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Something just hit me the other day, after going over a number of encounters during school, summer school and summer. A good deal of my guy friends/aquaintances have confessed to either liking me or liking me at some point in our knowing each other. Some of them are still my friends, some got really torn up when I realized I wasn't interested in them *that* way.

The good thing It shows that guys in fact do like me, and not for looks either. I used to think the whole "personality" thing was bullshit; not anymore since it seems like mine attracts boys like flypaper. I'm told I'm "chill/normal/not-scary", so yay? I think.

However, I don't want this to ******** up any of my other friendships - potential and existing - with dudes, but it seems presumptuous to say/imply that "I'm friends-only, if you think you might like me now or at some point in the future, turn back now".

Is this just something that those of us with chiefly male friends have to deal with?

Is it even a good idea to go out with a dude who was/is your best friend in the first place?

Halp, plz.

Another thing I realized: All my potentially wondrous first-kiss opportunities are going to have to take into account the fact that my mouth is a ******** scrapyard of metal and chains. Goddamn braces and impacted teeth. Thanks for giving me some self-consciousness issues.

This.

I personally think it's perfectly fine to go out with a best friend. I dated one person before, and we weren't all that great of friends beforehand. It was so awkward for me. I didn't feel like I could totally be ymself infront of them, for fear that they might not like something that I do.

Now, a year later, I'm dating my best friend, Josh. He's seen everything that I do, he's seen me at my worst/best, and he still accepts me. I'm much more comfortable with him then I ever was with the last person I was with.

Like Yoko said, there is absolutly nothing wrong with dating a friend, as long as it isn't a pity date. Pity dates never work out, everyone should know that.

And don't worry about being kissed when you have braces. It's pretty much just like kissing someone without. You just have to make sure that they don't kiss to hard or else you can end up with some pretty decent cuts in your mouth. Trust me, been there, done that. It isn't fun. Braces don't really change kissing, just remember that.

the whole braces thing makes me so angry. braces don't mean you're a bad kisser or you're going to get stuck together or they hurt your partner or any of those stupid thoughts.

it's pretty much the same as kissing without them. the only time they were EVER in the way was when my mouth hurt from them being tightened.

seriously. braces don't really hinder anything. including oral. i would know. neutral

other than that rant, i fall for a lot of my guy friends and it complicates a lot after a breakup, but i remain friends with all of them. it really matters how you handle it.

I think it's almost inevitable to at one point crush on your friends or for them to crush on you. I've had two of my guy friends express interest in me, but you just have to tell them how you really feel. It may be awkward for a few days afterward, but if they really value your friendship, it will turn out fine. If it does so happen, though, that one of your guy friends like you, and you like him, GO FOR IT. Imo, being best friends with your boyfriend/girlfriend is how it should be. Not obsessive or anything, but you should have someone you love to be around, can make you laugh, will always be there for you, etc. Which is what a best friend is.

Also, kiss with braces. They'll come off eventually anyway. There's no need to not kiss while you have them.