Hey Hunk Unc, what do you do when your crush is giving you mixed signals?How do you know if someone likes you in a romantic way without having to ask?Hey hunk unc, I'm taking a break from the apps,

Students, today your Unc is combining three different questions that all essentially ask the same thing. 

All of these questions come down to one thing: vibe.

Mixed signals are mixed vibes. Not wanting to ask someone directly is trying to catch a vibe without making things awkward. Wanting to build “rizz” is wanting to improve the vibe you’re putting out into the world.

The annoying truth is this: every single person on this planet is different, and every single person communicates differently. Some people flirt like they’re auditioning for Love Island. Some people flirt by standing three metres away from you at a flat party and asking if you’ve done the readings. Some people seem keen because they reply fast, and some people seem uninterested because they’re simply bad at texting, busy, shy, emotionally constipated, or all of the above.

I could tell you that eye contact, little touches, or looking at you when everyone laughs are signs someone likes you. And sure, sometimes they are. But sometimes they’re just friendly. Sometimes they’re flirting with no intention of doing anything. Sometimes they’re only looking because you’ve got your high-protein spinach-and-egg-white breakfast stuck in your teeth.

Romance is a cruel sport.

So when someone gives mixed signals, don’t make their confusion your full-time job. If someone likes you, their behaviour should make you feel more secure over time, not more confused. A bit of mystery is fun. Constantly analysing what “haha yeah maybe” means is not flirting. That’s admin.

As for building “rizz,” I hate to say it, but the best way to become more attractive is to look after yourself. Not in a weird grindset podcast way. I don’t need you waking at 4.30 a.m. and yelling affirmations into the mirror. I mean basic good-human maintenance.

Wear clothes that fit. Lint-roll your pants if they look like you’ve been wrestling a golden retriever. Use cologne or perfume, but don’t gas the room. Get a haircut if you need one. Ask people questions. Listen to the answers. 

Got a crush? Give yourself a fighting chance. Invite them for coffee. Ask if they want to grab a drink. Mention a hobby you’ve wanted to try, then actually try it so you have something to talk about next time. Be someone with a life, not someone hovering nearby hoping they’ll notice your romantic suffering.

But here’s the real kicker: there is no secret way to know for certain if someone likes you without asking. You can read the signs, consult the group chat, and stare into the spiritual abyss of their “liked your story” behaviour, but eventually, you either ask or accept not knowing.

And if you’re too scared to ask, ask yourself why. Is it fear of rejection? Fair enough, but you can get over that. Is it because being with them is a terrible idea? Maybe they’re taken, your flatmate, or your mate’s ex. In that case, keep crushing from afar and don’t turn your life into a messy group-chat incident.

Rizz is not magic. It’s confidence, care, and the ability to ask questions and listen to answers.

Go well, team. And floss.