LESSON 15 · HOW OFTEN TO CONTACT SOMEONE

Signs They Enjoy Hearing From You

Thirty-two easy signs they enjoy hearing from you, so you can relax and keep the warmth going.

Signs of joy are easy to spot. Look for the warm ones.

28 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

28 tips that really help

These ideas come from Friends (Robin Dunbar), Platonic (Marisa Franco), Together (Vivek Murthy), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Warm signs are easy
TIP 1

Warm signs are easy

When people enjoy hearing from you, they show it in small ways. Knowing the signs helps you relax.

TRY THIS
Look for them.
Photo for the tip: They reply within a reasonable time
TIP 2

They reply within a reasonable time

Fast or steady replies suggest interest. Compare to their usual pace.

TRY THIS
Notice pace.
Photo for the tip: They ask questions back
TIP 3

They ask questions back

Questions show curiosity. They want to keep talking.

TRY THIS
Notice it.
Photo for the tip: They use warm words or emoji
TIP 4

They use warm words or emoji

Smiles, hearts and exclamation marks show warmth. Match them.

TRY THIS
Notice tone.
Photo for the tip: They share their own news
TIP 5

They share their own news

Sharing means trust. They want you in their life.

TRY THIS
Value it.
Photo for the tip: They remember details
TIP 6

They remember details

If they recall things you said, they care. Memory is love.

TRY THIS
Notice it.
Photo for the tip: They suggest plans
TIP 7

They suggest plans

Plans show a wish to meet. Say yes if you can.

TRY THIS
Accept.
Photo for the tip: They reach out first
TIP 8

They reach out first

When they message you first, it is a good sign. Enjoy it.

TRY THIS
Appreciate it.
Photo for the tip: They make time for you
TIP 9

They make time for you

Even in busy weeks, they find a moment. That shows value.

TRY THIS
Thank them.
Photo for the tip: They look pleased in person
TIP 10

They look pleased in person

Smiling, leaning in and relaxed posture show comfort. Notice kindly.

TRY THIS
Observe.
Photo for the tip: They say thank you
TIP 11

They say thank you

Gratitude shows they value your effort. Accept it warmly.

TRY THIS
Receive it.
Photo for the tip: Script: noticing
TIP 12

Script: noticing

I love that you always reply with a smile. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: matching
TIP 13

Script: matching

I will keep sending notes since you seem to enjoy them. Say it lightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: inviting
TIP 14

Script: inviting

Shall we meet soon, I think we would have fun. Say it brightly.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: sharing
TIP 15

Script: sharing

I really enjoy talking with you. Say it sincerely.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Script: closing
TIP 16

Script: closing

I am glad we keep in touch. Say it gently.

TRY THIS
Use it.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: reading too much into one sign
TIP 17

Mistake: reading too much into one sign

One sign is only a hint, so look for a pattern.

TRY THIS
Look wider.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: ignoring good signs
TIP 18

Mistake: ignoring good signs

Anxiety can hide good news, so remind yourself of warm replies.

TRY THIS
Notice good.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: testing them
TIP 19

Mistake: testing them

Games and tests hurt trust, so be open and kind.

TRY THIS
Be direct.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: comparing replies with others
TIP 20

Mistake: comparing replies with others

Everyone has a style, so do not compare.

TRY THIS
Stay personal.
Photo for the tip: Mistake: assuming a short reply means dislike
TIP 21

Mistake: assuming a short reply means dislike

Some people text briefly, so check their usual style.

TRY THIS
Know them.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you cannot tell
TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when you cannot tell

Ask kindly: do you enjoy hearing from me? People appreciate honesty.

TRY THIS
Ask once.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when they are shy
TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when they are shy

Shy people show warmth quietly. Look for small kindnesses.

TRY THIS
Notice small.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when culture differs
TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when culture differs

Some cultures show warmth less loudly. Learn the style.

TRY THIS
Learn.
Photo for the tip: Troubleshoot: when you doubt yourself
TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when you doubt yourself

List the warm things they did. Read it when worried.

TRY THIS
List them.
Photo for the tip: Drill: warm signs list
TIP 26

Drill: warm signs list

List five warm signs from a friend this week. Appreciate them.

TRY THIS
List.
Photo for the tip: Drill: thank them for a kind sign
TIP 27

Drill: thank them for a kind sign

Tell a friend you noticed something kind they did. Say it plainly.

TRY THIS
Do it.
Photo for the tip: Drill: notice the pattern
TIP 28

Drill: notice the pattern

Over a month look at how often they reply and ask. See the pattern.

TRY THIS
Observe.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

NOTICE

“They always reply with a smile.”

MATCH

“I will keep sending notes.”

INVITE

“Shall we meet soon?”

THANK

“Thanks for always replying so kindly.”

SHARE

“I enjoy talking with you.”

CLOSE

“I am glad we keep in touch.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Notice replies
DAY 2
Notice questions
DAY 3
Notice emoji
DAY 4
Notice plans
DAY 5
Notice time
DAY 6
Notice feelings
DAY 7
Keep going

Further reading

  • Friends (Robin Dunbar)
  • Platonic (Marisa Franco)
  • Together (Vivek Murthy)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

More lessons in “How Often to Contact Someone”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Use Reminders Without Feeling FakeNext: Signs You Are Messaging Too Much →

  1. Why Friendship Has a Rhythm
  2. How Often Is Too Often?
  3. How Rare Is Too Rare?
  4. The Friendship Layers: Close, Good and Casual
  5. Match Their Energy, Then Add a Little
  6. Quality Beats Quantity
  7. Let the Friendship Set the Pace
  8. The Weekly Touch for Close Friends
  9. The Monthly Check-In for Good Friends
  10. The Twice-a-Year Hello for Casual Friends
  11. Birthdays, Holidays and Milestones
  12. Keep a Friendship Calendar
  13. The Five-Minute Daily Habit
  14. Use Reminders Without Feeling Fake
  15. Signs They Enjoy Hearing From You
  16. Signs You Are Messaging Too Much
  17. Signs They Need Space
  18. Respect Their Busy Seasons
  19. Notice Reply Time and Tone
  20. Ask What Works for Them
  21. Never Keep Score Aggressively
  22. When a Text Is Enough
  23. When a Call Beats a Message
  24. The Joy of a Surprise Visit
  25. Group Chats Without Chaos
  26. Share a Meme, Make a Memory
  27. Voice Notes for Busy People
  28. Video Calls for Long Distance
  29. When You Always Reach Out First
  30. When Someone Reaches Out Too Much
  31. Talk About It Kindly
  32. Reset a Lopsided Friendship
  33. When a Friend Is Struggling
  34. When You Are Struggling
  35. Friendships Through Busy Seasons
  36. Friendships Through Moves and Changes
  37. Friendships With Different Schedules
  38. Make Plans Far Ahead
  39. Forgive Gaps and Move On
  40. Your Contact Rhythm Plan
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