly dislikes you, they might downplay or undermine your achievements. Instead of sharing in your excitement, they might dismiss it as luck or as something trivial.

This can be particularly hurtful because it’s a moment when you’re vulnerable, sharing your joy and success. Having that belittled or brushed off can sting.

Remember, anyone who truly cares about you would celebrate your successes with you, big or small. If someone can’t do that, it might be a sign of their hidden dislike.

7) They’re quick to criticize

We all make mistakes and it’s important to have people around who can point them out constructively. But there’s a difference between helpful criticism and unnecessary nitpicking.

I once had a coworker who seemed to relish in pointing out my mistakes, no matter how small. Whether it was a minor typo in an email or a slight misstep in a presentation, she’d be quick to point it out, often publicly.

It was hurtful and embarrassing. I began to feel like I couldn’t do anything right in her eyes. It took me a while to realize that her constant criticism was less about improving my work and more about her feelings towards me.

If someone is always quick to criticize you and rarely offers praise or encouragement, they might secretly dislike you. Constructive criticism is one thing, but constant nitpicking can be a sign of hidden disdain.

8) They avoid physical contact

Physical contact, like a pat on the back or a friendly hug, is a common way of showing affection or camaraderie.

If someone secretly dislikes you, they might avoid any form of physical contact with you. Even in situations where it would be considered normal or friendly, they keep their distance.

This can range from avoiding handshakes to stepping back if you get too close. It’s a subtle way of establishing boundaries and keeping you at arm’s length.

9) They’re indifferent to your feelings

At the heart of every strong relationship is empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

If someone secretly dislikes you, they might show a consistent indifference to your feelings. Whether you’re sharing something happy or venting about a bad day, they seem unmoved or uninterested.

This lack of empathy can be one of the most telling signs. Because no matter what their words may say, if they can’t share in your joys or support you in your lows, it’s a clear sign that they don’t hold you in high regard.