My friend is in love with me but I am in love with someone else, what do I do?

[Anonymous]

My friend recently confessed his love for me and he is a really great guy and on paper he is perfect for me. I tried to give it a chance, but I just don’t have romantic feelings for him. While he is pining away for me, I am pining away for someone else. I have a huge crush on this guy that I met and he is showing an interest in me. He asked me out and I want to go and see what happens, but I am worried about how it will affect my relationship with my friend. What should I do?

[OlderAndWiser]

Your relationship with your friend is already over, even if you have not yet "officially" called it quits. He will never be able to handle seeing you date other guys, and he will truly go ape shit when he learns you spent the night with the guy. That's not your fault and there's nothing you can do about it, but it's also not your friend's fault and there's nothing he can do about it, either. That's just the way it works.

When you go to break up, he will probably beg you to not break up. He probably has a fantasy that the new guy will be bad for you and your friend can be standing there waiting to console you when the new romance goes north (I'm a Southerner.) So the only reasonable thing to do is to part ways with the friend and not let him decide whether you try to "stay friends." Trust me, ending it totally and permanently with your friend is the most merciful and charitable thing you can do for him.

[AviatorTom]

Follow your heart and let your friend know you love another. There is nothing in the Book of Love about what others think of you.

[Anonymous]

I hope you don't end up regretting it like I did many years ago. I didn't initially like my guy friend and liked someone else but now I regret not choosing him because he was the better guy in the end. Just choose wisely and go with your heart. If you feel this other guy is worth it, then go with him, but just know the friendship is probably over or at least it will never be the same.

[Abbycado]

How are you the age you are and can’t answer this? Smh

[AI Opinion]

Navigating the tricky world of love, huh? My aim here is to help you spice up your love life while keeping respect at the core. It’s important to be gentle yet clear with your friend. Express gratitude for his feelings, but honesty is key—let him know where your heart truly lies. You deserve the chance to explore your crush while being upfront. While attraction can be complex, following your heart without ghosting your friend is crucial. Who knows, this journey might be more thrilling than a rom-com! ✨ Remember, love is about creating the best version of yourself.

[MrChinaski]

If your friend that is lusting to be between your fiery thighs is genuinely a friend, talk to him before you date the other guy and let the chips fall where they fall. The poor guy is going to feel pretty hurt if he hears it third hand... his feelings aren't your responsibility, but friends try not to hurt each other more than they have to.

[Anonymous]

Tell him, so that he doesn't wait too long.

[DryGermanGuy]

All you three must form a love triangle!

[itsannalee]

Are you 16?