How to Attract a Tomboy

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Co-authored by Eddy Baller

Last Updated: April 10, 2025 References

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Befriending a Tomboy

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Making a Connection

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Flirting with Her

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Q&A

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Tips

Making a connection with a tomboy may seem difficult, especially since what works with other girls may not work with them. However, there are plenty of simple techniques you can use to woo your crush. Being kind, showing an interest in her hobbies, and showing respect to both her masculine and feminine aspects will help you attract a tomboy and, if you're lucky, earn you a date or romantic partner.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Befriending a Tomboy

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If you already go to school, work, or a similar place with your crush, just be kind to her. If you don't know each other, be confident and introduce yourself, that way she knows who you are. Nobody likes a jerk, and that's especially true for tomboys, so avoid insulting her, giving her backhanded compliments, and other common flirting tactics.
Many tomboys are members of clubs, teams, or groups focused on a specific activity or pastime. These can range from video game or D&D clubs to football or basketball teams. If you're actually interested in the activity, try becoming a member of the group or participating in a public event the organization hosts. The more engaged you are, the more likely your crush will notice you and be open to friendship.^{[1]
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To get closer to your crush, try becoming friends with another person in her social group. If you've already been vetted by someone she knows and trusts, your crush is more likely to accept you and your advances.^{[2]
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Message her on social media. If your crush is naturally shy, try sending her a message on Facebook, Twitter, or another platform. Start by sending her a casual message, then keep it low-key and relaxed until you see how she responds. If she writes back and seems receptive, keep the conversation going.^{[3]
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- If you haven't met in person yet, introduce yourself and tell her how you know her.
- Look through her profile for information on her family and friends, her interests, and things she likes and dislikes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Connection

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A key part of making a connection is showing that you're interested in the other person. Keep things light at first, asking questions about her everyday life such as: What music does she listen to? Who is her favorite athlete? What does she like to do for fun? Remember that it should be a conversation, not an interrogation, so answer any questions she asks you or build on the things she says.
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Seek out common interests. Ask your crush about her hobbies or pastimes and take an interest in them. Many tomboys love showing off their skills, so ask to participate in things where she can take the lead. If she's interested in skateboarding, ask her to teach you some tricks. If she plays sports, see if you can shoot some hoops or throw a ball around together.
- If you haven't tried one of her hobbies, give it a shot. If she loves golf, grab some clubs and hit a few balls. If she loves old movies, ask her for some recommendations.
- If your crush is an athlete or gamer, try making a bet about whether or not she can do something, like score 3 goals in a row or kill 10 enemies without taking damage.
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Show off your sense of humor. Making someone laugh is a great way to connect with them, and tomboys are typically more open to weird, crude, or off-color jokes than other girls. Try to discover what she finds funny and adjust your humor to match. If she laughs at a pun or loves a rude joke, try using more in the future.^{[4]
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- Many tomboys hate drama, so try to avoid making fun of specific people such as classmates or coworkers. Focus more on entertaining than insulting.^{[5]
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Maintain eye contact during your conversations. Eye contact is one of the most powerful ways to make a connection.^{[6]
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Expert Source

Eddy Baller
Dating Coach

Expert Interview} Don't check your phone or constantly look around toward other people. Instead, keep your attention focused on her. This is the best way to convey that you're interested in what she's saying, and will help you build a stronger connection.^{[7]
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- Eye contact is important, but prolonged staring is intense and off-putting, so glance away every once in awhile.
A genuine smile is one of the easiest ways to show interest in someone and make them feel comfortable. Try to keep the smile as genuine as possible. A forced smile is not attractive and can make her feel uncomfortable.^{[8]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Flirting with Her

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Make fun of yourself. Tell a story about a time you hilariously messed something up, or make a joke about the clothes you're wearing. Most tomboys are not interested in people with giant egos, so laughing at yourself is a great way to bond with your crush and let her know that you can take a joke.^{[9]
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- Self-deprecating humor is a great way to break the ice, but don't overdo it. Constantly putting yourself down isn't attractive and she may begin to think you aren't joking.
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Tease her gently. Many tomboys are competitive, so a little good-hearted teasing can bring out your crush's playful side and make her more open to your advances. Try giving her a silly nickname, jokingly disagree with something she said, or goad her about a favorite band, show, or sports team.^{[10]
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- Make sure it's clear that you're joking around and not actually insulting or criticizing her.
An easy way to show you like someone is by laughing at their jokes, and tomboys are no different. Pay attention when your crush tells a joke and, even if she isn't very funny, give at least a chuckle when the punchline hits. Laughing easily, or for longer than you normally would, can clue her in that you have a crush.^{[11]
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While they may not wear frilly dresses or tons or makeup, many tomboys still care about how they look and put a lot of work into it. Look for small changes in her appearance, like a new outfit, hairstyle, or hat, and compliment it. This will show that you're paying attention and will make her feel really good.
When you're having a conversation, lean in toward her ever so slightly. This draws her attention toward you and helps to show your interest in her. Sharing personal space is a key way to increase romantic and sexual tension, and if she seems receptive, try to break the touch barrier by placing your hand on her arm, shoulder, or leg.^{[12]
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Research source} If she is comfortable, she will also start moving into your space.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Eddy Baller
Dating Coach

Expert Interview}
If you're spending more time together and enjoy each other's company, ask if your crush would be interested in going on a date. Even though she's a tomboy, don't wait for her to pop the question. If she says yes, got to a casual place that fits your personalities, like a movie theater or diner. If she says no, ease up and assess the situation. She may want to just be friends, or she may not be ready for a relationship.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

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What if you are interested in her but she is interested in someone else?

Matthew Hester

Community Answer

If you have a crush on someone but they are attracted to someone else, try simply being friends with them. If their other attraction fades or doesn't work out, the door may be open for a relationship between you and her. If not, you will still have gained a good friend.

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What to do if someone likes you?

Matthew Hester

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If someone likes you and you like them back, that's great! Try hanging out with them to see if you connect and, if so, ask them on a date. If you do not like them back, be kind and reject their advances. If necessary, tell them explicitly that you are not interested in going on a date.

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I'm a girl and I like a tomboy. She says she's bisexual, but I don't have the courage to ask her out. What do I do?

Matthew Hester

Community Answer

Asking someone out can be a nerve-wracking experience, but you'll have to try if you want to go on a date with them. Take them to a casual and private area, gather your nerves, and pop the question. If you're too nervous to ask in person, try doing it over text.

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Tips

There is no single, perfect way to flirt with a tomboy. Some tomboys want to be treated like one of the guys while others may appreciate you acknowledging her femininity.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If the two of you are in the same class at school or bump into each other, use that time as an excuse to get to know her. Find out what she likes to do, and discover the interests you share. Once you find something you both enjoy, ask her to do something with you. For example, if you're both into playing tennis, ask her to meet you at the tennis court for a match.
Don't buy her feminine gifts if she doesn't have a lot of feminine things. You can still buy her flowers, but opt for a creative, brightly-colored bouquet over traditional roses.
Don`t be pushy or come on too strong.

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