Make sure your note is hand-written, legible, and relatively short and to the point. It doesn’t need to be clever, or overly romantic. Just cut to the chase: “I’ve always noticed that you seem really sweet, kind, and cute. I’d love to get to know you better, because I really like you. " When you want to confess to your crush, in person is always better than just over a text, or online. A note is a good balance, because it can be personal, but also gives you some space if you’re nervous. If all else fails, having a conversation on the phone, or via Skype is always preferable to texting it.

Go out of your way to talk to your crush and “accidentally” bump into them in the hallway. Change your routes so you see them regularly, and always make a point of saying hi. Always make eye-contact. Don’t shy away from it, like you’re embarrassed. Make eye contact and smile flirtatiously when you see the person you’re crushing on. Show an interest in what they do and what they are like. Try to get to know your crush as a friend first, before you confess anything. It may grow naturally.

Ask for help with a homework assignment for a class that you’re in together. Start with a compliment, like, “You seem so smart in this class. Do you think we could talk a little sometime about this assignment? I need some help. " Asking for help will make them think respectfully of you, and they’ll think you’re honest enough to ask for help on something. Also, them helping you will make their overall feelings for you kinder. Pretend you lost something. “Hey, have you seen a book around here? I just had it. . . " When your crush helps out, say, “You’re so sweet. . . "

Tell a couple of your friends, and don’t be embarrassed about it. If it spreads, you can always deny it later. If you never actually said anything, there’ll be no evidence that you did anything embarrassing, or got rejected. Never deny it, if you’re really interested in someone. Why would you care if someone knew you liked somebody? That’s nothing to be embarrassed about.

Keep an eye out for things your crush might enjoy going to: “I know you really like Marvel movies, so I thought you might want to come see the new Iron Man, because my dad gets extra tickets. I was just curious, thought you might appreciate them. " If your crush gets really excited, or seems really flattered and really wants to go with you, take it as a good sign and take the next step when you get a chance.

Tease your crush in a friendly way. Find funny reasons to let your sense of humor out when you talk to them. Instead of saying, “Hey, how are you today?” say something like, “I’m thinking of organizing a jailbreak from school. Need an accomplice. What do you say? In or out?” There’s not much romantic about the phrase, “I have a crush on you. " Instead of telling someone, make it obvious that you’re interested, so it will become unnecessary to say out loud.

The only time you should wait is when your crush is currently dating someone. Telling someone that you like them while they’re in a relationship can make things kind of complicated. It’s best to find someone else to crush on for a while, and return to the person later when they’re single.

Build yourself up before you do it. Look in the mirror and say, “I got this. I’m a cool person my crush should want to be with. " Then go put yourself out there. Look your best on the day you decide to do it. Wear clean, stylish clothes that fit you well and flatter you, and make sure you’re fresh-breathed and clean-haired. [2] X Research source

It doesn’t have to be complicated: “Hey, I don’t know if you know me real well. We’re in the same grade, I think we had Mr. Robinson’s class last year? Well, I’ve wanted to tell you something for a while. . . "

Passing between class periods can be a great time to catch someone really quickly. Right after class or when you’re leaving the same class is a good time, too. Or, you could try to sit together on the bus. Just hang back and say, “Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?” Never go up to a crush while they’re in a big group, or try to confess in the middle of the lunch room while everyone can hear you. It can be really awkward if it doesn’t end up going well. It’s a private conversation, so do it one-one-one.

If a dance is coming up, say, “Cool, I hoped maybe we could go to the dance together. Would you like to?” If there’s nothing school related, or you’re not in school, say, “I hoped we could get a bite to eat sometime. Want to go for pizza this Friday? Say around 7?” In some cases, it might be better to not rush it. Don’t expect much of an answer if you tell someone that you like them. They may want to think about it for a while. That’s a good thing. Don’t worry about waiting.

Don’t follow a “script” when you try to talk. Lots of people who feel awkward in this situation think it will be better if they’re reading from a script, but that’ll just make you sound like a robot. Talk naturally, as if you were talking to one of your oldest friends.

If you get rejected, just smile and say, “Well, I’m glad to know at least. Have a good rest of your week. " Never complain, scoff, or do anything dramatic. Even if you’re feeling upset, at least you know now and can move on.

To get a conversation started when you’re in person, you can bring stuff up that you already talked about online, or reference something that everyone saw on Facebook that day. Good ice-breaker.

Online is an easy way to check, or you can also just watch closely and see whether your crush seems to be committed. Talk to mutual friends or ask around.

Remember, if it slips out, that’s not the worst thing to have happen. Might end up making your job and your stress a lot easier.

Organize a simple group hang-out, like a movie night at someone’s house, or a group dinner somewhere, and invite your crush. If you’re still worried about approaching your crush that way, have someone else ask. If you find out you don’t actually like them, good. At least you didn’t confess a little crush and make a mistake for someone you don’t actually have that much in common with.

Watch for signs of body language when you’re around each other. If your crush starts using “closed” body language, arms crossed and not making eye-contact, it could be a sign she’s not interested in you. You might save yourself some grief.