Search Results: awkward and distant

I finally told my crush I liked him. We work together and been knowing each other for months. We spend a lot Of time after work talking about everything. We check on each other theoughout the day. Deep open conversations about fears and lost loved ones. He's very reserve and nice. He told me he just wanted to be friends. Ouch! It hurts like hell. I'm respecting his wishes and giving him space. I hate that I've made things awkward by revealing my truth but sometimes you have to take risk. And he was worth it. But I'm afraid I've ruined our friendship. The day after the rejection I returned to work and I only said hi the entire day and keep my distance. One because I'm still processing my emotions. Rejections hurt. Two, I'm embarrassed. Three, I don't know what to say. He obviously cared as he reached out the same afternoon of the rejection to check on me. And he wanted me to know he know how hard it was to be vulnerable and he appreciated my honesty. He stated "he likes talking to me and wanna still be friends". I'm the most happiest person in the world but today I was distant and even moved into a room away from him. I don't want him to feel guilty bc he was honest there's nothing to be guilty about. But this is hard today I realized I like this guy way more than I thought. Today I went with a close friend that works with us out to lunch. And he happen to also go to lunch with his "work bff" that he's close as they never truly have lunch together outside of work. I hate I've made things weird. What are your thoughts? How long will it take for things to get back to normal?