"I'm too shy to talk to my crush"

Dear Mimi,

If we don’t at least try to make something come of our crushes, then all we’re left with is feeling crushed! I mean really, what’s the point of having a crush if you’re not going to do anything about it? You’re right, it’s time to change!

How? By feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

I know it’s scary to talk to someone we like. We can talk to anybody else about anything under the sun, but when we come face-to-face with our crush, all of a sudden our tongue feels tied, our face turns red and brain turns to mush. No good, right?

The key when this happens is to command control of the situation. You’ve got to remember that your crush is just a person, same as you! Sure he’s the object of your affection, but just because you adore him doesn’t magically alter him into some God-like superhuman figure! So when the red face and sweaty palms start to creep in, remind yourself of this. Tell yourself to just relax; you’re talking to a guy, no big deal. And if it helps, picture him as a son or a brother. Real-life visualizations will help remind you that he’s no different than you.

As for talking to him – just do it! (I know, I know.Easier said than done.) But quite honestly, pining over the perfect words to say isn’t going to get you anywhere. The longer you think about it, the harder actually doing it is going to become. Since you have classes together, that’s a perfect built-in conversation topic!If you don’t understand something, ask him for help. Or see if he wants to study together for one of your upcoming tests. Does he play any sports? If so, in the downtime before or after class, ask him how his team’s doing this season or talk to him about the next big game. On a Monday, ask him how his weekend was and what he did, and you fill him in on your life, too!

Little by little, your conversations will start to feel natural rather than forced, and your nervousness will dissipate. Getting to know one another is key. And the best part? By sparking conversations with him, you’re showing him that you’re a cool, confident girl, and believe me – nothing is sexier than self-confidence and poise! Work it, girl!

Good luck!
Marissa