You have a crush if you find yourself daydreaming about them, blushing whenever they speak to you, and picturing a future with them. After you’ve accepted that, it’s time to stop secretly crushing and start telling them how you feel. It’s not always simple to come out and say you like someone, but it’s always a thrilling and, let’s be honest, terrifying experience. In your opinion, what should we do? What is your plan for starting the dialogue? Worst case scenario, they say no.
Make some hints
If you’re really worried about coming out and saying how you feel, consider dropping hints that you’re into your crush and seeing what happens. Hold their gaze for a few seconds longer than usual if you happen to encounter theirs in the corridor. You could send them a flirtatious text message after class to let them know they’re on your mind, or you may tease them playfully during the day. Sullivan says this can “help alleviate any accompanying pressure” and encourage your crush to think about pursuing a relationship with you.
Set a time limit for yourself
Sullivan advises that you keep yourself accountable. Setting a specific time frame in which to initiate contact with your crush is sure to have the desired effect. As a result of anxiety, you may put off taking action for far too long. If that’s the case, try to give yourself a deadline of some sort to tell them how you feel. To delay action is to allow yourself time to second-guess your decision.
Follow your gut instincts
You may be concerned about how your actions could appear to your crush, but remember that you need to feel at ease as well. If you have a crush on someone, do what comes natural to you when considering how to express those feelings to them. Let your feelings out via text if that’s your preferred method of expression.
She explains that “declaring your thoughts via SMS might remove any immediate shock from the circumstance,” which makes it simpler for the recipient to respond thoughtfully. You can’t go wrong with any approach to expressing your emotions.
Send them a text message or a snap if that’s more your style. But remember that face-to-face communication makes it far simpler to ensure that your words are understood as you want.
Rehearse the words you intend to use
Preparation can never do any harm, right? While it may seem unusual, it might help to reduce the stress associated with being clean about your emotions if you give some thought to what you plan to say ahead of time. If you’d rather not type out your ideas on your phone, try keeping a journal instead. When you’re feeling nervous, practice can help you speak what you want to say.
Provide them some time and space to express themselves
Don’t make them feel obligated to reply when you share your emotions with them. Don’t stress out if their interest isn’t returned immediately. It’s possible that your crush will answer immediately away, but they may also require time to process their own emotions.
The person you’re telling has a responsibility to their own sentiments, so keep that in mind, as Sullivan puts it. You should frame the discussion so that they feel empowered to make decisions that are best for themselves. Maybe you could even add something like, “I’m not expecting you to say anything back, I simply wanted to let you know how I feel.” Alternately, you may tell them how you really feel, then pause to let them process your words.
Find somewhere relaxing to hang out
Be sure to pick the perfect place to meet if you decide to tell your admirer how you feel in person. You might not want to come clean about your emotions at a noisy coffee shop or in the middle of the corridor as you rush to your next lesson. Think about where you would feel most comfortable talking to this person, such as on a walk along the beach or in a park with less people, and suggest that you two meet there. The ability to have an uninhibited talk can be greatly facilitated in a private or semi-private atmosphere.