It's important to be able to recognize signs of attraction when interacting with a married man. This will help you decide whether or not to engage him. Married men are often more subtle in communicating their attraction. By watching for certain clues, you may be able to determine if, and to what degree, a married man is interested.
Finding Ways to Spend Time With You
If a maried man is interested in you, he may create opportunities to accidentally run into you. He might show up at your favorite local hangout, for example, or attend a charity event when he knows you will be there. He may volunteer to work late, extending hours on a project just because you do. Maintaining close proximity to you may increase the likelihood that a relationship will form, suggests Gary Lewandowski, Monmouth University professor of psychology, in his article "Top 5 Classic Studies in the Psychology of Attraction," for Science of Relationships.
Initiating Interaction With Questions
His conversations may often begin by asking about you. Asking questions can be seen as akin to flirting behavior, according to University of Kansas professor of communications Jeffery Hall in an interview with KU News Service coorespondent Brendan Lynch. An interested married man may subtly obtain information in this way, making himself more compatible and attractive by determining your preferences and acting on that information. Questions may include inquiring about a boyfriend or asking for your number.
Behaving Differently Around You
Observe him to determine whether he behaves differently around friends or colleagues compared to when alone with you. If he seems unnatural or pressured, he may be attempting to impress you. you may notice he seems fidgety, flustered or has trouble finding the right word. He may also engage in uncharacteristic attention-seeking or grooming behavior, such as repetitive tie-straitening, diffusing his nervous energy, notes Helen E. Fisher PhD, biological anthropologist, in her article "The Biology of Attraction" for Psychology Today. If he teases you and tries to make you laugh, he is demonstrating fondness.
Looking You Directly in the Eye
Whether he catches your eye with a lingering glance, or stares right at you, both may be signs he's interested; even more so if he shoots you a coy smile as an accompaniment. In her Scientific American article "Learning the Look of Love," optometrist Cheryl Murphy reports on research confirming the correlation between prolonged eye contact and perceptions of attractiveness. If a man is paying particular attention to a certain portion of your body, he is likely turned on by you.
Making His Body Talk
A married man who is interested will lean toward you or tilt his head somewhat sideways. In addition, the direction of his feet will be pointing toward you, according to behavioral investigator Vanessa Van Edwards, in her article "Body Language of Attraction" for Science of People. Mirroring your actions can be sign of amorous intentions, reports Dr. Fisher. He may playfully tap you on the hand or touch your back as he walks around you.
Disclosing Personal Details
Revealing information is definite "flirting behavior," according to communications expert, Jeffrey Hall. A man shares intimate, personal details with someone he likes, elaborating on his dreams and desires. Matrimonial relationship issues may be discussed by comments such as, "My wife does not understand me anymore."
Showering You With Compliments or Gifts
A married man may anonymously send a gift to you with a message such as, "I saw this outfit today, and it reminded me of you." Frequent compliments are also indicative of flirting behavior, notes Jeffery Hall. He may perform special favors for you, like washing your car, completing a repair around your house or weeding your lawn.
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Writer Bio
Michelle Stevens has been a writer for more than 20 years. Stevens obtained a master's degree in psychology from Eastern Kentucky University in 1987 and holds national certification as a school psychologist and licensure as a professional counselor in Georgia. Stevens has specialized in family counseling and cognitive behavior modification.
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