CRUSHES

Ah, Valentine's Day. A holiday that wouldn't be complete without candy hearts, rom-com movie marathons, sappy Instagram posts, plush animals, bouquets of roses and our personal favorite: endless amounts of chocolate. 

With so much *love* in the air, it's normal to ask yourself: Should I tell my crush I like them? Whether you've been talking to a cutie in your calc class or admiring a potential sweetie from afar, you may feel like you *need* to know if they like you back.

Before you take this leap of faith, check out our dos and don'ts of professing your feelings to your crush on Valentine's Day.

Do: Consider how long you've been talking to them and how your IRL interactions have gone

When you're gearing up to profess your feelings, it's important to take into consideration how your crush might be feeling, too. While none of us get the luxury of knowing what exactly is going through another person's mind, you can get a glimpse of what response you might get by thinking back to how they've interacted with you. Has he made it a point to text you back? Does she pay full attention to you when you hang out? Will this seem *totally* out of the blue? 

Don't: Tell them your feelings *just* because it's Valentine's Day

It's okay to have a crush on Valentine's Day and wait to tell them how you feel. If you just met two days ago, it's probably not the *best* idea to put everything out there for the sake of the holiday. Let your relationship progress naturally, and who knows? Maybe you'll have them as your Valentine next year. 

Do: Make them a small DIY gift 

One of the world's most awkward dating situations is what to do when you begin dating or crushing hard on someone around a holiday. You want to show your crush or new BF/GF that you care, but you also don't want to splurge after only a few days (or weeks) together. Instead, make a DIY present, like a cute poem or a decorated, personalized card filled with your inside jokes.

Don't: Buy them anything over-the-top

This can get *majorly* awkward. If you're still in the talking/early-dating stage, it's a little much to give them an expensive item and TBH, it might freak them out a bit. Our tip? Hold off on the jewelry, cologne or sneakers until you're in an LTR. 

Do: Go into this knowing you may not get the response you want 

Have you ever heard the expression "you're not ready to date unless you're ready for heartbreak?" As intense as this may sound, it's true. Telling your boy/gal you like them puts you in a vulnerable spot, and you should be prepared to handle it either way. Be confident in love, but be confident in your *own* feelings first. 

Don't: Freak out if they don't feel the same way 

It's normal to be disappointed if you find out your feelings aren't returned, but keep your head up, girl! Pat yourself on the back for your bravery and don't worry. You will find someone amazing who appreciates and sees you for everything that you are!

Have you ever told your crush you liked them? What about on Valentine's Day? Let us know in the comments below!

by Emily Fishel | 2/13/2020