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Q: I have known this boy since elementary school and we are seniors in high school now. I never really liked him in this way until this year.. I sit at the same table with him And 3 other classmates with whom we share a friendship with that's hard to explain. One of my girlfriends at the table knows how I feel towards him And she notices how we fight like a married couple. I really like him And he talks to me like I'm his wife or something. We argue all the time but I think it's just a part of our chemistry. My question is how do I know if he really likes me the way I like him or if he's just joking all the time. By the way he's only dated white And Hispanic girls in the past And I'm African American And so is he.

I can understand why this situation makes you feel uncertain. Since you've known each other for a long time and are friends, it's even more difficult to know. The good thing is that you have chemistry-- the issue is that it's hard to figure out if he also likes you the way you like him. Honestly, there's no real way of knowing unless you talk to him about it. He might like you and feel awkward making his feelings known since you're friends, or he might see you as just a friend. The tricky thing is that if he doesn't feel the same way but knows that you do, it might make him feel awkward around you. I think the best thing is to casually bring it up to him when you have a chance to talk to him privately. Maybe say that you know you're really good friends and you wouldn't want anything to change that... and that you've developed feelings for him this year and basically just want to get that off your chest. Try to be prepared for him to tell you that he only sees you as a friend, and to not be hurt or too disappointed if he says that. Really just be friendly and yourself-- the way you handle things will likely determine how to carries on. If you treat him the same as usual, then things will probably carry on being the same between you- but how he deals with it has more to do with him than you. I'd do what makes you feel comfortable, maybe even ask a friend what they think. Good luck!

Rating: 5

Thanks you so much, very helpful!

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I am here to give honest advice, when I feel I have something to contribute. I try to be as empathetic and understanding as I can, as I know that the way something is said is as important as the message itself.

I usually advise on love/relationships, friendship and family issues, nutrition, and health (mental and physical). If I feel I can help out, there's not a whole lot I am unwilling to answer. Ask away!