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  3. Is it okay to express your feelings for someone even if you don't think they reciprocate

Is it okay to express your feelings for someone even if you don't think they reciprocate

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  • C This user is from outside of this forum
    C This user is from outside of this forum
    cattail@lemmy.world
    wrote last edited by
    #1

    Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

    The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

    joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ C Z B jqubed@lemmy.worldJ 13 Replies Last reply
    0
    • C cattail@lemmy.world

      Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

      The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

      joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
      joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
      joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zone
      wrote last edited by
      #2

      It's always a tough situation since rejection can hurt a lot, but at the same time if you never tried at all you may never know. So I think it's worth it to pursue your desire in almost every (romantic) situation if you believe your feelings are true, because the unknown can haunt you for a much longer time

      C 1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zone

        It's always a tough situation since rejection can hurt a lot, but at the same time if you never tried at all you may never know. So I think it's worth it to pursue your desire in almost every (romantic) situation if you believe your feelings are true, because the unknown can haunt you for a much longer time

        C This user is from outside of this forum
        C This user is from outside of this forum
        cattail@lemmy.world
        wrote last edited by
        #3

        Or the pain of rejection is part of life

        joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ 1 Reply Last reply
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        • C cattail@lemmy.world

          Or the pain of rejection is part of life

          joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
          joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
          joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zone
          wrote last edited by
          #4

          Sad but true, so the better equipped we are to deal with it healthier we will be

          B 1 Reply Last reply
          0
          • C cattail@lemmy.world

            Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

            The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

            C This user is from outside of this forum
            C This user is from outside of this forum
            citizensongbird@lemmy.world
            wrote last edited by
            #5

            Probably the best thing I've learned in life is to disassociate actions from results. Stop wanting so much, especially things the world can't possibly promise. Do things because they feel right to you, not because you expect something out of it. In this way you will never be disappointed.

            In this particular scenario, are you confessing your feelings because you want them to know, or because you want them to like you back? If it's the former, go for it and then move on with your life. If it's the latter, prepare to be miserable over and over forever.

            C 1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • C cattail@lemmy.world

              Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

              The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

              Z This user is from outside of this forum
              Z This user is from outside of this forum
              zxqwas@lemmy.world
              wrote last edited by
              #6

              Not enough context to give a nuanced answer. But this is the internet and you're asking strangers with no skin in the game for life advice.

              So here is my piece, one or the other has to be true:

              1. This is your only chance. You need to tell them or you will be forever alone.

              2. There will be many more chances. If you get rejected you'll feel like crap for a while and then someone else comes along.

              C 1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • C citizensongbird@lemmy.world

                Probably the best thing I've learned in life is to disassociate actions from results. Stop wanting so much, especially things the world can't possibly promise. Do things because they feel right to you, not because you expect something out of it. In this way you will never be disappointed.

                In this particular scenario, are you confessing your feelings because you want them to know, or because you want them to like you back? If it's the former, go for it and then move on with your life. If it's the latter, prepare to be miserable over and over forever.

                C This user is from outside of this forum
                C This user is from outside of this forum
                cattail@lemmy.world
                wrote last edited by
                #7

                I should have added if I should be upfront or bring it up if it comes up

                orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.comO 1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zone

                  Sad but true, so the better equipped we are to deal with it healthier we will be

                  B This user is from outside of this forum
                  B This user is from outside of this forum
                  blugill@fedia.io
                  wrote last edited by
                  #8

                  Nobody normal handles rejection well. Some show it less than others, but it always hurts.

                  joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ 1 Reply Last reply
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                  • B blugill@fedia.io

                    Nobody normal handles rejection well. Some show it less than others, but it always hurts.

                    joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
                    joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ This user is from outside of this forum
                    joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zone
                    wrote last edited by
                    #9

                    Yeah that's true, I suppose I mean to face it instead of avoiding situations where it could occur

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • C cattail@lemmy.world

                      Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

                      The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                      blugill@fedia.io
                      wrote last edited by
                      #10

                      If you say anything and the other doesn't want to go farther they are likely to handle this by not having anything more to do with you. That is as soon as you say anything there are two responses: they agree and you move forward, or you never see them again!

                      Unfortunately every advice I (or anyone else that I've seen) can get you is right for some situations/people and wrong for others. Move too slow and they give up on you if interested, move too fast and even if they are interested they get scared off. Good luck figuring this out for your exact relationship. Even if you get it right for some relationship that doesn't mean the same thing will work for the next.

                      C joeljoelle@piefed.blahaj.zoneJ 2 Replies Last reply
                      0
                      • Z zxqwas@lemmy.world

                        Not enough context to give a nuanced answer. But this is the internet and you're asking strangers with no skin in the game for life advice.

                        So here is my piece, one or the other has to be true:

                        1. This is your only chance. You need to tell them or you will be forever alone.

                        2. There will be many more chances. If you get rejected you'll feel like crap for a while and then someone else comes along.

                        C This user is from outside of this forum
                        C This user is from outside of this forum
                        cattail@lemmy.world
                        wrote last edited by
                        #11

                        Lol not forever alone. I've been alone for over 10 years. I know what you're saying

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • C cattail@lemmy.world

                          Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

                          The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

                          jqubed@lemmy.worldJ This user is from outside of this forum
                          jqubed@lemmy.worldJ This user is from outside of this forum
                          jqubed@lemmy.world
                          wrote last edited by
                          #12

                          I’m generally of the opinion that it’s better to express your feelings for someone at some point than to hold back and continue spending time with them in a way that becomes a form of torture for yourself. Better to hear a no and move on than to waste time on something that won’t happen. Maybe don’t ask immediately, give yourself time to try to see if your feelings are real or a passing crush. And try to figure out if they’re even generally open to a relationship. Assuming they’re not already in a relationship with someone, is it because they are happy being single and not looking? Have they recently gotten out of a relationship and want to take time to focus on themselves? If they’re not likely to want a relationship with anyone right now, save yourself some awkwardness and try to move on. Otherwise, if it seems like an appropriate time, see what happens.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • B blugill@fedia.io

                            If you say anything and the other doesn't want to go farther they are likely to handle this by not having anything more to do with you. That is as soon as you say anything there are two responses: they agree and you move forward, or you never see them again!

                            Unfortunately every advice I (or anyone else that I've seen) can get you is right for some situations/people and wrong for others. Move too slow and they give up on you if interested, move too fast and even if they are interested they get scared off. Good luck figuring this out for your exact relationship. Even if you get it right for some relationship that doesn't mean the same thing will work for the next.

                            C This user is from outside of this forum
                            C This user is from outside of this forum
                            cattail@lemmy.world
                            wrote last edited by
                            #13

                            Part of me is accepting that this could go disastrously and going though with it anyway. Maybe I'm just bored.

                            The worse thing is she accepts me and just tears into me to prove I'm sensitive

                            B 1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • C cattail@lemmy.world

                              I should have added if I should be upfront or bring it up if it comes up

                              orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.comO This user is from outside of this forum
                              orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.comO This user is from outside of this forum
                              orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.com
                              wrote last edited by
                              #14

                              If it comes up or is obvious. Not before. You risk this person ghosting you otherwise.

                              My take is that you're already too invested.

                              Good luck. It's not an easy position to figure out.

                              C 1 Reply Last reply
                              0
                              • C cattail@lemmy.world

                                Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

                                The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

                                V This user is from outside of this forum
                                V This user is from outside of this forum
                                virtigomommy@sh.itjust.works
                                wrote last edited by
                                #15

                                I think it’s okay to tell someone your feelings for them, if and only if you don’t make it their responsibility to manage and regulate those feelings.

                                All relationships are reciprocal to a degree. Liking someone is normal, if they don’t reciprocate those feelings that’s okay, doesn’t mean anything has to change. If you respect them as a person and don’t just see them as someone to fill a role in your life then you should be able to sublimate romantic feelings into a healthy plutonic feelings.

                                Don’t force anything, pay attention to expressed boundaries and learn to differentiate for yourself when you’re giving too much.

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                0
                                • C cattail@lemmy.world

                                  Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

                                  The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

                                  gigastasio@sh.itjust.worksG This user is from outside of this forum
                                  gigastasio@sh.itjust.worksG This user is from outside of this forum
                                  gigastasio@sh.itjust.works
                                  wrote last edited by
                                  #16

                                  Okay here’s an alternative route:

                                  Rather than trying to express this with words, do it through meaningful action. Go out of your way to spend time with this person. Suggest things you can do together even if it’s just going out for coffee or shopping or whatever. When they open up and share, listen in earnest and express empathy. This will allow your feelings to show themselves organically without you having to concoct some awkward-ass monologue about it. This will also provide you with nonverbal feedback about how they feel, and you can proceed accordingly.

                                  Took me decades to figure this out myself btw.

                                  S sharkweek@lemmy.blahaj.zoneS C 3 Replies Last reply
                                  0
                                  • orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.comO orbituary@lemmy.dbzer0.com

                                    If it comes up or is obvious. Not before. You risk this person ghosting you otherwise.

                                    My take is that you're already too invested.

                                    Good luck. It's not an easy position to figure out.

                                    C This user is from outside of this forum
                                    C This user is from outside of this forum
                                    cattail@lemmy.world
                                    wrote last edited by
                                    #17

                                    Well we are in the same social group

                                    R 1 Reply Last reply
                                    0
                                    • C cattail@lemmy.world

                                      Part of me is accepting that this could go disastrously and going though with it anyway. Maybe I'm just bored.

                                      The worse thing is she accepts me and just tears into me to prove I'm sensitive

                                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                                      blugill@fedia.io
                                      wrote last edited by
                                      #18

                                      Good luck. It might or might not work out for you.

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0
                                      • gigastasio@sh.itjust.worksG gigastasio@sh.itjust.works

                                        Okay here’s an alternative route:

                                        Rather than trying to express this with words, do it through meaningful action. Go out of your way to spend time with this person. Suggest things you can do together even if it’s just going out for coffee or shopping or whatever. When they open up and share, listen in earnest and express empathy. This will allow your feelings to show themselves organically without you having to concoct some awkward-ass monologue about it. This will also provide you with nonverbal feedback about how they feel, and you can proceed accordingly.

                                        Took me decades to figure this out myself btw.

                                        S This user is from outside of this forum
                                        S This user is from outside of this forum
                                        shittydwarf@piefed.ca
                                        wrote last edited by
                                        #19

                                        This is it. You don't say "I'm gonna kiss you Steve" you smile, and act natural and romance them

                                        1 Reply Last reply
                                        0
                                        • C cattail@lemmy.world

                                          Some context does involve me opening up to this person and they telling me it's cute that I open over text, being lonely might make me get attached to them quickly.

                                          The whole thought is if they didn't have same feelings about me; should I be open and say I should pursue a healthy relationship or just not say anything and let it come out through my actions

                                          derfunkatron@lemmy.worldD This user is from outside of this forum
                                          derfunkatron@lemmy.worldD This user is from outside of this forum
                                          derfunkatron@lemmy.world
                                          wrote last edited by
                                          #20

                                          Whatever you decide to do, remember this: You have spent a lot more time thinking about this than they have.

                                          Keep it simple, don’t overwhelm them, don’t talk about the far future, and don’t have this conversation in a place where they can feel trapped or coerced.

                                          C 1 Reply Last reply
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