Dear Gwen & Cleo,

I’ve been good friends with this guy for a while now, but recently I’ve started developing a small crush on him. I know I should just tell him how I feel, but I don’t want to make things awkward for our friendship if he doesn’t feel the same way.  Should I make a move?

Fretting in the Friendzone

Dear Fretting in the Friendzone,

We have all been where you are. It’s tough to develop feelings for someone that you’re already close to–especially when you’re not sure if those feelings are being reciprocated. Although it’s scary to reveal your feelings, that’s the only way a relationship can develop. Tell him that you’re alright being just friends, but that you feel it’s important that he knows how you feel. The worst that could happen is that he will turn you down. If he’s truly your friend, he won’t make you feel bad about your feelings, and he won’t make things awkward. For all you know, he could feel the same way but he doesn’t know how to tell you! It’s worth it to make the first move because things could end up going in your favor.

-Cleo

Dear Fretting in the Friendzone,

The “Friendzone” doesn’t exist so shut up. The Friendzone is an imaginary idea that every friendship has the potential for a sexual relationship later on, and if there is no sexual potential, some idiots dub this the “Friendzone.” No. It just means you are friends. Beyond that, I suggest dropping subtle hints while you guys hang out like “how fun it would be to have a girlfriend” and “all I want for Christmas is to die in your arms.” Tell him how you feel if you feel it, because if you wait for him to tell you first you might graduate before it happens. Time spent wishing is time wasted! Approach him slowly. Make no eye contact. Casually hand him back his cat (which you stole three days earlier) and sprint away. He’ll be so glad that he got his cat back that he’ll have to like you! He’ll be so thankful that it was just you and not a crazy person that stole his cat. Best of luck my friend!

-Gwen