How to Confess You've Got a Crush on Someone when You're Really Shy (2024)

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1Overcoming Your Anxiety

2Confessing Your Feelings Indirectly

3Confessing Your Feelings Directly

Ways and Letter to Tell Your Crush You Like Them

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Co-authored byJohn Keegan

Last Updated: February 29, 2024Fact Checked

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Being shy is not rare and it's nothing to embarrassed about. Even outgoing people may feel shy when it comes to their crush, so it's normal to be nervous. If you would like to confess your feelings, but feel a little apprehensive, there are many ways you can overcome this will take a little work. Get to know your crush and gradually push yourself out of your comfort zone. Eventually, you will feel ready to confess. With a little confidence, you can definitely tell your crush how you feel.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Overcoming Your Anxiety

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  1. 1

    Ease your shyness by engaging with others. If you're already shy, talking to your crush right away can be scary. Luckily, you can try to ease some of your social anxiety by reaching out to others first. Socializing more in general will help you feel comfortable eventually approaching your crush.[1]

    • Start small. Try to make small talk whenever possible. For example, talk to classmates between classes or chat up a barista at a coffee shop.
    • Think about joining clubs or doing volunteer work. This is a great way to meet people and push yourself out of your comfort zone by making yourself engage more.
    • Relax if it feels stressful at first. Eventually, talking to other will be easy.
    • For instance, you might ask a random person for restaurant recommendations, or ask a customer for their opinion in a department store.[2]
  2. 2

    Talk to someone you trust. It can be hard to deal with the anxiety associated with having a crush. A great way to sort through your feelings is reaching out to others. Talk to a trusted friend or adult about the feelings you're having and ask them for advice on how to deal. Sometimes, just venting about how you feel can make you feel more confident. Another person can also help you figure whether you want to tell your crush how you feel and the best means to do so.[3]

    • Be careful who you tell, however. Pick someone who's good at keeping secrets and who you trust not to tell anyone. It can be embarrassing to have your crush revealed by someone other than yourself.
    • Try talking with a trusted friend or loved one right before you go out and meet new people.[4]

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  3. 3

    Take steps to get to know your crush better. If you already like this person, getting to know them should be fun. The better you know your crush, the more confident you'll feel. Take small steps to get to know your crush better over time.

    • Make conversation with your crush whenever you can. For example, if you are on the school newspaper together, talk to them before and after meetings. You can even use your observations as conversation starters, like commenting on an outfit they're wearing.[5]
    • Try to get to know your crush as a friend. Invite them out with your group of friends for a group activity, like seeing a movie.
  4. 4

    Dress to feel confident. It may seem like a small thing, but confidence can actually help a lot with shyness. If you're feeling shy, try changing the way you dress. Splurge on some new clothes that make you feel great about yourself. Wear them to places where you know you'll encounter your crush. If you're dressed up in a way you enjoy, this may make you feel a little bolder around your crush.

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Part 2

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Confessing Your Feelings Indirectly

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  1. 1

    Write a note. If you're very shy, you may feel better confessing your feelings in writing. Many shy people feel like they're better at expressing themselves in writing. Think about writing your crush a note letting them know how you feel about them and leaving it somewhere like their locker or desk. You can also try composing an e-mail for your crush.

    • For example, write something like, "Hey, I'm too shy to say it in words, but I wanted you to know I have feelings for you."
    • Say somewhere in the letter that you're shy, however, and this is why you're confessing in writing. People sometimes get offended that people do not talk over romantic feelings face to face.
    • Do not send an anonymous e-mail or letter. This could easily backfire if your crush assumes the letter is from someone else or is put off by you being so indirect.[6]
  2. 2

    Make hints through actions and casual chatting. When chatting with your crush, try to drop hints that you like them. Use things like social media and text to send them messages like, "Hi!" and use emojis like smiley faces and hearts. Exclamation marks work to make your message more expressive.

  3. 3

    Get a very close friend and tell them how you feel. This can work if you're very shy and the friend you choose is someone you greatly trust. Make sure they'll convey the message you want in the fashion you want. You do not want to pick a friend who's likely to skew your words or intentions.[7]

    • Keep in mind, this is usually not the best method to confess indirectly as it puts your friend in a difficult position. Only use this method if you're really struggling to overcome your shyness and have been crushing on the person for a long time.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Confessing Your Feelings Directly

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  1. 1

    Make sure confessing is the right idea. Keep in mind, you don't always have to confess a crush, especially if confessing will only cause you anxiety. If confessing doesn't feel like a good idea, give yourself a pass and simply don't do it. Think about what you want out of the situation. If you're hoping confessing will lead to a relationship, it's probably a good idea to confess. However, crushes do not have to go anywhere. If you would rather not pursue a relationship with this person for any reason, it may be best to keep your crush to yourself.[8]

    • If you decide not to confess, you can talk over your feelings with a close friend or family member instead. They can help you manage your emotions surrounding the crush so you can cope on your end without having to confess.
  2. 2

    Take small steps at first. There is no need to confess all at once, especially if you're feeling nervous. You can work your way up to confessing by taking baby steps. Start by getting a little more flirtatious with your crush to make your feelings more apparent.

    • For example, ask your crush to hang out one on one. It won't be a date, but it's a chance for you to spend time with them alone. This can help you get more comfortable with them, making confessing easier.
    • Try to pay your crush some compliments. Let them know what you like about them. This can make it easier to eventually tell them you like them romantically.
  3. 3

    Find the right moment. Ideally, you should confess your feelings when you and your crush have some privacy. Once you feel comfortable with the idea of confessing your feelings, invite your crush somewhere like a quiet coffee shop or out for a walk. Then, when you're out together, confess how you feel.

  4. 4

    Don't assume rejection. You can't know how someone else feels without asking them first. Going into the situation assuming you will be rejected will only make you more nervous. Acknowledge that you do not know how your crush is going to react and try not to imagine possible scenarios. Simply approach the situation from a neutral perspective.

    • Remind yourself that, no matter the outcome, at least you'll know. Having a crush, especially one you've been nurturing for a long time, can be exhausting. Sometimes, it's a relief to know the outcome either way.
  5. 5

    Be upfront and honest. Do not beat around the bush. Tell the other person how you feel directly and let them know why you're confessing. This can be difficult if you're really shy, but if you've spent time building up confidence, you should feel a little better about confessing.[9]

    • Say something like, "I wanted to tell you something. It's a little hard for me to say, but I think you should know that I have feelings for you."
    • Let them know what you want from them. For example, "I'd just like to know if the feelings are returned at all."
  6. 6

    Be kind to yourself if you get rejected. Rejection happens. Almost everyone will be romantically rejected at some point in life. Be kind to yourself if your crush rejects you. Do something nice for yourself, like taking yourself shopping or watching a movie, and find close friends and family members to vent to.[10]

    • It can help to have others share stories of their own heartbreaks. This can be a reminder that you're not alone.
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Ways and Letter to Tell Your Crush You Like Them

Sample Ways to Tell Your Crush You Like Them

Sample Letter Template to Tell Your Crush You Like Them

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  • Question

    How can I stop being scared of putting myself out there?

    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach

    Expert Answer

    Stop comparing yourself to other people, like your extroverted friends. Instead, remind yourself that you're an interesting person with your own unique personality.

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    Not Helpful 15Helpful 118

  • Question

    How do you start off a conversation with your crush?

    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach

    Expert Answer

    Make observational comments! You could comment on how stylish a person's outfit is, or mention that they have beautiful eyes.

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  • Question

    How can I be more confident when talking to people?

    John Keegan
    Dating Coach

    John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health.

    John Keegan

    Dating Coach

    Expert Answer

    Try practicing in your day-to-day life! You might ask someone for a recommendation to a healthy restaurant, or ask a fellow shopper for clothing suggestions.

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      • Take a deep breath before telling them how you feel. This can calm your nerves.

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      • Recall any times that you have felt like they may like you back, if you have never felt like this, consider your common interests.

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      • If they reject you, tell them that you don't want your feelings for them to hurt your friendship. (This only applies if you are friends with them.)

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      Tips from our Readers How to Confess You've Got a Crush on Someone when You're Really Shy (27)

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

      • If they reject you, then do your best to accept it. Pining after them or refusing to acknowledge their feelings can make them uncomfortable, so respect the other person.
      • Try to up your communication with them more. This can just be chatting in class as a friend. This will make you feel more comfortable before you confess your feelings.
      • Be there to support your crush in the good times and bad times to show that you really care about them.

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      About This Article

      How to Confess You've Got a Crush on Someone when You're Really Shy (43)

      Co-authored by:

      John Keegan

      Dating Coach

      This article was co-authored by John Keegan. John Keegan is a Dating Coach and motivational speaker based in New York City. With over 10 years of professional experience, he runs The Awakened Lifestyle, where he uses his expertise in dating, attraction, and social dynamics to help people find love. He teaches and holds dating workshops internationally, from Los Angeles to London and from Rio de Janeiro to Prague. His work has been featured in the New York Times, Humans of New York, and Men's Health. This article has been viewed 426,398 times.

      60 votes - 75%

      Co-authors: 105

      Updated: February 29, 2024

      Views:426,398

      Categories: Crushes

      Article SummaryX

      It can be really tough to confess you have a crush on someone if you're shy, but if you get to know them better and tell them indirectly, you’ll find it easier. Make small talk or chat with your crush whenever you can, which will help you feel more confident around them. You could also invite them to do something with a group of your friends so you can spend time with them without having to ask them out directly. When you send messages to them, use smily faces or hearts to hint that you like them. You may also want to flirt with them by complimenting their outfit or personality, which will let them know you find them attractive. Once you feel ready to tell them your feelings, write them a note and leave it in their locker if you’re too shy to talk about your feelings out loud. Alternatively, if you’ve built up the courage to tell your crush how you feel face-to-face, invite them to a coffee shop or out for a walk so you’ll have some privacy to talk. For tips on how to decide if confessing your feelings to your crush is the right thing to do, keep reading!

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      Español:confesarle a alguien que te gusta si eres tímido

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      How to Confess You've Got a Crush on Someone when You're Really Shy (2024)

      FAQs

      How to Confess You've Got a Crush on Someone when You're Really Shy? ›

      Write a note.

      How to tell your crush you like her if you're shy? ›

      Show your interest with your actions

      If you're shy or want to test the waters before telling a crush that you like them, consider a gesture rather than directly sharing your feelings. “For instance, if this person loves lattes, you could offer to make a coffee run and put a cute message on the cup,” says Andre.

      How to start a conversation with your crush when you're shy? ›

      How to Talk to Your Crush Even Though You Are Shy
      1. Say hello to the person.
      2. Introduce yourself with a smile. "Hi my name is _________." After they give their name in return, shake their hand and say, nice to meet you. Look them in the eyes and smile.
      3. From there, you can take a couple different routes. Career or Fun.

      How do I confess to my crush confidently? ›

      Confessing Your Feelings: How To Tell A Girl You Love Her
      1. Make sure that it's a good time. ...
      2. Ensure that your love interest isn't dating anyone else. ...
      3. Choose a place where you'll feel confident. ...
      4. Express your feelings openly and honestly. ...
      5. Consider confessing your love in writing. ...
      6. Be patient. ...
      7. Getting help. ...
      8. Counselor reviews.
      Feb 21, 2024

      How to flirt if I'm shy? ›

      How to Flirt (Even If You're Awkward or Shy)
      1. Smile. ...
      2. Keep eye contact and lean in. ...
      3. Ask questions. ...
      4. Touch them lightly. ...
      5. Dress to impress. ...
      6. Don't underestimate a good pickup line; just understand what a good one is. ...
      7. Don't hang with a huge group of friends. ...
      8. Focus your attention.
      Jul 4, 2018

      How to confess to your crush if you are shy? ›

      Be upfront and honest.

      This can be difficult if you're really shy, but if you've spent time building up confidence, you should feel a little better about confessing. Say something like, "I wanted to tell you something. It's a little hard for me to say, but I think you should know that I have feelings for you."

      How do I kiss my shy crush? ›

      Get close to him and slowly start to lean in for the kiss.

      Touch his face or his hair to create a sweet intimate bridge in the air between you two. Use your hand on his face to gently tilt his face towards yours to pull him into you. Take the next step and close your eyes to move in for the kiss.

      Does a shy guy have a crush on me? ›

      To know if a shy guy likes you, watch if he's more nervous around you than he is around other people. You should also look at his body language for signs of nerves, like crossed arms or gesturing, which may suggest he's hiding his feelings.

      How do you know if your shy crush likes you? ›

      26 Signs a Shy Guy Likes You
      • He creates opportunities to be around you. ...
      • His body language gives him away. ...
      • He listens intently. ...
      • He gets nervous around you. ...
      • He throws you secret glances. ...
      • He touches you lightly. ...
      • He stutters when he talks to you. ...
      • He likes all of your posts on social media.
      Feb 5, 2022

      Why is my crush ignoring me? ›

      If you find your crush ignoring you, it most likely means they don't reciprocate the same feelings for you. Maybe they find it uncomfortable or merely want to make it clear that they are not interested. I know it is hard to hear this, but more often than not, these are the reasons.

      Why does my crush stare at me but doesn't talk to me? ›

      Making eye contact with your crush but not talking might mean that your crush likes you but is too shy to approach you. If your crush holds your gaze and smiles, they might be inviting you to make the first move.

      Why am I so afraid to confess to my crush? ›

      Often the cause is low self-esteem or low self-confidence. In that case, you can ask yourself why your self-esteem or self-confidence is so low, and you might want to work on building them up before confessing.

      How to confess to your crush secretly? ›

      Write a note and pass it to your crush or make a creative card. Notes are one of the most common and effective ways to confess a crush. It tends to be less awkward than in-person confessions, giving you some space and comfort if the person doesn't feel the same way.

      How do I say I have a crush on you without saying it? ›

      Here are some cute ways to express your feelings for someone without using the word "like":
      1. "I've got a crush on you."
      2. "You make my heart skip a beat."
      3. "I feel drawn to you."
      4. "I just can't get you out of my head."
      5. "You light up my world."
      6. "I'm falling for you."
      7. "I have a special place in my heart for you."
      Jan 24, 2023

      How do you hint to a shy girl that you like her? ›

      Strike up a conversation.

      Keep this interaction casual - she could be intimidated if you come on too strong. Introduce yourself if this is your first time talking to her. You can point out something you saw her doing that you also like to do or compliment her.

      Should I tell a shy girl I like her? ›

      Express your interest.

      Though you should avoid pushing her to move the relationship too quickly, make it clear that you are serious. Many shy people are self-conscious and might not assume that you want a relationship with them. By telling her how you feel, you give her the opportunity to think about how she feels.

      Why am I so scared to tell my crush I like her? ›

      Expressing your feelings means being vulnerable, and that can be terrifying. It can feel like you are giving your crush all of the power. You lay down your feelings for them to scoop up and love, or throw to the ground and trample all over. But maybe that's not the only way it has to be.

      How do you silently tell your crush you like them? ›

      How to tell someone you like them without *actually* telling them
      1. Remember the little details. Being attentive is *key,* not only with your crush but in all your relationships. ...
      2. Use social media. ...
      3. Physically close. ...
      4. Mirror actions. ...
      5. Be confident. ...
      6. Compliments. ...
      7. Nicknames and inside jokes. ...
      8. Enlist the wingman (or woman)
      Feb 17, 2021

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