This article was co-authored by Kateri Berasi, PsyD. Dr. Kateri Berasi is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the Founder of Transcendent Self, PLLC, a group therapy practice offering affirmative, collaborative, and intentional care, based in Brooklyn, New York. With over ten years of experience in the mental health field, Dr. Berasi specializes in working with adults from the LGBTQIA+ community and creative industries through individual therapy, couples counseling, group therapy, and costume therapy. She holds a BA in Psychology, Art History, and French Language and Literature from George Washington University and an MA and MEd in Mental Health Counseling from Columbia University. Dr. Berasi also holds a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from Long Island University.
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This is a really tricky question, but every question needs an answer. You are probably here because you are suspecting that you like them and that is totally OK. This article will help you know if you like your same-gender best friend.
Steps
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1Consider how you view their appearance. There is a difference between aesthetic attraction and romantic/sexual attraction. If you think your friend is good-looking, and you like to look at their face/body but that's all it is, then you probably don't like them.
- Aesthetic attraction—Wow, he has nice hair. It's appealing to look at.
- Romantic/sexual attraction—Wow, he has nice hair. I want to run my hands through it and kiss him and go out to dinner with him.
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2Ask your friends or family about their first crushes, or how they feel about the love of their life. How did they know? What did it feel like to them? (You don't need to mention the name of the person you're thinking about if you don't want to.)Advertisement
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3Notice how others respond to the two of you. If you have a pretty obvious crush on them, then other people may notice—assuming you're a couple, acting cold and disapproving, or trying to set the two of you up. If your friends detect a crush, they will probably gently tease you and try to set you up with your best friend.
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4Consider how much you think about them. Are they often on your mind? Are you constantly thinking of ways to spend time with them? If you think about your friend much more than you think about other people, this means you likely have a crush on them.
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5Think if you've had any romantic or sexual thoughts about them. Straight/aromantic-asexual people might have a few passing thoughts or weird dreams about same-gender relationships, but they're fleeting and minor in the long run. If you keep thinking about dating, kissing, or going beyond kissing with your friend, then there's a good chance you like them.
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6Think about how you feel around them. Do your cheeks feel warm and does your face feel like it's glowing? Does spending time with them boost your mood and make your day seem brighter?
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7Consider how positively you feel towards them. Since you're friends, you'll naturally like each other, but love and crushes go beyond this. Do you see their inner beauty? Do you recognize their faults and strengths, and love every piece of who they are? Do you want to be with them all the time? This is a sign of blossoming love.
Community Q&A
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QuestionI have been friends with this girl for years. We took things to a new level and things went great when I asked her out. How do I tell others about our new status?Community AnswerIt's just like having a boyfriend, expect it is just a girl. Don't worry about it!
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QuestionI have a friend who seems to be straight, but we're really close even though we haven't known each other long and our friends think of us as a couple. Should I ask her something about her preference?Community AnswerIf you're curious about her preference, you should ask. If you two are close, then it likely won't be awkward. If you don't want to ask her directly, then talk to some of your mutual friends and see if they know. If you are into her, then you should see if she likes you back. You may never know if you don't ask.
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QuestionI am straight and she is also. What should I do?IvezaCommunity AnswerIf you really are straight, then your feelings probably aren't what you think they are. However, it could be that you are bi; you should try and analyze your feelings for her and figure out if they are a true attraction.
Tips
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If they're not interested, give yourself time to process this and get through your sadness.Thanks
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Be confident.Thanks
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A close friend will appreciate your friendship even if they don't return your feelings.Thanks
Warnings
- If you really care about your friendship and you are sure that the other person is not attracted to you and doesn't like you the same way, don't go further than the friend zone.Thanks
- If you're not sure your friend is interested in same-gender relationships, know that it is always better to ask then to make assumptions.Thanks
References
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
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"I feel comfortable with telling her now. Thank you I always have dreams about kissing her."