Hi Lily! I don't have anyone to talk this about and I want to get this out there, but I've finally got a crush on a new friend for the first time in a while and I'm feeling super overwhelmed. Everything they do makes my heart feel heavy (in a good way) in my chest and I swear I can feel my heartbeat. They're so sweet and cute and they take good care of me. Every time I talk to them I'm so happy. I really want to tell them I love them but I can't, because I doubt it'd end well. Sorry for dumping.
Crushes can be so overwhelming in general and having crushes on friends can be even more complicated, so I completely understand your concerns, and I’m so honored that you would come to me to talk about your feelings. So please don’t apologize for sharing! Honestly, I’m not very experienced when it comes to relationships and confessions, so even though I wish I could give you some real advice and comfort, I’m afraid I don’t have much to offer!
However, it sounds like you care about your friend a lot, and if you’re really sure about your feelings and you really want to try to change the relationship you have, I think it could be worth talking to your friend about how you feel! In order to protect your friendship though, it’s important to make sure that you don’t rush into any confessions or relationships too quickly, and if your friend doesn’t return your feelings, you should make sure that you’re ready to accept that and not let it come between you.
I know it’s hard to not have your feelings returned, but just try to remember that someone liking you as a friend and not as a romantic partner doesn’t mean that they like you less or don’t care enough!! Love and caring show in different ways, and friendship and romance are just different kinds of love and closeness, not different levels! If your friend cares about you as a friend only, try to remember that it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you, and I hope that you can still continue to find happiness in your friendship!
Perhaps I’ve rambled too much about things that I don’t know all that much about... but if you ever need to talk about things, please feel free to come to me again, and I’ll be happy to listen! Much love to you, my sweet anon, and I wish you all the best and happiness!