Fixing the Friendship

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Like many stories, it startes off with a guy. Let's call him Steve. So Steve is one of my friends at school, and we talk sometimes. We aren't the best of friends, especially since he stole my best friend (he doesn't know I feel that way). I would like to know him better because he holds out on me. But that's not really the reason I'm posting this.

Earlier this year, I started to have a crush on him after he helped me in what was a pretty tough time. At last about last week I told him that I was starting to like him, and he just told me "lets stay friends". I can totally respect that, and I'm dissapointed, but not upset about that.

Now he feels awkward around me, and looks at me different. He never really said anything about it, but I can tell. I kind of want it to be like it used to be. Is there any way I could go about doing that?

[Desuetude]

Honestly I think that you should take him to one side and tell him how you feel. Tell him how you respect his decision to stay friends but that he doesn't need to feel awkward around you. I don't suppose he has much experience with homosexuality and some people do feel awkward -not that they should- and don't know how to react. You explaining to him could be the 'wake up call' that he needs that he doesn't need to treat you any differently and that you're not going to suddenly come onto him. People are usually awkward because they're ignorant and don't know how to react. Explain that you want to be friends and go back to how you used to and that he doesn't need to feel awkward around you, I'm sure he'll appreciate you being honest with him, even if it's hard for you to do. I don't think there's anything less that you could do, being blatant and honest is probably your best bet here.

[Leon03]

I don't suppose he has much experience with homosexuality and some people do feel awkward -not that they should- and don't know how to react. You explaining to him could be the 'wake up call' that he needs that he doesn't need to treat you any differently and that you're not going to suddenly come onto him.
Talking from my latest experience it is a totally new situation if you have to handle (sorry if this is the wrong word) the newly found homosexuality of a person you know. On one hand I was puzzled as I realized I am ignorant on the other hand I aimed to not treat him differently. To me it is a situation I need to get used to first. And if you are a sensitive person you might sense his insecurity and misinterpret it as awkwardness.
So talking to him is probably the best advice you can get. Be honest to him and don't justify yourself. If questions come up - ask them or answer them respectively.
People are usually awkward because they're ignorant and don't know how to react. Explain that you want to be friends and go back to how you used to and that he doesn't need to feel awkward around you, I'm sure he'll appreciate you being honest with him, even if it's hard for you to do.
Very well said. That is exactly the way I felt.

[dontfiguremeout]

You should talk to him. But really try and tell him you really want to be friends with him. If you still do want that relationship with him, you would set aside your likeness for him, just to make sure you still have your friendship with him.