How to Effectively Tell a Guy I'm Interested

I would stop declining those other dates :-) he’ll get the hint that you’re not waiting around without you having to say a word …..if he’s really interested he will step up and ask you out…..and regardless of what HE does you’ll get to stop waiting around and get out there and meet somebody really great……not just somebody who “ticks all the boxes” and leaves you in the limbo of hope…. but who ACTUALLY pursues you and makes you feel great :-)

Don’t worry about the age difference, you’re barely older than him and in the same basic stage of life. I am more of a go get’em gal. If I have interest in someone I straight up tell them because he might not even be thinking you’re an option. Especially if you’re a sought after gal he might have just put you in an unattainable category

Thanks for your advice, EL :) Whilst I agree that the best advice is to straight up tell him how I feel, I have never done that before and am at a complete loss as to how I’d go about it. Suggestions?
And Maria, now that I think about it, maybe I’m not so clear? I try and come across as receptive/interested in our conversations (“I really appreciate your call” – when he calls me, “I really hope to see you again soon” – when we say goodbye, talking to him for much of a night, specifically complimenting him, laughing with him, etc. Even initiating a texting conversation every so often (but I don’t too much as I don’t want to seem needy)

Maria, one of my favourite things about our time together is the way we look at each other! Well at least that’s how I interpret it. But I know I can misinterpret things. Maybe he just has an intense gaze in general? But yes, I definitely think I got the flirty eye contact down pat ;)

Hi Eliana,

Guys suck at subtle hints which is why it doesn’t work with them—they need bold, obvious signs. When engaged in a convo with him segue in “I’m beginning to like you more than a friend” and see what he does. He will either be happy that you told him if he’s interested in you too, or he’ll politely tell you he doesn’t feel the same way so you can move on to those who are.

I know its scary, as the saying goes “without risk there’s no reward” :-)

Oh! And after I express my feelings, is that then the time to pull back and let him make the effort? Should I just stay on the cordial level unless he decides to step up his game, at which point I become receptive? (Sorry, have only really been onto this website for a week, I’m learning… but slowly…)

Due to the fact that you’re young (and he’s even younger), you’re friends with his brother etc. (and the whole situation is a bit “sensitive”), I’d actually say it when on the phone with him.

Choose a moment when you feel you’re having a really good conversation. Say it in a light, soft, confident (but not flirty, nervous or assertive) way.

You can start with “There’s something I want to tell you” or “I have a confession to make”, and end with “I just wanted you to know” and/or (if it feels right) “I hope I did the right thing telling you!?”.

Yes, after you’ve told him, it is the time to pull back and let him process what you said (can take a while) and to wait for him to come to you.

And yes, stay on a friendly (and easy breezy) level. That’ll prevent the situation from becoming awkward, and make it easier for him to respond (whatever his response may be)…

Yes, please update as soon as you’ve talked to him…

I’m soo hoping he’ll say “I kind of feel that way too” :-D

Good luck <3