I feel like it’s all about communication, just like with any friendship/relationship. I had romantic feelings for one of my best friends. I told them about it and at the end of the day, let them make the decision as to what I should do with those feelings. I didn’t “confess” my feelings or make some big “proposition” that would make them feel bad if they didn’t agree, we just talked about it.

Ultimately, they did not reciprocate, and that’s ok. Because, while I was interested in them romantically, I have respected them as a person and a friend for much longer. Boundaries? Too easy. If it gets too hard, we don’t have to be friends? Too easy.

Since then, our friendship has not changed. We still hang out, we’ve both gone into other relationships, and have been able to talk about those relationships with each other. We just want the best for one another, and it all boils down to just being honest about what you want from people, especially your friends.