You’re minding your own business when someone tells you they have feelings for you. What do you say?
Here’s how to thoughtfully respond when someone confesses they like you.
What is the Best Response When Someone Confesses They Like You?
The best initial response is to thank them for their honesty and ask for some time to process things. Let them know you appreciate them opening up to you, but make no promises about reciprocating just yet. Ask if you can continue the conversation in a few days after you’ve had a chance to think it over. This shows respect while giving you space to respond thoughtfully.
Top 10 Best Responses When He or She Confesses
“I Really Appreciate You Telling Me How You Feel”
Telling someone you value their honesty, even if you don’t share their feelings, maintains open communication. Other good responses:
- “Thank you for trusting me enough to share that.”
- “I’m flattered you feel that way.”
- “It means a lot that you opened up to me.”
“Can I Have Some Time to Think About This?”
Asking for time gives you space to process the confession before responding. Other options:
- “I’d like some time to consider how I feel.”
- “Let’s revisit this in a few days.”
- “I want to give your words careful thought.”
“I Enjoy Our Friendship As It Is”
If you know you only see them platonically, politely stating that preserves the friendship. Other responses:
- “I value our friendship too much to risk changing it.”
- “You mean a lot to me as a friend.”
- “I don’t want anything to jeopardize what we have now.”
“I’m Surprised, But Touched You Felt Able to Tell Me”
Showing you are touched they opened up demonstrates care. Other options:
- “I wasn’t expecting to hear this, but I’m glad you spoke up.”
- “Thank you for having the courage to be honest with me.”
- “I appreciate you putting yourself out there to share how you feel.”
“While I Don’t Feel the Same, I Value Our Friendship”
If you only see them as a friend, saying so directly but kindly is best. Other responses:
- “As close as we are, I think of you as a friend.”
- “I really appreciate our friendship even if we’re not on the same page about deeper feelings.”
- “Can we focus on enjoying the friendship we have rather than trying to force something romantic?”
“I’m Feeling Confused/Surprised/Overwhelmed Right Now”
It’s fair to ask for patience if you feel caught off guard and need time to process things. Other options:
- “I wasn’t expecting to have this conversation and I’m feeling overwhelmed.”
- “Can you give me some space? I’m feeling confused and don’t know how to respond right now.”
- “This is a lot to take in. Please let me have some time to sort out my thoughts.”
“We Should Talk About This When We’re Both Thinking Clearly”
If emotions are running high, give things time to settle before continuing the conversation. You could say:
- “Let’s continue this chat when heads are clearer.”
- “I want to give your words and my reply the attention they deserve. Can we pick this up again soon when things have settled?”
- “We shouldn’t overanalyze this right now. Let’s revisit in a few days.”
“I Really Care About You as a Friend”
Reiterating your fondness for the friendship itself makes it the focus. Other phrases:
- “My priority is maintaining the meaningful friendship we have.”
- “I don’t want to jeopardize the wonderful connection we share.”
- “What I value most is our ability to be totally ourselves with each other.”
“Thank You for Being Brave Enough to Be Honest”
Show you recognize it took guts for them to open up. Other responses:
- “I know how hard this must have been to tell me. Thank you for putting yourself out there.”
- “It means a lot you trusted me enough to confess your feelings.”
- “I want you to know I take what you shared very seriously and with great appreciation.”
“I Don’t Think I’m Ready for a Relationship Right Now”
If timing is the barrier, saying so gives a sensitive reason for rejection. You might say:
- “I’m so focused on other life priorities, I have nothing to give a partner right now.”
- “With everything going on in my life, I don’t think I could be a present girlfriend/boyfriend.”
- “My schedule is too packed to properly focus on building a new relationship.”
How to Reply to Someone Who Likes You If You’re a Girl
If a boy confesses he likes you, reacting sensitively avoids hurting him. Respond honestly but compassionately:
- Thank him for having the courage to tell you.
- If you don’t reciprocate, say so gently and assure him it’s not personal.
- Suggest focusing your positive friendship moving forward.
- If he needs space from you to move on, understand and give him time.
Staying sensitive to his feelings preserves his dignity and your friendship if possible.
How to Reply If You’re a Guy and Someone Confesses They Like You
If a girl opens up about her feelings, handle it respectfully:
- Thank her for trusting you and for the compliment.
- If you only see her platonically, say so politely.
- Acknowledge it was brave of her to be vulnerable.
- Offer to talk things through as friends if needed.
Being kind avoids wounding her pride so you can hopefully preserve the friendship without awkwardness.
Key Takeaways
- React with empathy when receiving a confession.
- Asking for time gives space to respond thoughtfully.
- Honesty paired with compassion can preserve the relationship.
When Someone Likes You, Your Reply Matters
Here’s the bottom line – responding sensitively when someone confesses feelings shows maturity and care for the relationship. Maintain open communication, avoid assumptions, and speak truth with dignity. Meet honesty with honesty, meet vulnerability with grace. This thoughtful approach can help preserve, repair or even transform your connection for the better.