When someone bravely says “I like you”, it can feel like a mix of butterflies, excitement, and a little nervousness too. Whether you feel the same way, need some time to think, or just want to respond with kindness, the way you reply matters a lot. The right words can show warmth, care, and respect for the other person’s feelings—while also staying true to your own. Responses When Someone Says They Like You.
When someone confesses that they like you, it can be a nerve-wracking moment, but how you respond can make a big difference in friendship, future, and personal growth. If your feelings are mutual, you can say something like “I like you too” with honest, genuine, and thoughtful words. Express admiration, kindness, and respect while acknowledging their sentiment. A simple thank you or appreciate what they’ve shared can create a positive atmosphere, reinforcing trust and connection.
Communicate clearly about your interest, next step, or potential date in a polite and considerate way. This process is all about being sincere, respectful, and courageous, while navigating differences in pace, priorities, and commitments. Sometimes, a gradual approach allows both people to explore possibilities, getting to know each other better without rushing.
If you don’t feel the same way, it’s still important to respond with honesty, gentleness, and kindness. You can politely decline while acknowledging their bravery, flattered expressions, and the trust they’ve shown. State your feelings clearly, respectfully, and with empathy, making sure the person understands you value their friendship and want to remain friends. Use simple, direct, and heartfelt phrases that highlight your intentions without causing confusion or hurting feelings.
Whether it’s a brief conversation on the couch, a video chat, or a message, consider the context, timing, and comfort of both parties. Handling this delicately can preserve a positive bond, prevent misunderstandings, and showcase respect, gratitude, and sincerity in every interaction
1. “I like you too.”
Best use: When you genuinely feel the same.
Not to use: If you’re unsure or don’t feel the same—it can give false hope.
Other ways to say: “I feel the same way” / “I’ve been meaning to tell you that too.”
Example: “I like you too—it feels so good to finally say it out loud.”
Read More: Synonyms for “I Will Take Your Word For It”
2. “That means a lot to me.”
Best use: When you want to acknowledge their courage without rushing into an answer.
Not to use: If you’re planning to completely reject them.
Other ways to say: “I really appreciate you saying that” / “That’s so kind of you.”
Example: “Wow, that means a lot to me—thank you for sharing how you feel.”
3. “You’re such a wonderful person.”
Best use: When you’re unsure of your own feelings but want to compliment them.
Not to use: If you want to make your feelings crystal clear right away.
Other ways to say: “You’re amazing” / “You’re really special.”
Example: “You’re such a wonderful person, and I’m grateful to have you in my life.”
4. “I wasn’t expecting that, but I’m glad you told me.”
Best use: When you’re surprised but want to show appreciation.
Not to use: If you’re already certain you don’t want anything beyond friendship.
Other ways to say: “That caught me off guard, but I respect your honesty.”
Example: “I wasn’t expecting that, but I’m really glad you shared it with me.”
5. “You’re brave for saying that.”
Best use: When you admire their courage and want to honor their honesty.
Not to use: If you want to avoid making it sound like a lecture.
Other ways to say: “That takes courage” / “I respect your honesty.”
Example: “You’re brave for saying that—I really admire your openness.”
6. “I care about you a lot.”
Best use: When you want to show affection without confirming romance.
Not to use: If you don’t actually care about them—it may sound empty.
Other ways to say: “You’re important to me” / “I truly value you.”
Example: “I care about you a lot, and I want to be honest with you too.”
7. “That makes me smile.”
Best use: When you feel happy about their confession.
Not to use: If you don’t want to give mixed signals.
Other ways to say: “That makes me really happy” / “You just brightened my day.”
Example: “Aww, that makes me smile—I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”
8. “I’ve thought about this too.”
Best use: When you’ve had similar feelings but haven’t spoken yet.
Not to use: If you’ve never considered them romantically.
Other ways to say: “I’ve felt the same way” / “I’ve been wanting to tell you too.”
Example: “Funny enough, I’ve thought about this too—it’s been on my mind.”
9. “You deserve honesty, so here’s how I feel…”
Best use: When you want to set clear boundaries with respect.
Not to use: If you plan to avoid giving a straight answer.
Other ways to say: “I want to be upfront with you” / “You deserve to know my feelings too.”
Example: “You deserve honesty, so here’s how I feel—I think of you more as a friend.”
10. “This is really sweet.”
Best use: When you want to soften the moment.
Not to use: If you don’t want to seem dismissive.
Other ways to say: “That’s so kind of you” / “You’re really thoughtful.”
Example: “This is really sweet—I appreciate your openness with me.”
11. “I respect your feelings.”
Best use: When you want to show maturity in your response.
Not to use: If you want to keep things light and casual.
Other ways to say: “I respect what you feel” / “I value your honesty.”
Example: “I respect your feelings—it takes a lot to share something like that.”
12. “I want to take some time to think about this.”
Best use: When you’re unsure and need space.
Not to use: If you’re certain of your answer.
Other ways to say: “Can I have some time to think?” / “I don’t want to rush my response.”
Example: “I want to take some time to think about this, because your feelings matter to me.”
13. “I’m flattered.”
Best use: When you want to appreciate their compliment without promising anything.
Not to use: If you don’t want to sound too formal or detached.
Other ways to say: “That’s flattering” / “I really appreciate that.”
Example: “I’m flattered you feel that way about me.”
14. “You’ve made my day.”
Best use: When their confession genuinely lifts your spirits.
Not to use: If you’re trying to keep things serious.
Other ways to say: “That made me really happy” / “I needed to hear that today.”
Example: “You’ve made my day with that—I really appreciate you telling me.”
15. “I think you’re great.”
Best use: When you want to compliment them back.
Not to use: If you need to reject them clearly.
Other ways to say: “You’re awesome” / “You’re a really good person.”
Example: “I think you’re great, and I’m glad we can talk like this.”
16. “I value our friendship, and I want to be honest with you.”
Best use: When you need to set clear boundaries.
Not to use: If you actually like them romantically.
Other ways to say: “I really treasure our friendship” / “You mean a lot to me as a friend.”
Example: “I value our friendship, and I want to be honest—I don’t see us as more than that.”
17. “That’s so kind of you to say.”
Best use: When you want to acknowledge the compliment politely.
Not to use: If you’re trying to give a serious response.
Other ways to say: “That’s very thoughtful” / “I appreciate that a lot.”
Example: “That’s so kind of you to say—it really means something.”
18. “I admire you too.”
Best use: When you feel admiration but not necessarily romance.
Not to use: If you want to shut down the idea completely.
Other ways to say: “I really look up to you” / “I respect you a lot.”
Example: “I admire you too, you’re an incredible person.”
19. “You caught me by surprise.”
Best use: When you want to show genuine reaction.
Not to use: If you want to stay composed and neutral.
Other ways to say: “I wasn’t expecting that” / “You surprised me.”
Example: “Wow, you caught me by surprise—I didn’t see that coming.”
20. “I need a little time to process this.”
Best use: When you need breathing room before answering.
Not to use: If you already know you want to say yes or no.
Other ways to say: “Can I think about it?” / “I want to give this some thought.”
Example: “I need a little time to process this because it’s important to me.”
21. “That’s really thoughtful of you.”
Best use: When you want to acknowledge kindness.
Not to use: If you’re looking to give a direct romantic answer.
Other ways to say: “That’s considerate” / “You’re really sweet.”
Example: “That’s really thoughtful of you—I appreciate your honesty.”
22. “I appreciate your honesty.”
Best use: When you want to show gratitude for their openness.
Not to use: If you don’t intend to continue the conversation.
Other ways to say: “Thanks for being upfront” / “I value your honesty.”
Example: “I appreciate your honesty—it means a lot to me.”
23. “I’ve been waiting to hear that.”
Best use: When you’ve secretly hoped they’d feel the same way.
Not to use: If you’re not actually interested.
Other ways to say: “I was hoping you’d say that” / “I’ve wanted to hear that for a while.”
Example: “I’ve been waiting to hear that—it feels so good to know.”
24. “I like spending time with you too.”
Best use: When you want to keep it light and reciprocal.
Not to use: If you don’t actually enjoy their company.
Other ways to say: “I enjoy being with you” / “I always have a good time when we’re together.”
Example: “I like spending time with you too—it’s always fun.”
25. “This means a lot, and I want to be respectful of your feelings.”
Best use: When you want to handle the moment carefully.
Not to use: If you’re going to give a careless or dismissive answer.
Other ways to say: “I respect what you’ve shared” / “Your feelings matter to me.”
Example: “This means a lot, and I want to be respectful of your feelings in my reply.”
Conclusion
Hearing “I like you” can be one of life’s sweetest and most nerve-wracking moments. The right response depends on your feelings, but what matters most is being kind, honest, and respectful. Whether you return the affection, need more time, or only see them as a friend, the way you reply shapes not only their experience but also your relationship moving forward.
Editor’s Picks (Top 10 Responses)
- “I like you too.”
- “That means a lot to me.”
- “You’re brave for saying that.”
- “I care about you a lot.”
- “I wasn’t expecting that, but I’m glad you told me.”
- “I want to take some time to think about this.”
- “You deserve honesty, so here’s how I feel…”
- “I’ve been waiting to hear that.”
- “I respect your feelings.”
- “This means a lot, and I want to be respectful of your feelings.”
