Have you ever found yourself drawn to a woman but unsure if the feeling is mutual? This is where Indicators of Interest (IOIs) come into play. These subtle signals of attraction can help you understand whether a woman is interested in you, making it easier to approach her with confidence, especially when you’re navigating the complexities of international dating. In short, once I learned how to use IOIs effectively, my success in dating beautiful women overseas skyrocketed, and I lowered my rejection rates significantly.
In this article, I’ll delve into what IOIs are, why they are usually subtle, how to recognize them and share some personal success stories related to them when dating overseas. We’ll also discuss how IOIs compare to the concept of a cold approach, offering practical examples to help you better identify these signals. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to read these cues, making your international dating experiences more successful and enjoyable.
Understanding these indicators is crucial, especially when dating overseas. In countries where language barriers pose a challenge, they can offer big clues on who and when to approach. Cultural differences can make it challenging to know if women are interested in you. By mastering the art of recognizing IOIs, you will not only increase your chances of forming meaningful connections but also approach women with more respect and confidence.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Be A Pickup Artist (PUA) Overseas.
What are Indicators of Interest (IOIs)?
Indicators of Interest (IOIs) are non-verbal and verbal cues that a woman might use to show she is attracted to you. These can range from subtle gestures like a prolonged glance or a smile, to more overt actions like initiating conversations or standing close to you. IOIs are valuable tools in the world of dating, especially for pickup artists (PUAs) and men who are navigating the realm of international dating.
These signals are particularly important because they can help you gauge whether a woman is interested before you make your move. This knowledge can save you from the awkwardness and potential rejection of a cold approach, where you initiate contact based solely on physical attraction without knowing if the interest is mutual.
On the flip side, I often avoid women who give signals of disinterest. These are displayed as avoiding eye contact, not returning a smile, or giving terse responses to questions. It’s important not to take these personally, as a woman may have a boyfriend or be married, be busy, not interested in you, or simply not in the mood to interact with someone.
Also see: How To Approach Beautiful Foreign Women In Public Overseas
Indicators of Interest Examples
Recognizing IOIs involves paying attention to a woman’s body language and actions. Below is a table contrasting common IOIs with indicators of disinterest:
| Indicators of Interest | Indicators of Disinterest |
|---|---|
| Smiling | Avoiding eye contact |
| Holding eye contact longer than usual | Looking around the room while talking to you |
| Multiple glances in your direction | Not looking back at you, frequent checking of phone |
| Twirling her hair, touching her face | Crossed arms |
| Winking | Minimal responses or one-word answers |
| Standing or sitting close when there’s space elsewhere | Physically moving away |
| Engaging in conversation and asking you personal questions | Ignoring attempts to initiate conversation, giving short responses |
| Playfully teasing | Giving short, disinterested laughs |
| Mimicking your movements | Avoiding physical interaction |
| Slowly walking past you multiple times (with eye contact or glances) | Walking past you multiple times but fast and looking away |
Understanding these IOIs can significantly increase your success in international dating by allowing you to identify whether a woman is interested in you before you even say hello. I’ve met countless women in public in over 20 countries by simply understanding these signals. Of course, it will still take a bit of courage on your part because women will seldom make the first move to approach you.
My Experience Using Indicators of Interest Successfully
In Cebu City, I was sitting outside a cafe at Ayala Mall, sipping coffee. A beautiful woman walked by me, briefly made eye contact, and looked back again a second time. These are significant indicators of interest. At that moment, I didn’t have the courage to say anything to her, but fortunately, about five minutes later, she walked by me again and repeated the same behavior. This time, I said “Hello” with a big smile and started a conversation with her, asking her how she was doing today. After a minute, I invited her to sit and join me for a cup of coffee. We exchanged contact information and went for a date later that week.
Another time, in Istanbul, Turkey, I was hanging with a buddy at the famous Grand Bazaar market. I noticed a stunning woman walking beside us. I wanted to say something to her, but I felt she hadn’t seen me yet; therefore, I didn’t have any indicators of interest. So, I turned to her and made eye contact, and she held eye contact with me and smiled, and I quickly said, “Hello, are you from Turkey?”. She said that she wasn’t but was actually from China. And then she asked where I was from, which is an excellent indicator of interest (she asks a question). After some minutes of walking together, I invited her to join me and my buddy for a cup of coffee, which I would pay for. She accepted, and later, we exchanged contact information and remained in touch.
Also see: 10 Great Countries Every Pick-Up Artist (PUAs) Should Visit
Indicators of Interest Are Subtle
I’ve found that quality women often give very subtle IOIs and will often give up after a few brief attempts to get your attention. They may be shy, reserved, or just want to give men the space to take the initiative, allowing them to “be the man.” In many cultures, the expectation is that men will make the first move, even if the woman is already interested. This subtlety can be a way for women to protect themselves from rejection or play hard-to-get.
However, it’s crucial to be wary of overly strong indicators of interest, especially when dating overseas. In my experience, particularly in countries like Brazil, Thailand, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, very aggressive IOIs can often come from women near red-light districts. These women might be looking for transactional rather than romantic relationships, which might or might not be what you’re seeking.
Indicators of Interest vs Cold-Approach
The concept of IOIs contrasts sharply with that of a cold approach. A cold approach involves initiating a conversation with a woman purely based on her physical attractiveness, with no prior indication of her interest in you. This method can often lead to higher chances of rejection because you’re going in blind. Essentially, I strongly prefer using IOIs instead of cold approach techniques.
On the other hand, focusing on IOIs means you’ll be approaching women who have already shown some level of interest in you. This can dramatically improve your chances of success because you’re responding to a pre-existing attraction rather than trying to create one out of thin air. Additionally, by waiting for IOIs, you show respect for her space and boundaries, which is crucial when you’re dating internationally and navigating different cultural norms.
In countries where men are expected to take the lead in romantic pursuits, recognizing IOIs can make your dating experience smoother and more enjoyable. It allows you to approach with confidence and increases the likelihood of forming a genuine connection, as opposed to facing a string of rejections.