How to reply when he says he likes you

When someone tells you he likes you, he's removed the guesswork. He's stated a preference and made himself vulnerable by doing it. What matters now is understanding what you're responding to. This isn't a yes-or-no question. He's shared information about his feelings and given you permission to share yours. Your job is to read the moment clearly. Is he asking you to commit to something? No. Is he telling you where he stands so you can tell him where you stand? Yes. That's what's actually happening here. Everything he does after your reply will be shaped by how you handle this one moment.

Your reply needs to do exactly two things. First, it has to answer the implicit question. Do you like him too, or are you still deciding? You don't need to match his words exactly. You need to be clear about your position. Second, it has to show him you're engaged. A one-word answer tells him you got his message but nothing about whether you want to keep talking. Add something that moves the conversation forward. Ask him about something he cares about. Suggest doing something together. Comment on something that shows you were actually listening and thinking about what he said. The best replies give him both clarity and a reason to text back.

Send your reply within a few hours if you're interested. Same day at the latest. Waiting days to respond reads like disinterest even if that's not what you mean. Once you've replied, his move comes next. If he suggests hanging out or keeps the conversation going, he's showing follow-through. If he goes quiet after putting himself out there, that tells you something too. Don't send multiple messages waiting for a response. One good reply is enough. If he doesn't engage after that, he may be processing or he may have moved on. Either way, you've done your part by being honest and direct. Don't chase clarification or try to reignite it.