Showing You're Interested

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Flirting is built on subtle signals — lingering eye contact, playful tone, body language — that many neurodivergent people neither send nor read reliably. Good news: you can show interest in clear, direct ways that work just as well, and often land better, because there's no guessing. Directness is a feature, not a flaw.

Ways to show interest that aren't guesswork

Clear signals I can actually send

Say it plainly: 'I really enjoy spending time with you'
Remember and ask about their things — it shows you were listening
Initiate the next plan
Put warmth in your words, since body language is hard
Ask genuine questions about them

Reading their interest (without spiraling)

Look for consistent, concrete signs, not a vibe you have to decode.

Concrete signs they're into it (they reply, they make plans, they follow up) vs. me guessing

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Direct is allowed — and attractive

Example: 'I really like you — I'd love to see you again.' • 'I'm not great at subtle, so I'll just say it: I like you.'

My version of saying it straight

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Clear beats coy: You don't have to master the signal game. Warm, clear, direct interest is refreshing — and it filters for people who like that you say what you mean. Pairs with 'Talking About You.'

Go deeper

Ready for more? These lessons pick up where this worksheet leaves off.

Communication Across Neurotypes, from The Neurodivergent Brain. Why autistic and non-autistic people misunderstand each other: the double empathy problem, direct vs indirect styles, and cross-neurotype repair.
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, from The Neurodivergent Brain. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, honestly: what it is, and what helps.
Love and Intimacy, from The Autistic Woman. Dating, relationships, and sex as an autistic woman: confusing scripts, masking, consent as a gift, and sensory-aware intimacy.

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