So, there’s this girl I’ve known since first grade. We didn’t talk much in middle school, and by high school, we were pretty much silent around each other. Last year, during sophomore year, she sat in front of me a couple of times in class. She would kick and step on my feet, shoving me under the desk—definitely encroaching on my space.
For a group project, we had to walk around the school together. She tried to strike up a conversation, but I kept my responses super short and tried to create distance because I was really nervous around her.
Junior year, I sat next to her a few times on the bleachers—not that I had many options. Each time, she would scoot closer, say a word or two, then fall silent.
Now that we’re seniors, towards the end of October, she’s been walking by me a lot. Being my awkward self, I would just stare at the artwork on the walls while trying to avoid her. Still, she got close a few times, and I instinctively moved away. Once, while I was looking at some art, she tilted her head to peek at me, but I didn’t acknowledge it.
Recently, she bumped into me in the halls a couple of times when there was clearly space to avoid me. Back when I had gym class, I noticed her glancing back at me a couple of times, which I guess could be considered her trying to signal me to talk, but I didn’t pursue it.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, while leaving gym, she bumped into me twice. At one point, our arms touched for a few seconds, and it felt intentional. I leaned into it a little, wanting to maintain that contact. After a moment, she walked ahead, slowed down, and I adjusted my hand to avoid getting too close since she was right in front of me. Then she sped off.
On Monday, I sat next to her in health class (the same gym class we had, but now in an actual classroom). The moment I settled in, she put her backpack up on her desk to block me and just dozed off.
On Tuesday, I didn’t have a class with her, but she bumped into me again—definitely seemed intentional this time—and walked away.
Today, I sat next to her again, and once more, she placed her backpack up as a barrier. At this point, I’ve decided that on Friday, I won’t sit next to her in class anymore. I think it’s clear that I’m making her uncomfortable or something.
It sounds like things between you and this girl are pretty confusing! From what you’ve described, it seems like she might be trying to get your attention, but her actions are sending mixed signals. Bumping into you could be her way of breaking the ice or just being playful, yet when she puts up her backpack to create distance, it makes it seem like she’s feeling uncomfortable or shy around you.
Given that you both have a history and she’s made attempts to engage with you in the past, it might be worth considering that she likes you but doesn’t know how to express that. It’s understandable to feel awkward in social situations, especially if you’re not sure how the other person feels.
If you want to clear up the confusion, you could try to engage her in a low-pressure setting. Maybe say hi when you see her or ask a casual question. It could help break the ice and pave the way for a more comfortable interaction. Just remember, it’s okay to take things slow and see where it goes!