Ballroom dance partner just wants to be friends

Stay true to your friendship and continue to feel lucky having him in your life.” Tessa Smith

Hi Tessa, My situation is a bit of a weird one. I’m taking ballroom dancing lessons with a guy who has become one of my best friends, and I’m starting to develop a massive crush on him. The problem is that we’re doing these dancing lessons “as friends” and when I asked him out for a coffee date he turned me down and said that he thinks of me only as a friend.

I love being friends with him and I don’t want to mess up our friendship by doing anything stupid, but there’s still part of me that wishes we were dating. What do you think I should do?

Hey there dancingqueen17, Thanks for reaching out; it sounds like you have a tough situation in your life. Allow me to shed some light on how I’m thinking you should approach this.

First of all, you show enough maturity to be able to handle a relationship by respecting your friendship first and foremost with this guy. If this does end up turning into something more, hold on to that knowledge if you ever face doubt in yourself or in the relationship.

As for your current status, it’s clear you’ve told him how you feel but haven’t been able to get what you desire. Understandably, you might also be very confused he asked you to take dancing lessons with him, as it seems like a rather romantic gesture.

What I suggest you do in this situation is wait it out.

Having been in a similar position myself in the past, things only work out romantically if both people are truly interested. It may seem like a very intense crush right now, and you may be even more drawn to him because you know him on a personal level, but these things can pass. You’re young (and sweet), dancingqueen, I trust that your predicament will sort itself out; either it will end in the relationship you want, or it won’t and you will find yourself moving on as the days pass.

Meanwhile, stay true to your friendship and continue to feel lucky having him in your life. Who knows, maybe one day the tables will turn and you’ll be the one who’s moved on and he’ll be pining after you.

Sending love, Tessa Smith Are you a young person or teen looking for advice? Email Omemee writer Tessa Smith at tessasmith329@gmail.com. Your name and personal information will be kept confidential.