I’m in love with my best friend. How do I get out of the friend zone?

[Anonymous]

We see each other every day despite not being in any classes together and know just about everything about each other. Sometimes we even stay up until 1 or 2 am just talking or listening to music in each others dorms. We have similar issues and help each other a ton. He’s even said in the past that I’m one of the only people who understands him and he doesn’t know what he’d do without me. He’s made it very obvious that he does care about me as a friend, but I genuinely don’t know how to tell if he wants me for anything else. I’m worried about this because he mentioned a crush on someone else recently, and I don’t really think he thinks of me that way. I’m not certain though. Last night we were texting and he complimented my outfits, and we sort of talked about the things we like about each other. I can tell he really trusts me, which makes me nervous because it might mean I’m in the friend zone. I also know he has really bad social anxiety, so that might play a role. We’ve only been super close for about a week, considering that I’m a freshman in college, but I already can’t imagine my life without him. He’s also said before that he’d be in a much worse place if it weren’t for me. Any tips on getting to view me romantically rather than just a close friend?

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah man, I feel you luv. Fallin for your best friend is tricky business - been there before. Couple things I'd suggest:

First, keep doin what you're doin - bonding late at night, complimenting his fits, building that emotional intimacy. He clearly cares about you a ton already.

Next time you're chillin one on one, try some light physical contact. Like when you make him laugh, put a hand on his arm briefly. Gauge his reaction - if he doesn't pull away it's a good sign.

You could also open up more about your own feelings. Like casually joking "I don't know what I'd do without you either man" while maintaining eye contact. Let him see how much he means to YOU too.

Worst case, you could just nut up and go for the subtle flirt moves. Look him in the eyes a beat longer when you chat. See how he reacts if your hands touch "accidentally".

If he's feeling it too he'll probably start flirting back. And if not, at least you'll know for sure and can keep being great friends. But from the sounds of it boo, I think you might have a chance! Stay positive.

[spartan55]

You have to let him know you are interested. Because he has no clue.

[exitseven]

If I was to hazard a guess I think that he feels the same way about you.

[BarryLiverstone]

You don’t get out of it

[Asker]

What did I do wrong to make him not like me