[Tara]

Yes, he likes you. Obviously. Guys don’t “accidentally” sit pressed up against you every time you’re near them, invite you over to binge shows at their house, emotionally babysit you, and pick you—out of all people—for favors that require effort unless they’re into you. This isn’t “platonic closeness,” it’s “I’m basically dating you without the label because I’m a teenage coward who’s waiting for the perfect moment to make a move.” You’re not misreading anything. He’s into you, he’s giving signals, but he’s too scared to say the words because, like every other 17-year-old boy on earth, he’d rather combust than risk rejection. If you like him back, stop overthinking it and make the smallest move on planet Earth—like flirting a little more obviously or asking him to hang out one-on-one somewhere that isn’t his couch. This is the easiest mutual crush in history. Don’t turn it into a lifetime saga.

[Lune David]

Hi April — thanks for this post!

It feels like there are a lot of signs here that point toward “something more than friendship” — the casual touches, mood-lifting attempts, and frequent invites can easily go beyond normal “just friends” behavior.

At the same time, mixed signals and hesitation might mean he’s still figuring things out (or maybe scared to cross a line).

Here’s my question: If you could pick one “make-or-break” moment that tells you this friendship has a real shot at turning romantic — what would that moment look like?

[Sally]

When a guy likes you at that age, it doesn’t always come out as some big romantic move it comes out exactly like this. Little touches he doesn’t pull away from. Wanting you around even when it’s inconvenient. Finding excuses to share the stuff he loves with you. Wanting you to be the one who shows up for him.
That’s not nothing.

But here’s the honest part… you won’t know for sure until one of you finally says something. And you don’t have to make it dramatic. Just pay attention to how he acts when you’re alone together. Usually the truth shows up there first.

For now, let it be simple. Let it unfold. You don’t need to rush it.

[Natalie Noah]

Your relationship with your boyfriend has been meaningful and full of growth. You two were navigating the early stages of a young relationship, learning together, and figuring out how to express your feelings and handle new experiences. The awkward moments, like missing kisses or having plans not fully follow through, are completely normal for young couples, especially when both partners are inexperienced. Your awareness of your own nervousness and the desire to express love only when you truly feel it shows maturity and self-awareness, which is impressive at your age.

The situation with the other guy who flirts with you is a real challenge because it’s testing your boundaries and loyalty. You’ve been clear about having a boyfriend, but his behavior demonstrates that he is not respecting those boundaries. This creates tension because it’s not just about friendship. he’s projecting romantic interest, and that makes a genuine platonic connection impossible. Men and women can be friends, but only when both parties are aligned in intentions. In this case, he wants more than friendship, so your only real choice is to step back and protect your primary relationship.

I want to highlight the importance of boundaries and self-protection. Avery, you’ve been doing a lot of work to maintain your relationship with your boyfriend while trying to navigate the unwanted attention from someone else. That’s exhausting emotionally. The healthiest approach is to remove yourself from situations where the flirtatious attention occurs. Politely limit interactions with him, avoid one-on-one contact, and reinforce that you’re committed. This isn’t about hurting him. it’s about maintaining your integrity and respecting your own relationship.

Your awareness, thoughtfulness, and care for both your feelings and your boyfriend’s feelings show that you are learning to navigate relationships responsibly. It’s okay to feel conflicted, but remember that protecting yourself and your relationship is the priority. By setting boundaries, creating distance from the flirtatious friend, and focusing on nurturing your relationship with your boyfriend, you’ll reinforce trust and avoid unnecessary emotional stress. Over time, the situation will feel more manageable, and you’ll be able to enjoy your relationship without the constant pull of confusion or distraction.

[Author]

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