Example 1

"Hi, I know this is a bit of a weird question, but I want to ask it anyway. There's this guy that I really like. He's in two of my classes and he's adorable! We talk about twice a week, which I know isn't enough...but I wanted to ask, how do I make him like me? Or how do I know if he does? What do I do?"

Dear Reader,

Thank you so much for turning to AskItEmily! Your question isn't weird at all, it's actually really common. Talking to someone that you like is the best way to start, and it sounds like you're already there with casual conversation. You need to give him more opportunities to speak to you, though. You're already in a great position! Maybe if you are set group work, you could try to pair up with him? I know it's difficult, but working on a project together is a great way to get to know each other without it being too awkward. He'll also be more comfortable around you then, and hopefully an almost friendship can turn into something much more. 

I should add, there's no way to "make him like" you, but it's okay to put yourself out there and let him know that you exist. Embarrassment can be a massive phobia for some people, but stay strong, and follow these instructions, failing the school project idea (which is probably your best shot).

1) Act friendly! If you see him walking the opposite way in the corridor to you, smile and say hi. It doesn't even matter if he doesn't reply, because you can pretend someone else in the busy corridor said it.

2) Ask him questions. You're in the same classes as him! Pretend to be confused or stuck on a question! (No, I didn't get this one from Mean Girls). Don't demean yourself and fail all of your exams, but just ask him a simple question. "When's this homework due?" or "What was that last point?" work well.

3) Use his name! Boys LOVE it when girls familiarize themselves with them. Try this, combining steps 2 and 3. Begin the question with his name, and it will make everything seem a lot more personal.

4) Borrow stuff. Ask him for a pen, or a pencil, or a tissue, or a ruler, or a rubber, or a sharpener, or a highlighter... the possibilities are endless!

5) Once you're on proper speaking terms with him, don't give up. Offer him something to borrow. Say really pointedly that you're cold in his presence. Go to the groups of clubs that he goes to. Don't stalk him, but show him that you're an interesting person!

6) Wait it out. Honestly, if you follow these steps religiously for a whole year and nothing more happens, he's either really shy, or this isn't going anywhere. Chin up, though, it's waaayyyy more likely that, if you're patient enough, he'll respond to your advances.

Thank you so much for contacting me, reader, and good luck for the future! I'm sure that it will be fine!

AskItEmily

Because I can.

Hi guys, so nobody's asking for my help. I actually feel quite hurt, except I don't. So the next few responses are going to be entirely fictional to get things going. That's all I wanted to say really.