How to Get Someone to Like You Back (for Shy People)

Integrate your friend groups and get to know their friends. As you become more comfortable with this person, your friends will want to know them, too! Introduce them or hang out with mutual friends. This doesn't necessarily mean your squads have to become a mass group of BFFs (or little group of BFFs), but at least get to know their friends as individuals. This doesn't mean that you will--or should--know every last person that has ever talked to your crush, rather find people they are friends with that you can also relate to (click to read this really cool article on how to Make Friends when You Are Not Social). If there isn't anyone they are friends with who you connect with, that is okay, too.

• Avoid "using" people to talk to this person or only interact with people to impress the person you like! Remember, you are friends with the person you like on your own terms. Don't befriend their squad just so you can get to them, rather befriend them because you actually want to be friends with them. People are individuals and all deserve legitimate friends, remember. Cut out the middleman!

Hang out in group settings at first. If you want to watch a movie that you know the person you like wants to watch, feel free to grab a friend or two and invite them to do the same. The bigger the group the more comfortable you may be, but try to make it still intimate. Inviting mutual friends who might be interested in the group activity is also key. Look at you, hanging out with your crush!

Don't get lost in the group; hang out one-on-one occasionally. You now have several mutual friends and have hung out with the person of your interest more than twice outside a professional or school setting. Now you are less shy around them and can be yourself. Time to challenge yourself again: hang out one-on-one once in a while. Find some things that the two of you have in common and do those things together. Talk to them even when the group isn't together or even when their/your other friends aren't around. This will let them know subconsciously that you value them as an individual. This can also make them think, “Do I like them? Do they like me? Or do I just like hanging out with them?” Having some insider jokes is a definite plus. Don't worry, this will not make anything too obvious; this will just get you both thinking about each other separated from the group. Once you get a feeling of where they are at and if they like you back, then proceed to the third and last phase of this plan.

• Be careful to avoid ditching your old friends or making the person you like ditch theirs. Let friends know ahead of time when you are busy and make sure you still spend time with your pals whenever you can.
• If they are romantically involved with someone else, don't hang out one-on-one at all outside a professional setting (i.e. work, school, etc.), especially if you are the one initiating it. This might come across very wrong and actually end up being detrimental to your friendship. Remember, if someone is in a relationship, respect that. As soon as they are back on the market, you have full dibs and can hang out together without causing any trouble.

Keep it simple. How awesome is it that you're now friends with the person you used to look at from a distance? Now it's time to step out of your comfort zone one more time and tell them how you feel.

• You don't have to do this face to face. Give them a secret admirer-styled letter with a hint at the end that will undoubtedly point to you. You could even be forward and sign it! If you're not going to do it face to face (or during Skype, Face Time, or any other video chat), don't text them your confession or tell them via social media. This may come across either as a joke to them or make you seem impersonal. It doesn't have to be a long, eloquent letter, either. Use your own words and say what you think they should know!
• If you choose to tell them in real life, keep it casual! You don't need to disclose your late night internet stalking or how you think of them every night before you sleep so you can dream about them. You should, however, tell them that you think they're cool and ask if they would want to try a romantic relationship. Use your own words, of course, so that they know you're being genuine. Each friendship/relationship is different and there is no one way to tell someone you like them, but if you want to stay friends, either way, casual is the way to go.
• Although, if you are the type of person who is extravagant or know that this person will appreciate a big and obvious gesture, feel free not to be casual at all! Get creative and do you. No matter if you're simple or elaborate in your confession, be true to who you are and be creative! If this person is a good person, they will appreciate the time and effort you put into letting them know, whether they feel the same way or not.

Don't back down! If you are serious about wanting this person to like you back or at least think of you romantically, sooner or later you will need to let them know. Of course, make sure you feel ready and are at a place where you can speak comfortably with this person. Just let your potential future bae know you are interested in getting to know them romantically. This confession can be as simple or elaborate as you feel. Don't over-think this or be afraid; you did not come this far to give up now! Be honest but don't feel as if you have to spill it all. Remember that they are your friend and let some of that stress roll off your back.

Allow them to think about it. Don't put any pressure on them for an immediate response. Leave it somewhat open-ended so that they also have time to get themselves together. Your friend will be glad you didn't ambush them or make them feel like they had to say yes or no.