How to Tell Someone You Have Feelings for Them

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Everything changes in a friendship when romantic feelings are brought into the picture. The outcome of admitting your feelings to someone will depend on your way your crush already feels about you in return, but the way you bring it up can have a strong impact on the way it plays out. While there's no way to guarantee that your attempt will be successful, there are some helpful strategies that may make it easier for you to tell someone how you feel.

Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Knowing When the Time is Right

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  1. Figure out your own feelings first. [1] It's important to first ask yourself whether your feelings are really strong enough to warrant taking things to the next level. There are many different levels and types of attraction. In some cases, your feelings may not be strong enough to warrant moving forward with them; in other situations, it's better to wait a while and see. If you feel you really want to admit your feelings however, you owe it to yourself to follow through with it. [2]
  2. It's probably not the sort of thing you want to be thinking about realistically when you first become attracted to someone, but it is nonetheless important to consider just how likely your crush is to return your feelings. Have they shown you any signs of attraction beyond friendship, or have they turned you away whenever things have gotten personal? Weighing the risk of sharing your feelings is important if you don't want to risk the friendship. [3]
    • You can do more harm than good by letting a friend know your real feelings, especially if the whole thing is approached incorrectly.
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  3. Find out if your crush is already interested in somebody else. Finding out about your crush's other potential interests is an important part of weighing your own chances. Letting someone know you have feelings for him is a big risk, especially if you really value the existing relationship you share together. With that in mind, it's a good idea to make sure someone hasn't beaten you to the chase before going in yourself. Even if someone might be interested in you otherwise, there's very little chance he'll strike up a relationship if he's actively pursuing someone else at the time.
    • Note the difference between real interest and passing attraction. If your friend has called a member of the opposite sex 'good-looking' or even 'hot', that doesn't necessarily mean he's wanting to date them. On the contrary, he may even be testing you to see if you'll react when he says something like that.
  4. Signs of attraction, whether conscious or unconscious, will usually shine through in a given interaction, even if it's just a friendship on the surface level so far. If your crush likes you, chances are you'll be able to sense it on some level. Does he go out of his way to shower you with attention and compliments? If your crush is a girl, does she avert her gaze a lot when she's around you, or laugh and smile more than usual when you're talking to her? [4]
    • Not only will sensing mutual attraction give you a better idea of what your potential chances are, knowing the attraction is there will make you feel more confident when it comes time to admit your feelings.
  5. Even if the two of you are both attracted to one another, admitting attraction is bringing new business into your relationship, and it should be avoided for the time being if you still have current issues to attend to.
    • If you had a recent fight as friends, it would be a good idea to hold off on admitting your feelings until the dust has settled and you've resolved your current differences. If you're starting a relationship together, you want to get it started off on the right foot.
  6. Could you imagine someone admitting they have a crush on you if you were in the middle of going through a family tragedy? Even if you had feelings in return for that person, you wouldn't be able to deal with it at the time. Knowing when to strike is a key part of making the approach work. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Building Up Confidence

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  1. 'Dressing up' doesn't have to mean getting glamorous or ritzy. What it does mean, however, is that you should put slightly more effort into your appearance than you usually do. [6] This isn't so much for your crush's benefit as for your own. We always feel our most confident when we're looking our best. If this means taking an extra few minutes to soak up steam in the shower, or wearing your favourite shirt, then so be it. In the end, you want to do everything you can to set your mind at rest.
    • Although confidence-boosting is the biggest reason why you should try to look good, it goes without saying that your crush is all that more likely to accept you if you put some added effort into your appearance!
  2. [7] Confident body language is a positive vicious cycle. While it goes to show other people that you're feeling confident, using body language like good posture, eye contact and smiling will serve to make you feel even more confident. Even before you meet up with your crush, you should try making a habit of expressing confident body language. You should notice a firm change in the way you feel before too long.
  3. A relationship is a two-way street, and both sides need to be getting something out of it. That means you should have a good idea what you'll be bringing into a relationship if it works out in your favour. Start by making a list of things you love most about yourself. Which of these things would benefit a relationship? Do you love your smile? Your crush probably does too. Do you like to laugh? Are you really clever or funny? Now's not the time to be modest!
    • Reflect upon this list and try to imagine how happy you could make the other person. If you know you have a lot to offer, you'll feel more confident when it comes time to admit your feelings. [8]
    • If you need any help thinking up things, you should try talking to a friend (who isn't your crush) about what things most stand out about you.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Making Your Move

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  1. The worst injury anyone can cause their chances of starting a relationship with their crush is by doubting themselves. When you self-doubt, it shows in the way you act and carry yourself. You won't be able to act casual if you're worried about 'what-if' situations as you close in. [9]
    • Taking a deep breath is a helpful way to calm your nerves if they're acting up on you. It will take the edge off the stress, and give you a respite from the physical anxiety.
    • Positive self-talk works as well. For example, try thinking something along these lines to yourself: "I have nothing to fear. I am worth my crush's time. Everything's going to work out just the way I want it." Keep telling yourself that until you start believing it. Whether you think it's plausible or not, positive self-talk tends to be a self-fulfilling prophecy, as the confidence you'll gain from it will have a major impact on how the interaction plays out.
  2. It's becoming more and more common for people to confess their crushes online, or via text message. Talking through a screen will work in a pinch, but it robs the conversation of its full importance. Because so many of the signs of attraction come across through body language, you'll stifle your chances by keeping it online. [10]
    • Ask your crush out by saying something like "Hey-- I was thinking of going to the beach sometime this weekend. Would you be interested in coming with?"
    • Keep it casual; admitting your feelings doesn't have to be the main point of hanging out with them. If you enjoy their company enough, it won't feel out of place to get together.
  3. Hang out casually. A big mistake many people make when it comes to approaching their crushes is that they put too much weight on the act. If the experience of being around you is extremely serious and sombre, your crush isn't exactly going to be open to starting a relationship with you, even if he's already attracted to you. [11]
    • A casual hangout could be anything from going to the mall or rock concert, to something quieter like the park or beach. Activities that limit interaction like a movie aren't as well suited for something like this, as it won't give you near as much opportunity to confess your feelings.
    • Going to dinner is a very common type of casual hangout. If you go for food, the type of restaurant you go to will help decide the type of atmosphere. Something ritzy and formal may be inauthentic if you're not used to going to fancy restaurants. Go somewhere the two of you will feel comfortable and relaxed.
  4. Exhibiting all forms of positive, confident body language is an important trick when it comes to attracting someone, but nothing's quite as important as holding eye contact while you admit romantic feelings to your crush. Eye contact is a way of making the emotions feel real; a lot of unconscious communication goes on with eye contact. Suffice to say, holding your crush's gaze while you admit your feelings will keep him focused on what you're saying.
    • Make a point of holding eye contact when your crush is speaking to you. Hold your crush's gaze while you admit your feelings. It may be appropriate to look away after you have confessed and are waiting for a response. Averting your gaze may help your crush to relax while he prepares a response.
  5. Wait until you feel very comfortable with your crush to let him know how you feel. [12] This is the point you've been waiting for, and you're most likely feeling frazzled at the thought of it. But worry not-- actually telling your crush is in itself a fairly simple action. With solid eye contact in place, tell your crush how you feel. Express it in simple terms, so that there's no room for interpretation. If you try to dress it up, you'll only distract from the point you're trying to make. Stay confident, and treat the experience like a positive thing.
    • You can list some reasons why you like them as well if you'd like. Use the following as an example: "You know, I don't know if it's already totally obvious, but I really like you. In a way that's more than a friend. I hope you feel the same way about me too."
    • Reader Poll: We asked 817 wikiHow readers about the best ways to ask out or confess feelings to a friend, and 82% agreed that it’s best to have a face-to-face conversation about your romantic interest. [Take Poll]
    EXPERT TIP

    Lauren Urban, LCSW

    Licensed Psychotherapist
    Lauren Urban is a licensed psychotherapist in Brooklyn, New York, with over 13 years of therapy experience working with children, families, couples, and individuals. She received her Masters in Social Work from Hunter College in 2006, and specializes in working with the LGBTQIA community and with clients in recovery or considering recovery for drug and alcohol use.
    Lauren Urban, LCSW
    Licensed Psychotherapist

    Expressing emotions can feel risky, but it'll be worth it in the end. We may hold back to avoid getting hurt, but understand that real connections require vulnerability. Whenever possible, choose to share your feelings instead of hiding behind fear.

  6. One method that tends to work fairly well is actually not to say anything at all. Instead, expressing your feelings non-verbally can say as much as any number of words. While a non-verbal expression will usually be followed by some confirmation that you do have real feelings for this person, letting your feelings through in a more subtle way can be a perfect way to break the ice. [13]
    • Physical touching is risky if your existing relationship has never included it, but it's much more likely to succeed if you go into it with confidence in yourself. Something as light as reaching for their hand, or more bold like a direct kiss, will leave little room for interpretation that you're interested.
    • Giving a gift also works, especially if you're a male in pursuit of a female. Gift-giving is often seen as chivalrous, and definitely pushes past the boundaries of 'just friends' provided the gift is special enough. Buying flowers is a good place to start if you can't think of something more specific, but it's always best to pick out a gift that really relates to the specific connection and experiences you've shared together. [14]
    • Non-verbal ways of expressing your feelings are always best accompanied with some sort of verbal affirmation. Don't just take her hand or give her a gift; let her know exactly why you've done that, and make it clear the ball's now in her court.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Taking Things Forward

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  1. Now that you've made your feelings known to your crush, it's time to go into a bit more detail as to where you'd like your relationship to go. Simply telling someone you're attracted to him isn't an end unto itself; if you see it going anywhere, you should arrange plans to see one another on a more regular, romantic basis, provided that's what you're looking for. Be specific about what you want. [15]
    • You might try formally asking your crush on a first date. Try saying something like "If you agree that there's something special between us, maybe you'd be interested in going out with me sometime? It would be great to get a chance to get to know each other on a deeper level."
    • Gauging by the reaction of your crush as you told him your feelings, you should have a better idea whether things are going to work out.
  2. The anticipation and nerve-wracking nature of admitting your feelings to someone is rarely about how you're going to do it, but the ways in which you think the other person might react. If you've admitted your feelings and possibly expressed clear intentions, the other person is bound to have some sort of response in store for you. Whether it's a positive or negative one will depend on the success of your advance, and the feelings they've had (or haven't had) for you all along. All the same, it is necessary you give your crush some time to properly respond to you. [16]
    • Stay calm throughout. Even in the worst reactions, it's better to keep a brave face and remain strong rather than let your emotions get the best of you. Breaking down into tears was never a good look on anyone.
  3. If you get news you don't want to hear, it's important to remember that it's not the end of the world. As hard as it is to believe at the time, you'll feel much better about it as times goes on, and possibly even realize that you were better off without taking things to the next level. Even so, doing some damage control is often the best next step. Let your crush know that you care about him as a friend still, and you don't want to lose the friendship. Take some time to yourself if you feel you need to heal. [17]
    • Remind your crush that you care about him on multiple levels and aren't purely trying to get a relationship out of him.
    • For example, you can say: "I know this might change things for us, but I want you to know I really value having you as a friend, and I don't want to lose you, even if you don't feel the same way about me."
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it a good idea to tell someone you like them?
    Cristina Morara
    Dating Coach
    Cristina Morara is a Professional Matchmaker, Dating Coach, Relationship Expert, and the Founder of Stellar Hitch Private Matchmaking, a luxury matchmaking service based in Los Angeles that serves clients nationwide and internationally. As a former casting director, Cristina specializes in finding the perfect partner through her exclusive global network and detailed, warm approach. Cristina holds a BA in Communications and Psychology from Villanova University. Stellar Hitch has been featured in the Huffington Post, Chelsea Handler’s Netflix documentary, ABC News, the Tonight Show, Voyage LA, and the Celebrity Perspective.
    Cristina Morara
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    It totally depends on your relationship. Are they a friend? If so, you probably don't want to risk messing with your friendship if the feelings aren't reciprocal. If you're dating and the relationship is going well, go for it. There's nothing wrong with trying to take things to the next level.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    When is it the right time to confess your feelings?
    Cristina Morara
    Dating Coach
    Cristina Morara is a Professional Matchmaker, Dating Coach, Relationship Expert, and the Founder of Stellar Hitch Private Matchmaking, a luxury matchmaking service based in Los Angeles that serves clients nationwide and internationally. As a former casting director, Cristina specializes in finding the perfect partner through her exclusive global network and detailed, warm approach. Cristina holds a BA in Communications and Psychology from Villanova University. Stellar Hitch has been featured in the Huffington Post, Chelsea Handler’s Netflix documentary, ABC News, the Tonight Show, Voyage LA, and the Celebrity Perspective.
    Cristina Morara
    Dating Coach
    Expert Answer
    This totally depends on your relationship, the setting, and how you think they'll react. There's no perfect time for this; it just depends on too many variables. The best advice is to just trust your gut.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • No one hates hearing that they're liked! Keep that in mind when you make your move. [18]
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      • In many cases, if your chemistry is good enough, it won't even feel like you're putting yourself on the spot in telling your crush how you feel about him. It's necessary in some cases to make feelings clear, but don't be surprised if it falls into place on its own!
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      Warnings

      • It's important to weigh your odds before moving in. This is especially true if you really value the connection you already have with this person. Some people don't respond well to romantic feelings being brought into a friendship, so you should only put yourself on the firing line if you really think there's a chance it will work out.
        Thanks
        Helpful 20 Not Helpful 2
      • When going into a situation that puts you on the spot like this, it's easy to get caught up in your head beforehand with ways the conversation might go down. Regardless whether you have high hopes or next to none, you're not doing yourself any favours by stressing yourself out over possibilities that will never play out in real life like you imagine they will.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201406/how-do-you-know-if-youre-in-love
      2. ↑ Cristina Morara. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      3. ↑ Cristina Morara. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      4. ↑ Cristina Morara. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-15237/how-to-let-your-crush-know-you-have-feelings.html
      6. ↑ https://www.vogue.com/article/intelligent-design-how-clothing-affects-the-mind
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201206/the-ultimate-guide-body-language
      8. ↑ https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/5-powerful-ways-to-boost-your-confidence.html
      9. ↑ https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/5-powerful-ways-to-boost-your-confidence.html
      1. ↑ https://www.inc.com/rene-siegel/five-reasons-you-need-to-meet-in-person.html
      2. ↑ https://youngadults.lifeway.com/2014/08/dating-vs-hanging-out/
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/in-the-name-love/201412/how-quickly-should-you-say-i-love-you
      4. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/advice/a73/500056/
      5. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meet-catch-and-keep/201312/how-do-gift-exchanges-impact-your-relationship
      6. ↑ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/sex/10638877/Valentines-Day-2014-How-to-ask-someone-out-on-a-date.html
      7. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/fighting-fear/201308/how-cope-rejection
      8. ↑ https://tinybuddha.com/blog/staying-friends-when-a-relationship-doesnt-work/
      9. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jul/10/crush-feel-relevant-information-compliment-fancying

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      While telling someone that you have feelings for them can be scary, there are some strategies you can try that may make it easier for you to express yourself. Before talking to your crush, take some deep breaths to calm your nerves. You can also try some positive self-talk, like thinking “I am worth my crush’s time,” or “Everything’s going to work out.” When you’re ready to talk, ask your crush if they want to meet for a walk or coffee. Wait until you feel comfortable, then tell them how you feel. You might try saying something like “You know, I don’t know if it’s already totally obvious, but I really like you. In a way that’s more than a friend. I hope you feel the same way about me too.” To learn how to express your feelings for your crush through a gift, keep reading!

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