When your best friend has a crush on someone, you’re likely the first to know. They might talk, text, or even praise their crush all day, but hesitate to take the next step. As a good friend, you can play detective and explore whether the feelings are mutual.
Here are 10 tactful ways to figure out if someone has a thing for your friend.
Steps
Ask directly.

This is the simplest way to determine if someone likes your best friend. Don’t forget to ask your friend’s permission before approaching their crush. If they agree, just walk up to the person and ask. Try to keep the conversation discreet so they don’t feel like the center of attention.
- Simply ask: 'Hey, do you like Yến?'
- Remember, they might be too shy to admit their feelings to you, so there’s a chance they’ll say no (even if they actually like them).
Send a quick message.

If the person is a bit shy, this is the least pressuring approach. The person your best friend likes might feel more comfortable expressing their feelings when asked via text or instant messaging. If you have their phone number or online chat details, simply ask if they like your friend.
- Send a straightforward message like: 'Hey, do you like Mai?'
- If the answer is yes, you can share the good news with your best friend. If they say no, gently encourage your friend to move on.
Hint.

Casually mention that your friend finds them attractive. You don’t have to reveal your friend’s secrets (like the dreamy diary entries they write every night), but you can drop subtle hints. Skillfully bring your friend into their focus by saying:
- 'Lan thinks you’re really cute. You probably already know, right?'
- 'Have you talked to Phương lately? I think Phương might have a crush on you.'
Ask about their love life.

Ask about their relationship status. If they often mention someone or go out with another guy/girl, you can subtly understand that your best friend might need some comfort. If they clearly state they’re single, your best friend still has a chance!
- Ask something like: 'Are you seeing anyone right now?'
- Or 'How’s your love life been lately?'
Check if they’re looking for a relationship.

If your best friend’s crush is single, it might be by choice. Ask a few questions to see if they’re interested in finding someone to date or if they’re just brushing it off. If they’re open to a relationship, your friend still has a shot.
- Say something like: 'You’ve been single for a while now. Any plans to find a new girlfriend?'
- Or 'I heard you and your boyfriend broke up. Are you enjoying the single life for now?'
Ask about their ideal type.

An ideal type is the kind of person someone is attracted to. If the description matches your best friend, there’s a good chance they could make a great pair. You can also ask about their past relationships to get a clearer idea of the type of guy/girl they like.
- Ask something like: 'What’s your ideal type?'
- Or 'What kind of person do you usually date?'
Observe if they’re interested in someone.

Casually ask if they like your friend. Try inquiring if they’re currently interested in or noticing someone to gauge the situation. You need to ask subtly, avoiding being too direct, as it might come off as obvious.
- You could ask: 'Are you into anyone right now?' or 'Who’s caught your eye lately?'
Hypothetically ask who they’d date.

Playfully ask if they’d consider dating your friend. Frame it as a hypothetical scenario that seems a bit outlandish. Stay calm while waiting for their honest response. Avoid being too obvious and ask something like:
- 'If you had to date one of my friends, who would you pick?'
- 'Suppose you had to choose one of my friends to hang out with alone, who comes to mind?'
Ask if they’d like your friend’s phone number.

Play matchmaker by setting them up. Check with your best friend if they’re okay with it. Then, suggest to the other person that you’ll share your friend’s number so they can get to know each other. If they agree, it’s a good sign.
- Say something like: 'Hey, I can give you An’s number if you’re interested.'
- At first, your best friend might feel shy about it, but they’ll appreciate you when they receive a friendly message from them.
Compliment your friend.

If they agree with the glowing praise you give your best friend, it’s a positive sign. Casually mention how amazing your friend is when they’re around. You can also praise their academic achievements, style, or kindness. For example:
- 'Minh always wears the best uniform in school.'
- 'Dũng is incredibly smart. He might even win if he competed on Đường lên đỉnh Olympia.'
Advice
- Your best friend’s crush might not be honest with you due to shyness. But they might open up if your friend asks directly.
- If the other person isn’t interested, gently comfort your friend by saying they’ll find someone more compatible.
