Unfortunately, not all reactions from friends were supportive. Some resorted to teasing, which was frustrating and sometimes hurtful. I realized that their reactions often said more about them than about me.
To address this, I decided to have an honest conversation with my friends. I used assertive language, starting with phrases like "I don't like it when you tease me because..." or "Your teasing makes me feel...". This approach allowed me to express my feelings clearly without being confrontational.
I also learned to deflect unwanted attention by changing the subject or using humor. When friends brought up my crush, I'd shrug it off and turn the conversation to their love lives instead. This tactic often worked to shift the focus away from me.
For persistent teasing, I set clear boundaries. I let my friends know that if they continued, I might need to spend less time with them. Most of the time, they understood and respected my feelings once I explained how their behavior affected me.
Through this experience, I learned valuable lessons about friendship and communication. I discovered that true friends will support you, even if they don't fully understand your feelings. And most importantly, I learned that it's okay to stand up for myself and set boundaries when needed.