How to Tell Your Guy Friend You're in Love With Him

By: Editorial Team

teen couple image by JulianMay.co.uk from Fotolia.com

The course of platonic love is never smooth. Many people believe that there is no such thing as platonic love at all--that men and women cannot be "just friends." Though an emotional and physical attraction is important to foster romantic love, many friends of the opposite sex end up having strong feelings for one another. Be it a mental or intellectual connection or plain old chemistry, many men and women that are "only friends" end up as more. Learn how to tell your male friend you're in love with him, especially if he thinks of you as just a friend.

Pay attention to your guy friend. If you undoubtedly love him, it's best to be honest with your feelings. However, if you know he has a girlfriend or is married, it's best to keep your true feelings to yourself. Before you confess your love to him, know when and when not to do so.

Take it slow. By letting him know you have feelings for him, you may end up scaring him off or changing the whole dynamic of the relationship. Be sure he isn't getting over an ex-girlfriend or isn't interested in another woman. The easier it is to be with a man, the closer you will be to declaring your love for him.

Talk to his friends. Find out how he feels about you, that is, if he feels any way about you. He may view you as a little sister or a close friend who happens to be a woman. Don't exaggerate his patting you on the knee. Don't jump to conclusions. It's fine to speak to his friends, but never look needy or clingy.

Be straightforward with him. If the two of you are hanging out, let him know that you'd like to have a serious conversation with him at some point. That way, he won't feel like you dropped a bomb on him.

You don't necessarily have to "tell" him you're in love with him. Flirt! Give him subtle clues. Buy him lunch, invite him to a wedding with you, go shopping with him and be his best friend. The closer you get, the more attraction will play a role in your relationship.

Be there for him. If he gets fired from his job, take him out for drinks. If his girlfriend dumps him, wallow in self-pity with him. If he loses his keys, give him a ride when he needs it. The more supportive you are, the more he will inevitably like you.

Be true to yourself. If your man friend doesn't show any romantic interest in you, don't give up on your friendship. He may need a little bit of time. In the meantime, go out and meet some new guys.

If you get to tell him how you feel, do so tactfully. Never pressure him or expect an answer right away. Just let him know you have developed feelings for him and would like to take it further, if and when he wants to. If he doesn't respond positively, give him time and space.