This is such a brilliant question — and honestly, such a relatable one. Wanting to build a friendship with your crush without it feeling awkward? Total goal. It’s also really normal to overthink it — because crushes make everything feel a bit louder in your head, right? Suddenly “hi” feels like a high-stakes event. We’ve all been there.

The good news? You don’t need a perfect script. You just need to start real and small. Ask about something low-pressure — a show they like, something that happened in class, literally anything chill. It doesn’t have to be deep or clever. Even just a “Hey, what did you think of that?” is enough to open the door.

And yep — it might feel a bit awkward at first. That’s okay. It means you care. But awkward doesn’t equal wrong — it means you’re being brave and showing up. The best friendships (and sometimes more-than-friendships) are built from genuine, kind moments. You clearly already care about being respectful and thoughtful, and that’s a pretty incredible place to start.

So take a breath, be yourself, and remember: the goal isn’t to impress — it’s to connect. You’ve 100% got this.

Ugh, the age-old question: do they like me or are they just really good at making eye contact?! Truth is, there’s no magic formula — but there are little signs to look for. Like, do they find reasons to talk to you? Laugh at your jokes even when they’re mid? Get a bit shy or smiley around you? Do they look at you a little too long and then pretend they weren’t? Yeah… maybe something’s up. 

But here’s the catch: some people flirt like it’s breathing, and others are awkward and act distant — or worse, mean — because they like you. (Spoiler: that’s not romantic, it’s just confusing. We’re not doing the “they’re mean because they like you” storyline. That’s not a thing.) 

Ultimately, wondering if someone likes you is totally normal — but don’t let it mess with your confidence. You’re allowed to be curious, and you’re allowed to take your time figuring it out. Trust the vibes, trust yourself, and if you’re feeling bold… shoot your shot. You’ve got nothing to lose but the what-ifs. 

100% normal! Especially when you’re younger, it’s super common for one person to be taller, have a bigger build, or just be in a different stage of the puberty glow-up — everyone’s body’s on its own random timeline. 

But let’s be real: society is obsessed with telling us what relationships are “supposed” to look like. Like femininity = small and delicate, and masculinity = tall and strong. Blah blah blah. It’s tired. It’s body-shaming. It’s stereotypes. And it’s just not real life. 

Your body is not a problem to solve — it just is. Same goes for theirs. Bodies come in all shapes, sizes, and vibes, and none of that has anything to do with your worth or the quality of your relationship. What actually matters? Respect. Comfort. Feeling safe. Laughing so hard your face hurts. That’s the good stuff. 

And yeah — dating while drowning in beauty standards is HARD. But please don’t let that outside noise mess with how you feel about someone (or yourself). You don’t need to shrink or change or “match” in some fake aesthetic way. You are just enough — as you are. And if anyone makes you feel otherwise? Not your person. 

Breakups are weird, hey? You can care about someone and still know the relationship had to end — and that can leave a lot of feelings floating around after. It sounds like you ended things with care, and now you’re just trying to figure out where things sit. That’s a really thoughtful place to be. 

Now, I totally get why part of you feels like he should reach out first — you broke it off, he was upset, and it feels fair for him to show he’s open to being mates again. But if what you really want is to reconnect and clear the air, it’s okay to go first. Reaching out doesn’t mean you’re backtracking — it just means you’re being honest about wanting a respectful friendship. 

You could send a chill message like, “Hey, I know things were a bit rough when we broke up — I’d be open to catching up sometime if you’re cool with that.” Keep it simple. No pressure. If he’s not ready, that’s okay too — at least you’ll know you showed up with kindness. 

Wanting things to end on good terms isn’t weak. It’s really brave and mature! And whatever happens, the way you’re handling this already says a lot about who you are.