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Rishta Guru - Answered on Feb 15, 2024

Rishta Guru is a relationship expert whose advice goes beyond romance. Rishta Guru can also guide you about the problems you face at home, with your friends, in your building, at your educational institution or at your workplace.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

My friend, let’s call him A, and I have been very, very good friends for seven years now. Suddenly, one day, he told me he loves me. I was shocked. I did not know how to react and I walked away. It has been a week and we haven’t spoken to each other; rather, I haven’t spoken to him though he smiles at me whenever we see each other in college. He has messaged me but I have not acknowledged it. He said it’s okay if I do not want a relationship, we can be friends. He’s a really great guy, one of the nicest people I have met. I am not ready for a relationship with anyone and definitely not with him. There are things I want to do, a career to achieve, before I think about a relationship. But he’s a great friend, one of my best buddies but I don’t love him like that and I don’t think I ever will. What should I do? I am very unhappy. I feel that if we go back to being friends things will never be the same again.

Ans: Hi. Thank you for writing in.

I can understand that you feel shocked and unsure about how to react when a close friend suddenly confesses his feelings, especially when you don't reciprocate them.

Here are some steps you can consider:

1. Have an honest conversation with A

It's important to communicate your feelings clearly to A. While avoiding him or ignoring his messages may seem easier, it can prolong the tension and create unnecessary hurt. Choose a quiet place where you can talk freely and avoid distractions.

Express your appreciation for his friendship and honesty. Explain that you value him as a friend but don't have romantic feelings for him. Be clear and direct about your desire not to be in a relationship at this time.

Acknowledge that things might feel different after this conversation but emphasise your desire to maintain the friendship if possible. Be open to hearing his perspective as well.

2. Set boundaries

If A's behaviour makes you uncomfortable or gives you mixed signals, politely but firmly set boundaries. This could involve reducing one-on-one time and being direct about topics you're not comfortable discussing.

3. Allow time and space

Processing emotional situations takes time. Both you and A need space to adjust to the changed dynamic. Give yourselves the space to reflect and understand your own feelings.

4. Seek support

Talking to a trusted friend or family member can help you navigate this complex situation and process your emotions.

True friendship can sometimes withstand difficult conversations and honest communication. While the dynamics might change, it's possible to maintain a respectful and supportive friendship.

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Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 16, 2022

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Hello mam,I have been friends with a guy from my school for last 10 years. We know each other pretty well. I even tied him a rakhi just to protect our friendship; I was too naïve. Since last month we are seeing each other frequently and have had conversations about family issues, future goals etc and during all these talks he used to come up with the topic of marriage and dropped hints for me.When I told him that I keep thinking about him throughout the day he replied that 'I gave you emotional support when you were stressed and that's why this is happening. You shouldn't pay attention to these thoughts.'What should I do? I am confused whether I love him or it was just the way he thinks it is? Please keep this anonymous.Thank you.
Ans:

Dear AS,

So brotherly feelings turned into love?

I guess when you tied the rakhi, you simply were trying to avoid facing up to the fact that there already might have been feelings for him, and it was convenient to seal the connection with a rakhi. Possible?

Now that both have discovered that it might be more than what you thought of initially, please sit down like mature individuals and talk about it.

No point trying to avoid the feelings for each other if they indeed exist. After which, both of you can decide the right course of action.

Also, dropping hints might be your reading of the situation based on what you wished or hoped for.

It could very well be one-sided from you, so it’s better to have that frank chat and put all these doubts and uncertainties to rest.

Makes sense? Wait no longer…

All the best!

..Read more

Ravi

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi. I am female. I got attracted to this male. But it is not that much enough to fall in love. My friends thought that we will make a good pair. They kinda told me that he was in love with me for past one year. Due to the workplace he didnt reciprocate and to the close dates of my resignation due to my friends i told him that we can talk like a friends and we have to go with the flow. As of now we are talking and he is good. But still i am in dilemma. Due to my fear i told him that we wont work out and i stopped the conversation. But after some days he iniated the conversation and started to develop like a general talk. Later i told him that i liked him partially but not fully. He said that he will wait till i become comfortable. I dont have the oppurtunity to go out with him we are completely in chatting only. Sometimes i feel happy to chat with him but sometimes i dont feel anything i just feel numb. This is the first time for me in all the stuff. I told about this to my brother he didnt liked him. He know about my msgs and everything. But sometimes i think that i need better person than him but sometimes i need him. So what should i do?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,

Seems like you are not quite in love with this person. Not everyone experiences love at first sight. Some love stories grow over time. You can try spending some more time with him and see where it goes. But if you are not satisfied with how strongly you feel for him or if you continue to feel that you deserve better, I strongly recommend giving it a thought. You don't want to settle for less out of peer pressure. And it would not be right to drag him and give him hope, especially since he has feelings for you.

There is no need to rush. Take your time. Think about it with a clear mind and make a choice.

Best Wishes.

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I have a online friend of over 3 years now. We were very good friends for 2 years but he always showed his interest in me indirectly which I always ignored because A he was going good in his career, his caste was different, and that I was still unclear about my career, including I was just overcoming from a previous 3 month dating. My friend also came to meet me twice in my city but I didn't meet him. Later, after nearly 2 years, I asked him how he was to which he saw text and replied after a day because he was too busy in work. Upon saying that I was curious he teased me whether he was my boyfriend and I got angry on him. He called to mend up after 8-10 days, I didn't respond and he never called again. After almost 10 months, I texted him, we immediately connected, felt emotional, I was about to confess, he realised this and told me he was in a casual dating phase with his junior for one month, had kiss, no further intimacy. But he constantly had feelings for me. I told him it was always him and I never thought about any other man. He regretted and felt that he in a way cheated on me, but I assured him that we were not committed, and he didn't know about my feelings. Now I am stuck what to do. We are yet to meet in September this year. He calls me, makes me laugh, but sometimes I just miss him a lot and need his emotional availability to address my thoughts and doubts about us. All he has to say is that I like you and I love you. I don't understand he is the samne old friend who used to understand me without me saying a word. Now doens't want to undo knots in my heart. Even though he is not a cheater, mature, and loving guy, I am not feeling the same as before. I cried for the first time because of him in 3 years only the day he told about he girl. I have always felt calm with this guy but now, I am doubtful.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that it must be frustrating and confusing, but I am sure once you meet in person, you will have more clarity. Make sure to tell him how you feel and about your concerns. And ask any doubts you have in your mind about his intentions. It is the perfect opportunity to connect and clear your concerns.
Best wishes.

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

...Read more

Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2562 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Career
My son will be appearing for JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2026 and will participate in JoSAA Counselling 2026. I request clarification regarding the GEN-EWS certificate date requirement for next year. I have already applied for an EWS certificate for current year 2025, and the application is under process. However, I am unsure whether this certificate will be accepted during JoSAA 2026, or whether candidates will be required to submit a fresh certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued on or after 1 April 2026). My concern is that if JoSAA requires a certificate issued after 1 April 2026, students will have only 1–1.5 months to complete the entire procedure, which is difficult considering normal government processing timelines. Also, during current JEE form filling, students are asked to upload a GEN-EWS certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025, or an application acknowledgement. This has created confusion among parents regarding which year’s certificate will finally be valid at the time of counselling. I request your kind guidance on: Which GEN-EWS certificate will be accepted for JoSAA Counselling 2026 — a certificate for FY 2025–26 (issued after 1 April 2025), or a new certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued after 1 April 2026)?
Ans: Hi
You need not worry about the EWS certificate. Even if you apply for the next year's certificate on 1 Apr 2026, the second session of JEE MAINS will still be held, followed by JEE ADVANCED, which will be held in May. JOSAA starts in June. so you will have 2 months in hand for fresh EWS certificate.

...Read more

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