Finding out that someone likes you can be quite the confidence boost. I mean, hey, it’s pretty much reassurance that you’re a hot tamale! After you’re done feeling like the king or queen of the town, though, you might wonder what to do when someone likes you. Do you talk to them about it? Do you tell other people? Do you run into their arms or run away screaming? That’s up to you, but no matter how you feel about this person, here are 7 things you should absolutely do when someone likes you.
1. Don’t make it a big deal.
You might have found out that someone likes you through the grapevine, or maybe this person even got the guts to tell you it to your face. No matter how you found out, do not make it into a big deal. This person has already gone through enough. Surely you know how it is to have a crush on someone. You think about them plenty, and when word finally gets out, you’re probably as nervous as ever to see how they respond. This is why it’s common courtesy to give this person the space and calmness that they deserve. This DOESN’T mean to ignore them by any means – just act as natural and casual as you usually do, and don’t draw more attention to them than needed.
Check out: 10 Signs someone secretly likes you
2. Appreciate their gestures.
If this person has liked you for a while or if they’re especially cute, they may do a lot for you. Whether they give you thoughtful gifts or say they hope you have a great day, it’s important to appreciate their gestures. It doesn’t matter if you think they’re hot or not, datable or deniable – a common courtesy “thank you” is required… unless you’re a crappy person, that is. And you’re not crappy, are you? So say thanks.
3. Think it through.
Your original response to this person’s advances might be to say that you aren’t looking for a relationship – and maybe that’s true. But sometimes, life throws us plums instead of lemons and we get a streak of good luck. Think about it. Could this person be date-able material? Do you have a strong friendship already? Could this be a romance you never even considered? Before deciding on how you’ll respond, think through all the scenarios to make sure you don’t miss an opportunity.
4. Give them signals.
While you do want to give this person their space, you also don’t want to leave them in the dust wondering what you think about them. After a short – I repeat, short – deliberation time, try to give them something to work with. If you’re not into them, don’t lead them on. Stick to the high and dry responses and let them get the message. If you are into them, on the other hand, let them see it. Flirt with them, text them first and compliment them to get the ball rolling.
Check out: 8 Signs someone likes you even if you don’t think so
5. Respond online.
This isn’t something you have to do, but it is definitely a way for introverts to get their feelings out. Only do this if you would consider yourself a deathly shy person. Like a start-to-stutter-and-almost-faint kind of person in these kinds of scenarios. If that’s the case, you can always respond to this person’s crush online or through your phone. If you do, though, don’t wait hours between messages. Another instance of common courtesy.
6. Be honest.
Whether you confront this person face to face or write them a poem from afar, it’s important to be honest. There’s no point in beating around the bush. Save the “it’s not you, it’s me” for breakups. In this situation, you know they like you and they probably know you know, and everyone here just needs to hear your response. Do you like them back? If so, is dating in the cards? Or maybe you prefer to be single or they’re honestly just not your type. No matter what the outcome, be kind and clear and get it out.
7. Trust your gut.
When you first find out that someone likes you, you’re going to have an immediate response. Like, a response you feel and maybe even say not even two seconds after the fact. Think about that gut feeling. Was it dread? Did it come from hearing that person’s name or just from the thought of dating again? Or maybe you felt the opposite. Did you feel a rush of adrenaline or excitement? These gut feelings are so important because they might not only tell us how we feel about this person but also how we feel about dating in general. This is a great time to analyze your opinions and fears about love. Better to do it before addressing this person – or any person, for that matter!
Check out: 10 Signs someone is emotionally attracted to you
Conclusion:
Telling someone you like them or having them find out on their own is a big deal. Regardless of whether you like this person back or not, these seven approaches are respectful and honorable ways to respond… of course, we aren’t always this clever. Have you ever responded in an embarrassing or not-so-great way? Share your experience in the comment if you have the guts and help us all to learn from it!