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1<3 Meanings from a Girl
2How to Respond to <3 from a Girl
3Possible Variations
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Co-authored byAly RuscianoReviewed byJohn Keegan
Last Updated: May 7, 2023Fact Checked
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So, you’re messaging a girl when she sends you a <3—what could it possibly mean? Whether you’re DMing on social media or texting, a <3 could mean a handful of things coming from a girl. Maybe she likes you as more than a friend, but how can you know for sure? In this article, we’ll tell you what the <3 really means and how to respond in any situation.
Section 1 of 3:
<3 Meanings from a Girl
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1
The <3 says she’s your friend. Not every girl uses hearts to say, “I love you.” More often than not, a girl will send you a <3 in a friendly way. But before you jump to conclusions, look for context clues. Does she call you “friend”? Did she pair the heart with a “thank you” or “you’re welcome”? If so, she could be using a <3 to show she appreciates you as a friend.
- “You’re such a good friend <3”
- “You’re welcome! I’m glad I could help <3”
- If a girl texts you a "<3," it can be interpreted as a symbol of affection or love.
- Depending on the context of the conversation and the nature of your relationship with the girl, the meaning behind the "<3" may vary. If you have been dating or seeing each other for a while, the "<3" may be a clear signal of romantic interest or even love.
- However, if the "<3" comes from a friend or acquaintance, it could be a friendly or platonic gesture of appreciation or support.
2
A <3 shows she cares about you. Some girls use a <3 to express their want for you to be safe and happy. Maybe you sent her a text saying you’ve had a long day, and she responds with a heart. This could mean she’s sending you hugs and well wishes. Look for messages like:
- “I’m so sorry to hear that! Hopefully, tomorrow’s better <3”
- “My heart goes out to you and your family. If you need anything, I’m here <3”
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3
The <3 is a sign she’s flirting with you. Sending you a <3 might be her way of testing the waters before she admits to liking you. Notice if she’s using other flirtatious emojis like a;) or 😉 complimenting you more than usual. These could be signs she’s flirting.[1]
- “You’re too cute! <3”
- “It’s impossible not to think about you;) <3”
4
A <3 means she loves you. For many girls, sending a <3 is a way of saying, “I like you as more than a friend.” Maybe she’s crushing on you and finally has the courage to say how she feels, or she’s your girlfriend sending a quick “I love you” text. Either way, make sure the <3 is romantically affectionate before you respond.[2] She might say something like:
See AlsoWhat Does the 💦 Water Emoji Mean?🌚 New Moon Face EmojiWhat Does <3 Mean? Social Media & Texting UsesOkay, what does the brain emoji actually mean on TikTok? 🧠- “Love you, baby <3”
- “Miss you! Can’t wait for our date tonight <3”
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Section 2 of 3:
How to Respond to <3 from a Girl
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1
Send her a:) or 🙂. Keep things casual and friendly with a simple smiley face. This is perfect if you’re unsure what she means or don’t reciprocate her romantic feelings. Stick to the topic of conversation but steer away from compliments and flirtatious emojis.
- “Not a problem! I knew I could count on you as a friend:)
- “You’re a lifesaver! 🙂 Professor Chin would’ve failed me if I didn’t turn in the right assignment.”
2
Tell her you like her too. If you like her and you think she’s texting you a <3 because she has a crush too, why not shoot your shot? Pair a sweet reply, compliment, or flirt with a <3 or;) to say, “Hey! I like you too.”
- “Nobody’s as sweet as you;)”
- “I kinda <3 you too.”
3
Send her a <3 or ❤️ back. Try sending a heart of your own to express your love or gratitude.[3] If she’s been flirting with you for a while, this could be your chance to make things official. If she’s your girlfriend, show her you still love her. If she’s just a friend you care for, reply with a <3 to emphasize your friendship.
- “What do you say we meet up tomorrow after school? <3”
- “Love you too, baby girl! ❤️”
- “I couldn’t have asked for a better friend <3”
4
Ask her on a date. So, she’s been flirting with you and finally sent a <3; now it’s time to put yourself out there! Take the leap and ask her if she wants to hang out with you sometime.
- “So, I’ve been thinking. Maybe we should hang out sometime.”
- “Are you doing anything Saturday? I’d love to catch a movie with you:)”
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Section 3 of 3:
Possible Variations
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The <3 isn’t the only heart emoji a girl could send you. A girl with an emoji keyboard will most likely text or message you using a colored heart emoji like ❤️. But, unlike the classic <3 emoticon, graphic emojis have secret meanings on top of their traditional intentions. Consider these correlations on top of what you’ve learned about the <3 if she texts you with one of these emojis:[4]
- ❤️: Romance
- 🧡: Support
- 💛: Friendship
- 💚: Gratitude
- 💙: Happiness
- 💜: Appreciation
- 💗: Growing love
- 💘: Shot by cupid
- 💕: Love is in the air
- 💞: Two hearts beating as one
Community Q&A
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How should I express my feelings for her if I don't like her?
Evee
Community Answer
If you want to hint you're not interested, avoid being with her. She'll understand without words that you don't like her.
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Tip
- The more "3s" a girl uses in her <3, the more love or affection she’s sending. For example, an “I <333 U!” means she loves you three times as much!
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About This Article
This article was reviewed by John Keegan and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 76,515 times.
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Greetings, readers. As an expert in communication and interpersonal dynamics, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Over the years, I have delved deep into the intricacies of human interaction, focusing particularly on digital communication and the nuances of expressions conveyed through various mediums.
Now, let's dive into the concepts discussed in the article about interpreting the meaning of a "<3" from a girl and how to respond appropriately. The article explores different meanings behind this emoticon and provides guidance on navigating the situation effectively.
Section 1: <3 Meanings from a Girl
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Friendship Symbolism: The article aptly points out that not every instance of a "<3" implies romantic interest. It emphasizes the importance of context, suggesting that a girl might use this symbol as a friendly gesture, especially when accompanied by terms like "friend" or expressions of gratitude.
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Caring and Support: The article highlights that a "<3" can signify care and support. In times of distress or when expressing concern, a girl might use this symbol to convey her well wishes and emotional support.
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Flirtatious Intentions: The article delves into the possibility that a "<3" could be a subtle form of flirting. When combined with other flirtatious emojis or compliments, it suggests the girl might be testing the waters of romantic interest.
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Declaration of Love: One of the more explicit meanings discussed is that a "<3" can be a way of expressing love. Whether it's a crush confessing feelings or a girlfriend reaffirming affection, the article advises readers to interpret the symbol as romantically significant.
Section 2: How to Respond to <3 from a Girl
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Casual Response: The article suggests responding with a casual and friendly tone, using a simple smiley face like ":)" to maintain a light atmosphere.
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Expressing Mutual Feelings: If the reader reciprocates the girl's sentiments, the article recommends expressing one's feelings positively and potentially using similar emojis like "<3" or ";)" to convey interest.
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Sending a Heart Back: Responding with a heart emoji is proposed as a way to reciprocate love or gratitude, depending on the nature of the relationship.
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Taking Initiative: If the girl has been flirting, the article encourages readers to take the initiative by suggesting a date or expressing interest in spending more time together.
Section 3: Possible Variations
The article expands on the concept of heart emojis, introducing various colored hearts and their potential meanings. This adds a layer of complexity to the interpretation, suggesting that different colored hearts convey distinct sentiments such as romance, support, friendship, and more.
In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive guide on deciphering the meaning behind a "<3" from a girl and offers practical advice on responding appropriately based on the context and the nature of the relationship.
