CRUSHES

OK, you've spent the summer daydreaming about your crush—how you'll lock eyes across the classroom, fall in love and have the most amaze time going to every school dance together. And now that school's starting up again and you've found out you're in the same math class, your dreams have a chance of coming true. There's just one problem: You're not sure how to actually talk to them.

Whether you've been friends for years or have never interacted, it can be super nerve-wracking to initiate a convo with your crush. Luckily, we've put together some pointers that are sure to help your love story get off on the right foot.

Start with a simple "hi"

@lilia

Yes, it seems obvious, but saying "hi" or "good morning" to your crush is totally effective. Not only are you being kind and starting your school day off on a positive note, but you're also making your crush notice you. Soon enough, they'll be greeting you first and looking forward to your morning interactions each day.

Give small talk a try

@mel.amartinez

We know it gets a bad rap, but small talk can be an essential part of opening up a light-hearted convo with your crush (especially if you aren't sure what else to say). Asking your crush what they did over summer break, what their plans for the weekend are or what they think of the school's recent basketball game can be a great way to get to know each other and start a deeper convo once you find common ground.

Find common interests

@milliebobbybrown

Speaking of common ground, having something in common with your crush can make that initial convo much easier since you already have a topic to discuss that you're both comfortable with. Sometimes your crush's interests will be more obvious—if they come to class with a hockey-themed folder or a backpack covered with pins referencing New Girl, odds are that you can easily figure out what kinds of sports and shows they're into and steer a conversation toward them.

Not sure what your crush likes? Feel free to ask them! Asking your crush about who their fave musical artist is or what movie they're looking forward to seeing is the perfect way to get to know them. You'll get to show your crush that you're interested in them *and* figure out if you have any similarities. That's a win-win!

Ask for help

@elleusa

We're not saying you should pull a Cady Heron and pretend you don't understand an algebra concept just so your crush can swoop in and help you. *But* it doesn't hurt to ask your crush if they want to head to the library together to review for the upcoming history test or to ask them if they wouldn't mind going over a complicated science lesson in case of a pop quiz. Even just asking them to borrow their notes or double-check what the homework is can be the perfect gateway to becoming their friend (and eventually S.O.)!

Compliment them

@katiehopebrown

Complimenting your crush out of nowhere can be a little daunting, but it's the perfect way to make them smile and want to chat. Just be sure to keep it simple and relevant—"I love that shirt! Where'd you get it?" or "I heard your softball team won the tournament over the weekend; congrats!" can be great icebreakers as you get to know your future bae.

Be confident!

@jilliansheaspaeder

DW—we know that being confident is easier said than done, but it's truly the key to having a great conversation with your crush. Wear your fave outfit, take a deep breath and remember that every conversation will get easier after that initial one. We know you can do it—now you just have to believe in yourself, too! You got this!

Follow us on IG @girlslifemag for more crush advice!

Check out these relationship posts next:
💘The shy girl's guide to flirting
💘Why it's OK to not be in a relationship (and why it's OK to want one, too)
💘4 relationship red flags they might not be the one

Top and slider image: @ghawkins33

by Maggie Salter | 8/2/2024