Have a Secret Crush? How to Tell Someone You Like Them Without Making It Awkward

I've been there — having strong feelings for someone but not knowing how to tell them.

See, I'm a regular at the gym, and since it's my main social space, most of my friendships and connections naturally start there. Some time back, I met a guy and we seemed to click. Or maybe it was just my imagination? We used to train around the same time, and before long, we became workout buddies.

Every time I saw him, my heart would light up with excitement. And every time we platonically hugged goodbye, I didn't want to let go. At first, I thought it was simply because I enjoyed our workouts together. But with each passing day, my feelings for him grew deeper. I wanted something more, but didn't know how to say it. 

As an overthinker, I imagined all the things that could go wrong if I were to confess my feelings. On top of that, in my culture, it's uncommon for a woman to approach a man first. I even thought about switching gyms to forget him, but the truth is, my feelings were too strong. And honestly, I didn't want to lose him, even as a friend.

Eventually, he relocated to another town for work. We tried to keep in touch, but our friendship slowly faded away like many things. To this day, I still wonder what might have happened if I had been more confident and told him how I felt. Maybe he liked me too, but also didn't know how to say it — or perhaps he only ever saw me as a friend. I guess I'll never know.

You don't want to be me. You shouldn't miss the chance to share your true feelings with someone you genuinely care about. The worst that can happen is they don't feel the same, and even then, it's not the end of the world.

This article will guide you on telling someone you like them without making it awkward, and help you embrace rejection in case they don't feel the same way. Let's take a look.

Related: What Are You Looking for in a Relationship? Answer with Confidence

6 Ways to Tell Your Crush You Like Them

Maybe it's a coworker, a neighbor, or a long-term friend you've been spending a lot of time with — and now you've realized you have strong feelings for them. You really want to tell them, but don't know where to start. There's also a lot to consider before revealing your newfound feelings.

What if they don't feel the same way? Will things become awkward between you afterward?

One thing I can tell you for sure: you'll feel much better once you find the courage to tell someone how you truly feel. No matter the outcome, you can move forward without that lingering 'what if' holding you back.

If you're looking for guidance, here are some gentle, subtle ways to tell your crush you like them — without making it awkward.

1. Leave Them a Note

Writing a heartfelt note lets you express your feelings without the pressure of speaking face-to-face

I think this is one of the most romantic ways to tell someone you like them. I would be smiling from ear to ear if someone left me a note confessing their feelings for me.

If saying it face-to-face makes you want to run and hide in the bathroom, try writing your crush a cute note instead. Leave it somewhere they'll easily find it — in their locker, bag, or maybe even a book. You could write something simple like, "Hi Jack, I just wanted to let you know that I like you." Don't forget to include your name so they know it's from you.

The mischievous side of me would probably hide nearby to see their reaction when they find the note!

Still, be careful with this approach. Notes can easily get lost, misplaced, or even passed around — and that could make you feel worse than before. Unless you completely trust the person's maturity and discretion, choosing another way to express your feelings might be safer.

2. Confess Your Feelings Over the Phone

A phone call allows you to speak from your heart without the in-person intensity.

I've used phone calls to say things I couldn't quite manage face-to-face. You can also use this approach to confess your feelings to someone. I know it's not the most romantic way, but sometimes you must do what it takes to release those feelings.

Making a call can feel easier for someone who's shy or introverted. It takes away some of the pressure that comes with being physically present. You can start with a bit of small talk, then gently ease into it: "Hey, there's something I've been meaning to tell you… I enjoy spending time with you and I think I like you."

Don't stay on the call too long or make them feel pressured to answer immediately. They might need some time to process what you've said and get back to you later — and that's perfectly fine.

The beauty of using a phone call is that you don't have to face their immediate reaction, which can sometimes be intimidating. You can also hide your nervous expression, pace around the room to calm your nerves, and even rehearse what you will say beforehand.

3. Drop Subtle Social Media Hints

Engaging with social posts and sharing light, meaningful interactions online can be a playful way to show your interest.

It's 2025. What can't we do on social media? Thank goodness for the internet; we can now meet, flirt, and even build long-term relationships online. 

I'm a frequent TikTok user, and there have been men who started by liking my posts and later slid into my DMs (and I am talking about the nice guys here, LOL). Some of those conversations led to us exchanging numbers and becoming good friends. And guess what? I even went on a first date with one I met on TikTok! 

You can take a page from their playbook. Once you realize you have romantic feelings for someone, try finding their social media handles and follow them. Engage with their posts — like, comment, or react thoughtfully so they start noticing you. 

Do it in a friendly and subtle way. Don’t be a stalker!

And this doesn't only apply to people you meet online. It could be someone you see at the gym, in your neighborhood, at a party, or someone you matched with on Tinder.

Just be careful not to fall into the trap of sending the same dull texts like, "Good morning" or "How was your day?" Make your conversations fun and genuine. Share funny memes about things they enjoy or mention interesting tidbits about their hobbies or shared interests. The goal is to create an easy, natural connection that could lead to exchanging numbers organically.

For example, I once sold homemade peanut butter, and a guy — who happened to be a food scientist — messaged me with tips on how to improve my small business. Before we ended the chat, he said, "Here's my number if you need any clarification." Let's say we now talk almost every day!

4. Employ Casual Physical Touch

Light, friendly gestures like a gentle tap on the arm or a playful nudge can express affection without crossing boundaries.

What if you're more of a physical flirt? How can you show someone how you truly feel without appearing creepy? The secret is to keep it light, natural, and brief — and to make sure any touch stays within non-sexual boundaries. 

You can also find ways to be physically close to your crush without actually touching. For instance, join them for a gym session, sit next to them on the couch, or step into the elevator together. Small, natural moments of proximity can help build comfort and connection.

My personal favorite? Pretending I'm afraid to cross a busy intersection alone, so he'll hold my hand. It's simple, innocent, and still gets the message across.

5. Use Other Love Languages

Showing affection through quality time, kind words, or thoughtful gestures can reveal your feelings in a natural, genuine way.

In addition to physical touch, there are other love languages — words of affirmation, quality time, gift-giving, and acts of service. These can also be great ways to show someone you like them, especially if a direct confession feels intimidating.

For example, if you know the person values quality time, find simple ways to spend more of it together. You could offer them an extra ticket to the movie, invite them for an evening walk, or suggest grabbing coffee after work. Hopefully, they'll catch the hint — and even if they don't, those quiet moments alone together can make it easier for you to open up about how you truly feel.

6. Just Say It

Sometimes, the simplest and bravest way to express your feelings is to look them in the eye and tell them how you feel. 

I love using this saying whenever I'm about to do something that makes me nervous: "What's the worst that can happen?"

So, you've tried every form of flirting imaginable, like letting your body language do the talking, but they still don't get the hint. You've run out of ideas and started thinking, "Maybe I should just let these feelings die with me." My advice? Don't. Go ahead and say the words to their face. I mean it — what's the worst that could happen? Make yourself attractive, find the right words, take a deep breath, maintain eye contact, and spill the beans.

I've learned that speaking your truth sets you free, including confessing your feelings to your crush. Just make sure you're emotionally prepared for any possible outcome. That way, if they don't respond positively, you won't cry in the bathroom or blame yourself for being honest. At the very least, you'll walk away knowing you were brave enough to say how you truly felt.

What If They Don't Feel the Same Way?

Before you open up about your feelings, take a moment to think through the possible outcomes. Whether it's a close friend, a coworker, or a neighbor, your confession could change the dynamic of your relationship — for better or worse.

Ask yourself if you're truly ready for whatever response you might get. Your honesty could lead to something beautiful, like your first date together, or it could create some distance — especially if it's someone you're close to. Are you emotionally prepared for rejection? If it's a colleague, could your confession make working together uncomfortable? And if things ever progressed but later ended, how would that affect your job or daily environment?

Reflecting on these questions can help you decide whether pursuing a romantic connection is worth the risk.

If you choose to share your feelings, remember that rejection is always a possibility — and that's okay. It doesn't mean you're unworthy of love. When it happens, focus on caring for yourself. Practice mindfulness, stay active, spend time with supportive friends, or talk to a family therapist about how you feel. Healing takes time, but you'll eventually find peace knowing you dared to be honest.

Be Brave Enough to Tell Someone You Like Them

Telling someone you like them can be hard. Sometimes, the fear of rejection holds you back, or perhaps you wonder whether you will truly be a good match. Perhaps it's how society has made expressing romantic feelings uncomfortable. Many women are often told to wait and be chased, but what if that never happens? And what if you genuinely like someone and want them to know?

It doesn't hurt to confess your feelings to someone you like, whether you're a man or a woman. It's a sign of courage, authenticity, and a step toward creating a meaningful connection. Remember, whether the person shares your feelings or not should never be a measure of your worth. You are still important, still enough, whether they feel the same way or not.

Once you've weighed all your options and decided to confess your feelings, use the above tactics to convey your message. Remember, "It's better to have tried and failed than to never have tried at all."