So you finally plucked up the courage and told your crush how you feel about him, and it’s not going well. The awkward silence is deafening, and when he finally speaks, he doesn’t say what you want to hear. As hard as it is to accept, he just doesn’t feel the same way. What now?
- Your heart drops. You’ve been building up the courage to express your feelings, but when all you get is silence in return, your heart drops to your stomach. When he finally explains that he doesn’t feel the same way, you’re sure you’re going to be sick.
- You’re absolutely dejected. It sounds a little obvious, but there’s no sugar coating here. Those unrequited feelings are going to break your heart. Once you come to terms with the fact that he doesn’t love you, your heart feels broken beyond repair. It will heal, even if you don’t believe it now.
- It’s awkward AF.Whether or not you were expecting, or hoping, that this guy would return your feelings, it’s going to be hella awkward when he doesn’t. You’ll suddenly feel all alone and wish you could take back all the things you said, but you can’t. Those feelings are out there and now you have to face the consequences.
- You want to know why he doesn’t feel the same. How could you have such strong feelings that aren’t returned? Unrequited love is so difficult to understand. You may want answers, but the truth is that you probably won’t get them. Even if you did, it won’t make the situation better.
- You try to remember that there’s nothing wrong with you. Sadly, the one you love doesn’t love you back. It’s tough, but just remember, it doesn’t mean there’s anything actually wrong with you — crap happens. Just remember that someday, with someone else, they will be.
- You’ll need a break. If you were pouring your heart out to your boyfriend, then a breakup is inevitable. If your feelings were aimed at a friend, then you’re going to need a little space from each other. Taking time apart is essential to heal your heart and move past this tragic moment in your love life.
- You have to set limits. Your first priority has to be you. If that means you need to cut him out of your life, then do it. If you can no longer spend time one on one or can’t be your friend’s go-to on dating advice, that choice is yours. Only you can know what’s best. It’s time to put you first.
- You try to accept reality. He doesn’t feel the same way and now you have to accept it. It’s not what you wanted, but this is what’s real. You can’t live in the fantasy of what could be anymore. It’s time to face the music and realize that just because he doesn’t love you doesn’t mean no one ever will.
- You realize you have to move on. Even if it wasn’t necessarily a breakup, it’s still an end to your fantasy that he’d return the feelings. What you really want is someone who will love you back. Let go of the one who can’t, so you can be open to the one who can.
Featured image via Martin Dimitrov/iStock
