I’m afraid to tell her I like her...

Illustration/Uday Mohite

I want to tell a girl that I like her very much but can't seem to be able to find the courage. She is very intimidating, and I know there are a lot of guys who like her a lot and have told her that they like her. I get along very well with her and don't want to ruin it by declaring any feelings, but I can't get her out of my mind either. This can go horribly wrong if she writes me off as just another admirer, and I am afraid of losing her, but there will come a point where I won't be able to just ignore how I'm feeling. Should I just tell her and deal with the consequences?
It's not what you say as much as how you say it. Sometimes, it's important to be clear about your feelings, while also expressing your vulnerability and explaining why you are afraid to be direct. She may appreciate your honesty if you tell her why you're afraid to speak up. It's also important to accept that she has no prerogative to reciprocate your feelings, and that you should appreciate the possibility that she will always be a close friend. If you make that explicit too, and work on not making this awkward between you two in the event of her rejection, you may find yourself with a good friend. Either way, a bit of maturity can go a long way when it comes to conversations like these.

How am I supposed to deal with a very unsupportive partner who loves me a lot? On the one hand, I can't let go of someone like him; on the other, it is as if I have to accept that he will never be around when I genuinely need him the most. Should I end this and get over the heartbreak instead of punishing myself by trying to make it work?
You alone can answer that question, provided you weigh the pros and cons, and put yourself first.

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