Question

If I like this guy named Bruce and we talk for an hour everyday in our class and I've known him since we were in 3rd grade and we're in 8th grade now but he's popular for being cute, funny and he's friends with all those guys and I'm popular for being nice, cute, playful, and I play volleyball, what should I do?

Answer 1

First — it’s totally normal to like someone, especially someone you already know and talk to every day. You two already have a long history, so that’s a great starting place. Here are simple, practical steps you can try depending on how bold you want to be, plus a few tips on reading his signals and handling things no matter what happens.

Quick mindset
- Be yourself. You’re popular for good reasons — don’t feel like you need to change to impress him.
- Keep expectations realistic. He might like you back, or he might not, and both are okay.
- Have fun with it. Middle school is a time to explore friendships and crushes without pressure.

Low-risk moves (build connection & show interest)
- Flirt lightly: smile, make eye contact, tease gently, laugh at his jokes.
- Bring up shared memories since you’ve known each other for years — inside jokes or “remember when…” stories.
- Use volleyball: invite him to a game or practice, or say “You should come watch us play next week.” It’s a casual way to get him around you.
- Ask his opinion or for help on something small (homework, a locker), which gives you more reasons to talk.

Medium-risk moves (spend time outside class)
- Invite him to hang out with a small group of friends: “A few of us are getting milkshakes after school — want to come?”
- Suggest a one-on-one low-pressure activity: studying together, walking to the bus, or grabbing a snack after practice.
- Start texting or Snapchatting more if you don’t already — it keeps the conversation going outside class.

Higher-risk/direct move (tell him how you feel)
- If you feel ready, be honest but casual: “Hey, I like you and I wanted you to know. Would you want to hang out sometime?”
- You can also ask him out in a simple way: “Do you want to go see a movie this weekend?” or “Want to get lunch after school?” No big speech needed.

How to read his signals
- He starts conversations and texts you first.
- He remembers small details about you.
- He tries to sit near you or spends time with you, even when there are other options.
- He jokes with you, teases you in a friendly way, or compliments you.

If he likes someone else / it doesn’t go how you hoped
- Be kind to yourself. Rejection stings but it’s not a reflection of your worth.
- Stay friendly if you can, but give yourself space to feel disappointed.
- Keep doing things you enjoy (like volleyball) and hang out with friends.

What to avoid
- Don’t change who you are to chase his attention.
- Don’t spread rumors or play mean games to make him jealous.
- Don’t put pressure on him or yourself — you’re both figuring stuff out.

If you want, tell me how comfortable you are being direct and I can suggest exact lines or a short text you could send.