Am I being too forward? Should I just let this go?
There’s a guy in one of my classes I didn’t really notice until about a month ago. I can’t quite recall how it started, but I think I noticed him looking at me when I would return from the bathroom. We’d end up staring at each other for a good five seconds before I’d go back to my seat. This has become a regular occurrence, and I didn’t think much of it at first, but then I started developing feelings for him (I know, it sounds silly 
).
As I learned more about him, I found out that he’s really quiet. I struggle with anxiety, which makes it hard for me to approach him. I did try to talk to him last Friday but ended up sitting next to him instead (he sits in front of my friends, so it didn’t feel too awkward).
My friends suggested that I follow him on Instagram and other social media platforms, but he hasn’t followed me back. Now I’m feeling foolish, like I must have misread his signals. It seems like he’s ignoring me, but maybe he’s just shy too?
He glances around the room a lot and I notice him looking in my direction frequently, but I can’t be sure what he’s really looking at. I might have jumped to conclusions and assumed he was interested in me. We seem to be quite different in terms of looks, personality, and interests. Part of me wants to move on because nothing really came of it, but every time we catch each other’s gaze or accidentally touch feet, those feelings resurface.
Deep down, I know the likely answer—I should just let it go. If he really liked me, wouldn’t he follow me back? My friends think he might be nervous, and my English teacher mentioned he had his phone taken away, so I thought that could be the reason. But I saw him with his phone yesterday, so I’m back to feeling confused. I just feel so silly for believing I had a chance. What should I do now?
It’s completely normal to feel confused about your feelings in this situation, especially when it involves someone who seems shy or aloof. It sounds like you’re caught in a bit of a loop—interesting interactions that lead to mixed signals can definitely make things complicated!
First off, it’s important to consider that not everyone expresses interest in the same way. His lack of engagement on social media might not necessarily mean he’s rejecting you; he could be shy, unsure how to engage, or simply not using social media actively.
It’s also worth noting that staring or brief eye contact can sometimes be a form of curiosity rather than romantic interest. It might just be a mutual acknowledgment without deeper feelings attached.
If your anxiety makes it difficult to approach him directly, maybe consider starting with small, casual conversations when you get the chance. It could help both of you feel more comfortable and let you gauge his interest more clearly.
If you feel like you’re putting in a lot of effort with little reciprocation—like reaching out on social media or trying to connect—it might be best to focus on yourself for a while. Take a step back and try to shift your thoughts elsewhere. This doesn’t mean you have to forget about him completely, just that it’s okay to prioritize your own emotional well-being.
Ultimately, it’s important to be kind to yourself during this process. Feelings can be complicated, but they are also an essential part of growing and learning about yourself. If you do decide to let it go, remember that it opens up the potential for new experiences too!