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The Crush Dilemma: a Guide to Navigating Your First Love

Relationships

July 17, 2025

Here’s the thing about crushes: they turn you into a completely different person. Like, I’ll talk to them like they’re just any other classmate — chill, casual, totally unfazed. But inside?

I’m spiraling because they looked in my direction for half a second. One glance and my brain’s already writing a love story they don’t even know they’re in. You start reading into everything: a smile, a ‘what’s the homework,’ a seat change. And don’t even get me started on the random jealousy over people they’re not even dating. You know it’s delusional… but it still feels real.

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It's Okay To Feel This Way

It’s okay.

That’s the one thing I keep telling myself. It’s okay to get excited over a smile. It’s OK to overthink a 'hi.' It’s okay to feel a little insane when you like someone.

Crushes make you feel everything all at once — and none of it really makes sense — but that doesn’t mean your feelings aren’t real. Just because it's not some deep, earth-shattering love story doesn't mean it doesn’t matter.

You’re allowed to care, even if it's only in your head. You’re allowed to feel nervous, to replay tiny moments like they were huge, to catch yourself daydreaming mid-science class. It’s all part of it.

And honestly? Feeling something — even if it’s messy or one-sided or confusing — is kind of brave. So don’t beat yourself up for being soft. You’re not crazy, you’re just human. Just Human.

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Breathe. Relax. Ground Yourself

Sometimes I have to remind myself: just because he said 'hey' doesn’t mean we’re soulmates. It’s so easy to spiral — rereading texts, overanalyzing glances, making up entire fake scenarios in my head. But I’ve learned to pause and ask myself: is this real, or is my brain just bored and romantic?"

Crushes feel big, but they don’t have to take over. You’re allowed to like someone without turning them into your whole world. You don’t need to stalk their playlist or decode every emoji.

Take a breath. Drink some water. Text your friends. You’re still you, and that matters more than anything they do or don’t feel.

To Tell or Not to Tell: That Is the Panic

Every time I think about telling my crush I like them, my brain stops functioning; it's like someone pulled the fuse. Like, what if they laugh? What if they're like, "..... you?" Or worse- what if they say nothing and I just stand there, rethinking, regretting, every decision I've ever made.

Sometimes, the idea of telling them feels freeing. Other times, it feels like a full-body jump scare. And honestly? Both are valid. You don’t have to confess. But if you ever want to — do it for yourself, not for their reaction.

When The Heartbreak Is Real (Even if it Didn't Happen)

The worst part? When it doesn’t work out — and it still hurts like a real breakup, even if you were never actually together. They like someone else.

Or they never liked you back. Or they just… never knew. And suddenly, all those tiny glances and imagined conversations feel kind of ridiculous. You feel ridiculous.

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But you’re not. You’re not ridiculous for feeling things deeply. You’re not dramatic for being sad over something that never officially existed.

That’s the thing about crushes — they live in your head, sure, but the feelings? They’re real. The disappointment is real. And it’s okay to grieve something small and quiet. Let yourself feel it. Cry. Listen to sad songs. Rant to your friends. Then pick yourself back up. You liked someone — that means your heart still works. That’s brave. That’s beautiful. You’ll be okay.

But...“Will I recover? Yes. Will I still be stalking their Instagram five months later? Also, yes.”

The End....Until The Next Cute Person Walks Into Class

Crushes are basically emotional scams. You sign up for hope, chaos, and a tiny bit of heartbreak — all for someone who probably doesn’t even know your last name. It’s delusional.

It’s dramatic. And somehow… still beautiful? Because no matter how unhinged your brain gets, every crush teaches you something. About who you are. What you want. And how much overthinking one person can do in a single day.

So, whether it ends in heartbreak, an awkward ‘I like you’ text, or just a mental fanfic, you felt something. That counts. And don’t worry — your next crush is probably just around the corner, waiting to ruin your life in brand new ways.

Saanchi Bansal
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Writer since Jun, 2025 · 14 published articles

Saanchi Bansal is a Class 10 student in Vasant Valley School with a passion for writing and poetry. She’s been on her school’s editorial board and library magazine and enjoys creating pieces that blend pop culture, humor, and real-life teen experiences, and occasional political takes. Outside the classroom, she’s often found trying out new food, hanging out with friends, or playing with her dog. She believes good writing should feel honest, a little bold, and always relatable.

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