The question of whether men and women can maintain purely platonic friendships has persisted for ages. It can be challenging to stay friends with someone you find attractive, enjoy spending time with, and can easily talk to. When we develop feelings for a friend, we may panic because we don't want to risk losing them or being rejected. Here's what you can do if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Wait It Out A Bit

Take some time to determine if your feelings are fleeting. It's possible that you were simply drawn to your friend's physical appearance on a particular day, or that you're feeling desperate and latching onto the first available option. Alternatively, you might have developed a genuine and serious crush. However, before jumping to any conclusions, try giving it some time as your feelings may dissipate.

2. Put Your Friendship Into Perspective

When you start developing romantic feelings for a male friend, you may feel like you're entering uncharted territory. You don't want to rush into anything without considering the potential outcomes. Will confessing your feelings ruin your current friendship, or could this be the start of a fulfilling romance? It's crucial to assess the risks before making any impulsive decisions.

3. Ask Your Other Friends For A Second Opinion

Your friends have a unique insight into your personality and behavior that you might not be aware of. They can help you snap out of it when you start to sound unreasonable, and it's always beneficial to get a second opinion. Your friends may pick up on things that you overlook, and they could prevent you from making a significant mistake.

4. Try To Find Out If He Feels The Same Way

If you're unsure about whether your male friend shares your romantic feelings, keep an eye out for subtle hints or clues. Pay attention to the details of your conversations and body language. Before confessing your feelings, ask if he's currently seeing anyone else or if he's interested in dating someone like you.

5. Flirt A Bit

Show that you have more-than-friend feelings for him, but don't overdo it. Be subtle and take things slowly. Remember, actions often speak louder than words, and if he is perceptive enough, he might pick up on the hint that you're interested in him.

6. Make A Move

When you have the chance, take a deep breath and kiss him. Kissing someone can reveal a lot about your emotions. Additionally, it may open up a conversation that you may have otherwise avoided.

7. Just Tell Him How You Feel

If everything else fails and you can't keep your feelings hidden any longer, tell him. It may be a long shot, but if you don't try, you'll never know. The worst-case scenario is that he doesn't share your feelings, which could be slightly uncomfortable, but life moves on. Alternatively, he might feel the same way, and it could be the start of something fantastic. Take a chance and go for it.