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If you're one of those guys who's begun having feelings for your female best friend (or just a female friend), these instructions might help. Dealing with it can be very tough, especially if you find she doesn't feel the same way about you.

1

Determine if you are compatible.

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  1. You've likely seen your best friend in a relationship with someone else before. Is she flirty with other men even when they're not single or does she become all-consumed in a relationship with someone? Examine her (and your own) common traits when dating someone and see if you can handle this step-up in relation with her.
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Quiz

wikiHow Quiz: Am I in Love with My Best Friend?

Are you starting to wonder whether your feelings for your best friend are strictly platonic? Maybe you think about them all the time or get butterflies in your stomach when they’re around; either way, it feels like there’s something more to your relationship with them. If you’re ready to figure out how you feel about your bestie (and how to deal with those feelings), take our quiz below.
1 of 12

Do you try to look nice when you know you’ll be seeing your bestie?

6

See if she likes you back.

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  1. Test the waters to determine if she has the same feelings for you.[1] Remember, she might look at you as a brother figure and then be shocked when you tell her how you feel about her. This could ruin everything, but it could also make the relationship better. Weigh the risks against the possibilities. Be careful about coming out too suddenly or openly. No matter what you have to say, there's always a gentle way to say it.
12

Confess your feelings for her.

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  1. Tell her how you feel.[2] This is often easier for a guy than a girl because most girls are pretty considerate of feelings. Give her a chance to understand you and when you think the time is right, tell her what you think.[3] Of course, you may risk ruining and/or losing your friendship, or at least changing it even if you don't want to. But if it turns out lucky, then she will be even more considerate of you and your feelings.
13

Respect her decision.

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  1. Be prepared for an acceptance or a rejection after you confess your feelings.[5] If she doesn’t feel the same, be casual and try not to let the friendship get awkward. Try to get things back to the way they were before.
    • Your friend might also not have an immediate answer. Give them time to think things over with a clear head.[6]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 466 wikiHow readers, and 50% of them agreed that the best way to cope with changes in your friendship is to focus on your own interests and hobbies. [Take Poll] This can help you handle and move on from the rejection.
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Join the Discussion...

WikiBirdWatcher823
29
How do I handle having a crush on my best friend? I think she’s amazing, and we do everything together. But I don’t know if she feels the sam... Read More
John Keegan
12
John Keegan
Dating Coach
This is a tough situation to be in. The best thing to do when you have a crush on your best friend is find out if they feel the same way. Sometim... Read More
WikiPlumJammer865
2
Hey man, I went through the same thing, and it’s rough. My advice is to just talk to her. Tell her how you feel, and be clear that you both val... Read More

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Tips

  • If you decide to tell her, say something about it being okay if you just want to be friends and that you can get over it if she doesn't feel that way. Tell her you couldn't keep it to yourself any longer, but you can deal with it if she doesn't feel the same way.
  • If you are going to tell her your feelings, talk to her personally. Don't use text messages or e-mail. Don't tell her in public because she might get very embarrassed. Also don't do it drunk because it will be very awkward the next morning, especially if neither of you remember.
  • If she expresses any negative emotion, it doesn't mean that she doesn't like you outright. Maybe she has never thought about the two of you dating. She actually might need time to think about it. Don't just say you were kidding! She will either see through your lie or think it's a cruel joke.
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Warnings

  • If you tell her and she isn't interested, steer clear of rubbing your feelings in and trying to make her love you. You'll lose a very good friend.
  • Even if you do get together, this can spell utter doom for the friendship. You might get together, but what if you break up later on? Even if it's mutual, you would be seeing your former lover in the arms of other people. How would that make you feel? Be mindful of the future.
  • This can be a very tricky situation. If you truly love her, you will know in your heart and the truth will want to come out. Pick a good moment to tell her and it may just work out your way.
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References

  1. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  2. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  3. Candice Mostisser. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.
  4. Candice Mostisser. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.
  5. John Keegan. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 5 November 2019.
  6. Candice Mostisser. Dating Coach. Expert Interview. 24 January 2020.

About This Article

John Keegan
Co-authored by:
Dating Coach
This article was co-authored by John Keegan. 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 873,765 times.
4 votes - 50%
Co-authors: 44
Updated: October 7, 2024
Views: 873,765
Categories: Dating and Friends
Article SummaryX

Falling in love with your best friend can be exciting, confusing, and even a little scary. Before you rush into anything, think about whether a romantic relationship with your friend could work. Do you both want the same things out of a relationship? Are you both available and interested in dating? Are you able to compromise when you disagree about something? Try to figure out if your friend might have the same feelings for you, too. If you think it could work, let them know how you feel. Be careful not to put pressure on them to answer right away, and be prepared for a possible rejection. Whatever they decide, respect their feelings so you don’t put any strain on your friendship.

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    Mar 6

    "Sometimes a girl says "you're like a brother to me" to tell a boy she doesn't like him..." more
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