It’s happening again.

You are just sitting there, minding your own business, when you feel someone staring at you.

You whip around and see him across the bar.

He smiles and then looks away. 

Was that smile for you?

Or did you imagine it?

You don’t know how to feel.

Why do guys always stare at me? you wonder. 

Well, today we are going to go in-depth on what it means if a guy looks at you from a distance or stares at you in public.

There’s a variety of scenarios that could lead to this: from love at first sight to a wardrobe malfunction. 

Read on to find out what to do next time you catch him staring at you from across the room. 

What Does It Mean If A Guy Stares At You in Public?

So what does it mean if a guy stares at you in public?

How can you tell if a guy is checking you out?

Is he in love with you?

Should you approach him?

Or is he a creep that you need to avoid at all costs?

Well, there could be a couple of different reasons depending on the context. 

He Is Interested in You

The first reason that a guy is staring at you in public, maybe that he is interested in you.

Sometimes men can be shy and approaching someone as intimidatingly beautiful as you can be daunting.

He may be staring at you to gauge your interest in him. 

Especially if you know him, this could be the case — he could also always just be staring because you know each other! 

However, it is easy to distinguish an “I’m interested in you stare” versus an “I think I know you stare”. 

If a man is interested in you he may also do the following while staring at you: 

• Wink: this can come off as cheesy and creepy, but if he’s the right guy, you’ll find it cute.
• Smile: this is a tell-tale sign that he wants you to approach him. 
• Look away: this is a sign that yes he might be staring at you, but he is also scared to approach you. However, if he looks away and you don’t catch him staring at you again, he might have just mistaken you for someone else. 

If you already know the man staring at you, these signals could definitely mean he’s feeling something for you.

How do I know?

Well, I’ve been the girl stared at before. 

In my younger college years, I caught a boy — who I had quite the crush on! — staring at me in the dining hall.

I’d just be sitting there eating my pasta when I’d see him across the room.

We’d make eye contact and he’d smile or sheepishly look away. 

At the time, I was too naive to know what this meant and too shy to approach him. 

Now, I see it for what it was: the beginning of two very large crushes.

I never made a move on my staring-man, but I do look back and wish I had. 

If you are in a situation where he is giving you doe eyes, and you are into it — go say hi!

However, if you aren’t interested, ignore the stares and continue minding your own business. 

He Might Be Creepy

Not every guy staring at you is your secret Prince Charming.

Sometimes, he might just be creepy.

This is especially true while you are working out.

How do you know if a guy is checking you out at the gym?

If you don’t know the guy at all or feel uncomfortable with his staring, it might be time to move along and avoid his eyes. 

But how do you know if this really is stranger danger?

Here are some warning signs that you should avoid the staring-man: 

• He is quite a bit older: if he is much older than you, his staring could be a red flag situation. Yes, some older men are lovely, but be sure to trust your gut. If his age is making you cringe, don’t engage with him. 
• He catcalls you: Catcalls are not sexy. If he is staring at you from across the room and feels the need to objectify a stranger, he’s not the type of guy you want to date. Walk away. 
• He follows you: if you have caught him staring at you and then you notice that he has started following you, this could be a dangerous situation. Call a friend and let them know you are on your way — even if you are not. Make it clear to him that you notice he is behind you and try to stay in public areas until you’ve lost him. 

If you feel like you are in danger, you probably are. Make sure to trust your gut and ask for help. 

Of course, this isn’t always why a guy is staring at you, but if it is take it seriously. 

You Might Have a Wardrobe Malfunction

Staring might not always mean that you are the hottest girl in the room.

Sometimes, it might mean the opposite and you should check yourself in the mirror. 

If a guy is staring at you across the room, but looks bewildered or is trying to mime something at you, it could mean you are experiencing a wardrobe malfunction. 

You may have something stuck in your teeth, a smudge of lipstick across your face, a ripped piece of clothing, toilet paper on your shoe, or any other number of embarrassing hiccups.

Hopefully, if this is the case, your mystery man will come to the rescue and let you know what to fix. 

However, this doesn’t mean all romance is lost. 

In fact, it could be just the opposite and your embarrassing moment is the story you tell your future kids!

A man who has integrity is the same type of man who will kindly tell you that you may be experiencing a  wardrobe malfunction. 

We all want a man with integrity, who has the guts to tell us something not-so-pretty. 

If he can approach you, say that something embarrassing is happening with your appearance, and still flirts with you, you have a definite in with him.

Plus, this goofy mishap is a way to bridge the gap between you and begin what could be your very own love story. 

What Do You Do When A Guy Is Staring At You? 

Checking in with how you feel about a guy staring at you is the number one way to decide what to do.

I can’t tell you how to feel as each situation is unique! 

If he is cute, you are excited that he is staring, and you want to talk to him — do it!

Fear will only lead to regret.

Plus, his stare could be the beginning of an adorable meet-cute love story that you will tell at parties for years to come. 

If your red flag sensors are tingling, don’t approach him. You will always know best if a situation seems off to you.

The greatest love stories never begin with a sick feeling in your stomach.

Remember, just because he is attracted to you or staring at you does not mean you have to engage with him. 

 Finally, if he approaches you just to tell you that you have spinach in your teeth — thank him.  

You needed to know! 

Overall, you don’t need to think too much about this man staring at you.

If true love is your destiny, it will find you and you will find him!

Staring could be the beginning of something new and exciting or it could be a forgettable moment in your unforgettable life. 

So, go out and keep being you!

Why he is staring at you doesn’t matter as long as you remain true to yourself.