Is there a hint of interest anywhere?

Question

My really distant cousin from Germany, (we're not genetically related) came to America this summer. He stayed at my Grandma's house, and when i left to go back home, his eyes looked soft, i can't really explain that part. Then when my aunt took a picture of all of us and my other cousins he put his arm on my shoulder because he was right next to me. When we were down in the basement playing Wii, my brother went to the restroom and he put his elbows on his knees and looked at me(right in the eyes) and he did that twice. The second time, I asked what? He said, just taking a gaze at you. That was the night before he left the next day. He writes to me in email more than my brother. He always picked on me but not my brother or my other cousins. Is he just being friendly or is it more?

Answer 1

Everything you say can be either innocent or implying a greater interest (unfortunately). Generally speaking, a guy won't spend a lot of time paying attention to a girl he doesn't have some interest in, the question here is how much of what sort of interest does he have..

The only advice I have would be to get the info from him directly. Maybe not by outwardly asking him, as you seem to be too shy to do, but perhaps by asking certain questions and discussing certain subjects with him. For example, you might ask when he hopes to visit again, the things he'd like to do when he visits again that he didn't get to do this visit, and what he thinks of his time with you. You could also tell him you're considering visiting him and ask him to tell you some of the things you'd do together if you did. All of these things could lead the conversation into finding out where he stands on things.

You might also consider asking his opinion on some guy you 'just met' and were starting to get to know. Keep it non-threatening to him -- don't let him think he has to compete with this other guy -- just talk like you've been approached and you're not sure what to do. If he's a jealous and/or protective type, you might elicit a response that answers your question as well..