7 Best Ways To Get Closer To Your Crush Casually

When you were going through Instagram and saw your crush in their most recent selfie, do you recall that moment? Your heart performed a little samba dance, your thumb froze, and your mind started racing with ideas about how to approach your crush without giving them away.

Ahh, crushes. Mother nature's way of telling us that feelings between people are more nuanced than the storyline of Inception.

This feature serves as your go-to manual for practical advice based on psychological research, helping you go quickly from "Who, me?" to "Oh, we're just hanging out."

# Do Small Favors

Have you ever observed that when someone does something for you, you tend to say yes more often? That is the Benjamin Franklin Effect, or the Reciprocity Principle, in action.

You can gain their favor by doing a small favor here and a small gesture there. It has been shown psychologically to strengthen bonds.

# Mimic Body Language

For this, you don't have to be a mime artist. Just observe their nonverbal cues and gently reflect them.

In reality, when you gently copy someone else's body language, you're conveying subliminal messages that foster comfort and confidence.

This is a deeply ingrained social psychology phenomenon whereby mirroring essentially functions as a nonverbal handshake, indicating that two people are on the same wavelength.

It's similar to deceiving the brain into believing it is connecting with a kindred soul, which opens the door to deeper conversations. Mirror away, but remember that nuance is vital. Everyone dislikes imitations, in the end!

# Make Them Feel Good *Through Compliments*

A compliment is something that everyone enjoys. When you receive one, don't you feel happy? Reinforcement theory, a fancy term for "people like stuff that makes them feel good," is what psychology refers to as this.

Thus, maintain light and encouraging talks with them and see how they come to you.

# Group Hangouts & Activities

Group hikes and other shared activities are not only enjoyable, but they also prove to be a biologically verified means of fostering intimacy.

The psychology of this is quite simple: Engaging in activities together increases feelings of emotional resonance.

Additionally, you are providing your brain with a strong incentive to release oxytocin when you share a physical or emotional struggle, such as climbing a mountain. That's right—your brain's neurochemical Cupid is launching arrows!

The icing on the cake is that social pressure is lessened in a group setting. With no high stakes of a one-on-one, you may both engage in more casual interaction and build real bonds.

# Open Up Gradually

Gradually open up, and you'll find that you're traveling along a short cut to the town of connections—you two! This embodies the best of Social Penetration Theory.

We are all like emotional onions, you see. You should peel back layers at a time rather than revealing your core all at once.

Which Netflix series are you binge-watching right now? Maybe tomorrow, you'll start pursuing your covert goal of winning the world championship in thumb wrestling.

And whoa, let us give you a little more psychological tease: Saying, "I don't usually tell people this," after sharing anything strengthens the bond between the two people.

# Eye Contact

I believe that eyes are billboards for your emotions and windows into the soul. It's not just lyrical malarkey that says "a glance well placed is worth a thousand emojis"—this is psychology, baby!

Texts or direct messages just can't replace the personal connection that eye contact fosters.

Hold on, though—we're not referring to a look that would be uncomfortable for even a statue.

The "Triangle Technique" is crucial. Yes, people, this is Eye Contact 2.0!

Using the Triangle Technique, one forms an imaginary triangle by glancing from one eye to the other and finally down to the mouth.

# The Power of Humor

Who doesn't enjoy a good joke? Humor psychologically dismantles barriers and fosters comfort.

Thus, the next time you're brainstorming conversation starters, keep in mind that sharing a laugh may be a good way to start a conversation with your crush.