Aarti
Perhaps you’ve developed romantic feelings for a coworker or neighbour. You might even be ready to inform that person about your changed feelings, but there are a lot of things to think about before you do.
Close relationships with coworkers and friends are common. Perhaps it dawns on you suddenly that you think about this person more often than you would about a casual buddy. Or perhaps you’ve come to terms with the fact that your feelings for this person have grown more than platonic over time.
Figure Out Your Real Feelings
It’s common to misjudge how close you are to someone. Do we value them as we would a close friend? Or is there another way? Take some time to think about the many alternatives and gauge your emotions accordingly.
Could it be infatuation? If your feelings for this person come on suddenly, you view them as perfect, and you feel like you can’t think straight, you may be experiencing infatuation. Think about whether or not your impression of this person is accurate. Is it feasible to have a good relationship with them?
Do you share a sexual and/or physical attraction? Perhaps your feelings for this individual grew stronger as you spent more time with them. Consider whether you’re looking for a quick fling, a committed relationship, or something else entirely.
Consider the Type of Relationship You Have Now
Consider the nature of your current bond with this individual. Whether you and the person you have emotions for are close friends, coworkers, exes, or casual dating partners, you should think about the possible consequences before coming out.
Close Friends
Trust and shared interests are the cornerstones of any healthy love relationship, and you already have them as close friends. The fact that friendship is so central to their relationship is also encouraging.
In fact, friendship plays an important role in healthy romantic partnerships. One study1 looked at unmarried partners who placed a premium on their friendship. High degrees of sexual satisfaction and dedication were observed in friendship-based relationships.
Co-Workers
Find out what is and is not acceptable when it comes to dating at work, as some companies have strict policies against it. If so, follow established procedures. Before admitting your feelings for a coworker, you should weigh the repercussions. However, what if they share your sentiments? If they don’t, then what?
Exes
Most breakups occur for the best of reasons. If you believe the breakup occurred due to unfortunate circumstances or terrible timing, you may wish to try rebuilding the relationship. If you and your ex are both now single and you wish to confess your emotions for each other, you should carefully assess whether you are returning to a toxic dynamic. Do you tend to overemphasise the good? Are you trying to bury painful recollections?
Casual Dating Partners
Perhaps you’ve found a partner and are hooking up often. To what extent are you settling for this type of relationship, if at all? What would the consequences of wanting something else be for this connection?
What to Say to Someone You Have Feelings For
Assuming they are not already in a relationship, you should express your feelings and your desire for more involvement with this person. “Don’t avoid telling someone that you have feelings for them because avoidance begets avoidance,” says Dr. Amy E. Keller, PsyD, a marital and family therapist. Every person has an equal vote. Don’t take away the other person’s vote just because you think a connection is unlikely.
How to Cope If They Don’t Feel the Same Way
It would be fantastic if they wanted the same kind of serious relationship that you do. On the other hand, you could be rejected.
Based on the findings of Hsu DT, Sankar A, Malik MA, Langenecker SA, Mickey BJ, and Love TM (Researcher #2). Normal adult brain activity in response to romantic rejection and acceptance.
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that examined typical reactions to rejection among healthy young and middle-aged adults provides further evidence that adults can find the experience distressing, leading to feelings of grief, lack of appetite, and depression.
