Have you ever had a crush on someone and felt too scared to confess your feelings? Trust me, we’ve all been there! But let me tell you a little story about how I shot my shot and landed myself the love of my life.

I looked across the room, and boom, there I saw him in all his glory. He was so handsome, and I couldn’t understand why no one else was noticing. We were at a party, and he had just walked in late. He was wearing all black, I still remember.

I told my friend sitting next to me that I thought he was really cute. Another friend came and asked what I thought about him, and I said the same thing, “He’s really cute.”

I needed to get his number. Well, of course, I wasn’t going to go up to him and ask for it, I was too chicken to do that.

Fast forward to the next day, I was still thinking about him. I buried the thought until I finally gathered the courage to ask my friend for his number since they were friends. I wanted to take his number from the WhatsApp group we were in, but I didn’t know which number was his since he had no profile picture. Don’t pretend you wouldn’t have done that, wink wink.

My friend sent me his number and I finally messaged him – it was on a Monday. I said something along the lines of: Hey there. I saw you at the party and was hoping to get to know you more. If you’re keen, let me know.

I’m not sure if that sounded crazy, but I sent the message and eagerly waited on his response. I was so nervous, what if he didn’t like me or even notice me?

Ping ping! My phone went off, and I saw it was a message from him and a good message at that. He wanted to get to know me too, and we planned to talk that evening after work. We did just that, and for the rest of the week, we spoke every day for hours on end via video call. It was amazing.

On Friday, in the same week, he asked me out on a date for Sunday. We went to a lovely restaurant in Camps Bay, and we had a wonderful time together. Fast forward, to the following Friday, and he officially asked me to be his girlfriend, and I said yes, obviously.

The experience I had confessing to my now boyfriend was scary. I really did not want to be rejected, but then again, who does? But I built up my courage and told myself that even if he does reject me, I’ll be okay. At least I tried to shoot my shot. If he rejects me then it certainly was not meant to be.

Rejection is normal, and if we’re too afraid of it we may close potential opportunities, not only in our love life but in everyday life too. I can’t tell you not to be afraid to try – I was.. I just had to work up the courage and confess. Do not overthink, because if you overthink you might never say a word….

I remember calling one of my friends and telling her how I messaged him, and she was so shocked and proud of me for putting myself out there. Your friends can be a pillar of strength, they will hype you up when things go well and encourage you when they don’t. So, if you’re trying to confess to someone, ask a friend for advice if you’re feeling too nervous.

We are in the digital age, and if I had to confess in person, I might not have done it. But even if you are confessing in person, remember to smile and pretend that you’re the most extroverted person out there, even if you’re not! There are other ways of sharing your feelings: you could write your crush a letter, asking them out on a date, use a friend to help, or just be straightforward and tell them.

Confessing to your crush is not easy, but with some planning, (and not too much thinking!), you can confess to the person you like. I’m rooting for you. Good luck!

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Tell us: What are some tips for confessing to someone that you like them without making things awkward or risking the friendship?

Read more here on how it’s okay to have preferences when dating.