K, 18, from USA, asks:

My guy friend has liked me for a long time, but when he told me, I didn't fully reciprocate. I think I've developed more-than-friends feelings, but I think it might be too late, because now he says he likes another girl.

He's still showing me signs of interest and he is giving me strong mixed signals. The way he treats me and acts towards me cannot be a way you would treat someone you saw as strictly platonic.

He told me he left it at that when I didn't reciprocate his interest back then. But, that doesn't mean you just stop liking someone. The first time didn't stop him from telling me the second time. Why is he still acting so interested and even physically affectionate now (he's shy, so flirting takes effort) if he likes another girl and sees me a just a friend? He knows I'm bothered by the other girl. I am trying to reciprocate my interest back. Should I flat out tell him my feelings or what? I am so confused by his behavior and all of this.

Thank you so much, Victor

VictorM's advice:

Yes, you should tell him flat out that you like him.

Because you didn't reciprocate before he's now acting all defensive. Maybe you're trying to give him hints but that's not good enough. He's not going to take another shot at being rejected. You have to come out and say you like him straight out.

Forget the other girl; he's just saying that to get your attention.