It's completely natural to develop feelings for someone, especially when you spend a lot of time together at school. Building a friendship with someone you admire can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but it's a worthwhile endeavor. Here are some steps to help you approach this situation:
Take your time: It's essential to give yourself some time to process your feelings and emotions. Don't rush into anything. Allow yourself to feel comfortable and confident before taking any actions.
Start with casual conversations: Begin by striking up casual conversations with the 10th grader. Find common interests or topics you both enjoy talking about. This can be about school subjects, hobbies, movies, music, or anything else that could spark a conversation.
Be approachable and friendly: Smile and be approachable when you see this student. A friendly demeanor will encourage them to engage in conversation with you.
Join clubs or activities together: If there are any clubs or extracurricular activities that interest both of you, consider joining them. This can provide a relaxed and natural environment for you to get to know each other better.
Show genuine interest: Show genuine interest in what the other person has to say. Ask them about their opinions, experiences, and thoughts on various topics.
Be a good listener: Listening is a crucial aspect of any friendship. Be attentive when they speak and show that you value their thoughts and feelings.
Find opportunities to help: Offer help when you can, such as with schoolwork or any other challenges they may face. However, avoid being overly intrusive or pushy.
Take it slow: Building a friendship takes time, so be patient with the process. Don't feel pressured to reveal your feelings immediately. Focus on nurturing a genuine connection.
Overcome shyness step by step: Shyness is normal, and many people feel the same way in social situations. Try to step out of your comfort zone a little bit at a time. Gradually pushing yourself to initiate conversations and participate in group activities can help you build confidence.
Be yourself: It's essential to be authentic and true to yourself. Don't try to be someone you're not to impress the other person. Real friendships are based on mutual understanding and respect.
Respect their feelings: While it's okay to develop feelings for someone, it's essential to be aware that the other person may or may not feel the same way. Respect their feelings and decisions, whatever they may be.
Remember that friendships can blossom when both individuals feel comfortable and accepted around each other. It's okay to be shy and take your time. Be patient with yourself, and let the friendship develop naturally. Sometimes, friendships can lead to something more, but it's vital to prioritize the foundation of a strong and caring friendship first.