CRUSHES

Decoding whether or not your crush is single can prove to be a difficult task. We've all been there. Their social media profiles reveal no relationship status; it's unclear whether the person posing with them in their pics is a sibling, family friend or their girlfriend or boyfriend. You ask around, but none of your mutual friends are sure either.

Then, one day, you see your crush walking across the school parking lot with their hand in someone else's. Suddenly, it's crystal clear that those dates you'd been dreaming up aren't going to become a reality anytime soon. While news like this is difficult to process, we've been there—so why not LOL at these mega-relatable GIFs?

1. Denial

It's only natural that your first reaction is denial. After all, you've most likely devoted time and energy toward building a strong friendship with your crush in hopes of it turning into something more. You can't beat yourself up for not figuring out that he was taken before you got invested, sometimes it feels like mixed signals are everywhere. It's time to take a deep breath, step back and reevaluate the situation.

2. Sadness

You're going to feel sad, and that's OK. Allowing yourself a little time to wallow now will help you be able to successfully move on later. You might also shed a few tears as you inform your squad that he's taken, but what else are friends for other than to serve as a shoulder to cry on and remind you how awesome you are?

3. Confidence

After a few days, you start to realize that, while your former crush's current GF or BF might be great, you're also killing it. Not only is not having you by his side a big loss for him, but you've also got so much going for you that there's no doubt to be another cutie out there that will love all you bring to the table. It's just a matter of finding them...

4. Determination

You and your friends are on a mission to find a new worthy object of your affection. You scan the halls, ask around and do a little light FB-stalking. While it may be a cliché, it starts to set in just how many fish there are in the sea. You're hopeful and determined to find the right one for you.

5. Infatuation

What was your old crush's name again? You can't get your new honey off your mind. Just like that, the rejection of your former crush no longer stings quite as much. After all, without it you wouldn't have found your new soon-to-be bae.

What are your tips for dealing with the news your crush is in a relationship? Comment below!

Photo credit: Giphy

by Katherine Logan | 10/5/2017