How to deal with falling in love for your best (and straight) friend?

I’m assuming that you’re talking about sexual love. My best friend is straight, and I love him dearly, but I do not want to get naked with him. Eww. I’m also out, and have been for a long time. My answer, therefore, will be different than that of a closeted person. I’ve dealt with crushes on my friends when I was younger by dissecting the crush. What is it about this man that flips my switch? Is it physical? Is it social? Is it emotional? My next step was looking at his responses to me. Are they significantly different than his responses to other friends, or are they more special and more lover-like? Does this have a chance of going anywhere? (Most likely not, but the question should be asked.) Ultimately, I would step back a bit from this friend until the crush fever passes. If he is my best friend, I love him and care for him, and I don’t want him to be uncomfortable around me.

First think about is it truly love or fondliness because you talk everything to your friend...share your feelings. Think about if that friend thinks about you the same. If he/she has the same feelings or express it then talk about it to them. But first thinking is important because if you decide hastily it may affect your friendship with that person. Then tell the person about how you feel. If it is positive well and good. If not move on because atleast you tried. You won’t have any regrets later. What is the worst that can happen. In the end everything happens for a reason

It can be incredibly difficult to deal with having feelings for someone who is close to you, especially when you know that they don't feel the same way. Almost all queer individuals have been in that situation at one time or another, and it can be very painful emotionally. There's not just one way to deal with those feelings, nor is there a right or wrong way. You should do whatever you think is best while you work on acknowledging and accepting your feelings, as you know yourself best. The most important thing is to remember that this will pass. It may hurt like hell right now, but it will get easier. I wish you the best of luck!

Hi, I am from New Zealand, I am 12 years of age, and I am bisexual, I have struggled with this problem for around 1 and a half years. The key is to control your feelings for that person, and this is a very hard task for everyone. But that's the only way to get around it and move on in life potentially with another person who likes you the way you do. You might want to avoid their surroundings a little bit, don't back out too much, as this will tear up your relationship, be open to them about it and lower the awkwardness. Try to focus on someone else and develop close relationships with them. The more time you spend with your crush/friend, the more your feelings start to take control over you. Don't think about sexual references of any sort with them, as this will effect your sexual behavior towards them and bring down your friendship. Take your mind off of this person, and focus on the future, because you need to understand that this relationship that's on your mind will not happen. This is an unfortunate situation for people and there is pretty much nothing you can do to quickly avoid it. I hope you find this response supportive, and I wish you good luck with this person :)

Unrequited love is certainly one of the hardest thing anybody has to go through. If you're sure that they are straight there's nothing much you can do about it. Instead of keeping things bottled up and wondering about the 'what ifs' constantly, I would say just to lift the huge weight off of your chest and tell them how you feel, I understand this needs a lot of courage and it might not be reciprocated but atleast you would have put yourself out there and it will get you one step closer to moving on. Good luck, and have a nice day :)

Well first of all dont ever feel bad about yourself. Like you're gonna ruin our friendships due to my thinking. Etc. Know it's natural to like someone. Well to deal with that be honest with yourself. Keep telling yourself that it will not work out. We live in a dream world which gives us hope but makes us disappointed in the end. In such situations think practically. You can also tell your friend how you feel but only if you think they will not react Negatively. Well in the end trust your instincts. Your heart also tells you how to deal with situations. Listen to it. Use your natural ways.

That was something I experienced myself during my time in school. It is extremely tough to fall in love with your best friend especially when they are straight; this can be very challenging and emotionally intricate. Importantly, you should recognize and respect your feelings because they are simply a part of being human. You may talk to someone you trust like a counselor or confidant for assistance and a new perspective on how to handle these emotions. Nevertheless, try to maintain friendship within definite limitations which will keep it as the most valuable treasure. Besides developing yourself through self-care techniques, one needs to engage in fulfilling activities beyond the limits of friendship, something that brings joy into their lives. Nonetheless, remember that it’s natural for you to feel what you feel but also important not to forget that your friend has other sexual inclinations aside from yours so as not to ruin your relationship with him/her. Eventually, however, by cultivating some patience and self-compassion with yourself along the way, you would adjust these emotions in order to preserve your friends while still being open to chances of new loves.

Let them know you like them so then you don’t have to stress over everything. If you don’t let them know that you don’t like them you are just bottling up your emotions and feelings for your best friend and you wouldn’t know if they like you back or not. Give it a try and see if they confess back. If they don’t return the feelings, hopefully you guys can still stay as best friends. It’s okay to fear rejection, it’s a great way to move on and experience what rejection is like. Everything will be okay in the end.

It's very hard to deal with having romantic feelings for someone who you feel would never be into you. I had very strong feelings for one of my best friends and it hurt to know that they didn't want to be with me. I finally realized that I couldn't let that get in my way of having a successful and happy relationship. It hurts in the beginning but you will eventually get through it. Even if they can't be with you the way you want it doesn't mean someone else won't. Hang in there

It can be very challenging in a friendship to suppress romantic feelings. I believe especially with your best friend you can be honest. Sit down and talk that there are feelings coming up that are beyond your friendship, figure out what you two can expect from one another and how to deal with it. Maybe you need space, maybe you need some distance, maybe you don't want anything to change after all is said. Allow yourself to feel, allow your best friend to feel differently (or maybe even the same - who knows ;) ). But opening up about it gives your friend the best chance at respecting your emotions and behaving adequately