Hey Pandas, What Made You Get Closer To Your Crush? (Closed)

If you’ve ever tried to talk to your crush and suddenly forgot how basic human communication works,
congratulations, you are extremely normal. Your hands get sweaty, your brain blue-screens, and somehow
the one sentence you manage to say is, “So… uh… weather.” Classic.

The original Bored Panda “Hey Pandas” threads are full of tiny, chaotic, wholesome stories about how
people got closer to their crushes. Some are cute, some are painfully awkward, and some sound like a
rom-com written by the universe. Even though the specific post “Hey Pandas, What Made You Get Closer
To Your Crush?” is closed, the question is timeless: what actually helps you move from distant
admirer to real-life connection?

Below is a Hey Pandas–style deep dive: real-life–inspired situations, practical tips drawn from
relationship advice, therapists, and communication experts, and plenty of “don’t do what I did”
moments. We’ll walk through how to get closer to your crush without losing your dignity, your sense
of humor, or your boundaries.

Why Getting Closer To Your Crush Feels So Intense

Having a crush lights up the same reward centers in your brain as eating chocolate or getting lots
of likes on a post. Your body throws in adrenaline, a bit of anxiety, and boom: you’re a walking mix
of excitement and panic. That’s why even simple interactions feel huge. Your crush just said “hey”
and you’re already planning wedding color schemes.

Psychologists often point out that uncertainty turns the volume up on feelings. You
don’t know how they feel, so your brain fills in the gaps with what-ifs:
What if they like me back? What if I embarrass myself? What if things get weird and we can’t
even be friends? The more you think about it, the scarier it feels to actually make a move.

The secret is boring but powerful: you don’t need some magical perfect moment. Getting closer to your
crush is mostly about small, consistent, human interactions that build comfort and
trust over time.

Step 1: Become A Familiar, Friendly Presence

Start like you would with any new friend

A lot of relationship coaches say the same thing: before you try to be someone’s romantic interest,
try being a person they actually know. Groundbreaking, I know. But it works.

• Make eye contact and smile when you see them instead of pretending your shoes are fascinating.
• Say their name when you greet them. People love hearing their own name; it feels personal.
• Use small, low-pressure comments about shared spaces: “This class feels extra long today,” or “The coffee here tastes like chaos, but I keep buying it.”

Think of it as teaching your nervous system that being near your crush is normal, not a five-alarm emergency.
Familiarity calms you down and makes them more comfortable around you too.

Low-pressure conversation starters for your crush

You don’t need a genius line. You just need something that opens the door a little.
Here are simple conversation starters you can adapt:

• “Hey, did you end up finishing that assignment / project / shift okay?”
• “I saw you like [band/show/game]. How did you get into them?”
• “You mentioned you were doing [thing] this weekend. How did it go?”
• “What’s your go-to coffee / snack order? I’m looking for new bad habits.”

Notice a theme? Most of these are about them, not about you trying to impress them.
Relationship and communication experts consistently emphasize that genuine curiosity is one of the best ways
to build connection: ask, listen, and respond thoughtfully instead of trying to perform.

Step 2: Build Real Connection, Not Just Small Talk

Ask better questions

Once you’ve survived a few casual chats, you can start going a little deeper. Not “tell me your deepest
childhood wound” deeper, but more than “how’s it going.”

Many dating and communication guides recommend open-ended questions that invite stories:

• “What’s something you’re really into right now?”
• “If you could have a perfect day off, what would you do?”
• “What’s something you loved doing as a kid that you kind of miss?”
• “What’s a goal you’re low-key proud of?”

These kinds of questions help you learn their values, lifestyle, and personality. They also make you stand out
from the endless “wyd” texts. When they light up talking about something, that’s your clue to stay on that topic.

Share little pieces of yourself too

A crush isn’t an interview. If you only ask questions and never share, it can feel one-sided or even intense.
To get closer in a real way, you need a bit of mutual vulnerability.

That doesn’t mean trauma-dumping or oversharing everything by week two. It can be as small as:

• “I get ridiculously competitive about Mario Kart. It’s bad. Like, “I will disown friends” bad.”
• “I moved around a lot as a kid, so I’m weirdly good at starting conversations with strangers.”
• “I pretend to be chill about deadlines, but internally I’m screaming 80% of the time.”

Little admissions like these show your crush who you are and make it easier for them to open up too.
That back-and-forth is how a real connection forms, not just a highlight reel.

Step 3: Reading The Vibes Without Overthinking Every Pixel

So you’ve been talking more. You’re laughing, sharing memes, maybe sending each other TikToks at 1 a.m.
The question becomes: Is this just friendship, or is there something more?

Signs your crush might like you back (with a big “might”)

Different relationship and body-language guides often mention similar patterns when someone is genuinely into you:

• They look for chances to talk to you and don’t seem in a rush to leave.
• They remember small details you mentioned weeks ago (your favorite snack, a big test, a family event).
• They ask you questions back, not just give one-word answers.
• Their body language is open and relaxed around you: they face you, make eye contact, and genuinely smile.
• They initiate sometimes: texts, memes, “did you see this?” messages, or suggestions to hang out.

None of these are ironclad proof. Some people are just friendly or extroverted. But when several of these show up
consistently, it usually means they enjoy your presence and feel comfortable with youthat’s the foundation
you need to get closer.

Digital clues (a gentle reminder not to obsess)

In the age of phones, we tend to analyze every notification like it’s a sacred text. Do they answer quickly?
Do they leave you on read? Do they react to your stories? Do they like your posts but never reply to your DMs?

Online dating and texting experts often point out that patterns matter more than single moments.
One late reply is nothing. A consistent pattern where they respond thoughtfully, send things first sometimes, and
keep the conversation going? That’s more meaningful than whether they replied in 5 minutes or 45.

Step 4: Respect Boundaries, Red Flags, And Your Own Worth

Getting closer to your crush feels exciting, but there’s a line between “I’m interested” and “I’m ignoring all
signals because I really want this to work.”

Signs you might need to slow down or step back

• They only talk to you when they need something (notes, favors, a ride) and rarely check in just to talk.
• They constantly cancel plans or keep you as a “backup option,” never a priority.
• They openly flirt with others in front of you while knowing how you feel.
• You feel anxious more than excited after interacting with them.

Healthy crush advice usually comes back to this: pay attention to how you feel around them.
Do you feel respected? Seen? At ease? If the answer is mostly “stressed and small,” getting closer might not
actually be what’s best for you.

Also, consent and boundaries are non-negotiable. If they’re not comfortable with flirting, dating, or even being
close friends, you have to respect that. No amount of “but we’d be so good together” overrides someone’s “no.”

Mini Panda-Style Stories: How People Actually Got Closer

1. The Pencil Proposal 2.0

One classic kind of Hey Pandas story: someone’s crush did something tiny but weirdly romanticlike a kid in 2nd
grade “proposing” with a pencil. Fast-forward to adulthood, and you see the same type of vibe: little gestures
that break the ice.

In one real-world inspired scenario, a girl kept borrowing pens from the same classmate. Eventually he started
writing tiny smiley faces on the pen caps before lending them. That tiny detail made her feel special, so she
started saving the caps, joking that she was “collecting his art.” The inside joke turned into more chatting,
then shared playlists, then actual dates.

Moral of the story: tiny personal touches often do more than huge, dramatic gestures.

2. The Panic Compliment That Accidentally Worked

Somewhere out there, a Panda absolutely panicked and complimented their crush on something very random like,
“Your backpack looks… efficient.” And somehow it worked because it was honest and awkward in a very human way.

Many people say that what made them get closer to their crush was not a perfectly smooth line, but
obvious, endearing nervousness. It signaled, “I care about this,” which made the other person
feel both flattered and safe enough to be a little vulnerable too.

3. Bonding Over Shared Chaos

A lot of friendships-and-then-something-more stories start with shared struggle: awful group projects, nightmare
bosses, the world’s slowest coffee line, or a class nobody understands.

People in advice forums often say they got closer to their crush because they were “suffering together”:
studying at 1 a.m. over video call, dragging each other to early shifts, or sharing memes about how done they are.
Over time, the crush shifted from “that cute person over there” to “the only person who understands why this
week is destroying me.”

How To Be Brave Without Being Weird

At some point, if you want to move from “crush” to “maybe something more,” you have to risk being a bit vulnerable.
That doesn’t always mean a dramatic love confession on a rainy night. It can be as simple as:

• “I really like hanging out with you. Do you want to grab coffee just us sometime?”
• “You’re one of my favorite people to talk to. Want to go to that event together?”
• “I’ve kind of had a crush on you for a while. If you’re not into it, that’s okay, I just wanted to be honest.”

Relationship experts often suggest keeping it clear, kind, and low-pressure. You’re expressing
interest, not demanding a yes. And if the answer is no, your job is to accept it gracefully, not try to argue
your way into their feelings.

Remember: being rejected doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means the match isn’t right.
You can still be proud that you were honest and brave.

Extra: More Panda-Style Experiences About Getting Closer To Your Crush

Because the Hey Pandas spirit is all about sharing stories, here are more extended, story-like experiences inspired
by the kinds of answers people post online when asked what made them get closer to their crush.

Story A: The “Accidental Partner In Crime” Crush

Alex had a crush on Sam for months. They worked in the same office but totally different departments. Every time
they happened to be in the kitchen together, Alex would open the fridge, stare at their lunch like it contained
life’s answers, and then flee.

One week, the office printer decided to wage psychological warfare on everyone. It jammed, glitched, and randomly
refused to print anything important. Alex and Sam both showed up at the printer at the same time, arms full of
documents, looking equally defeated.

Sam sighed and said, “So, do we perform an exorcism or call IT?” Alex laughed way too hard, then made a joke about
offering the printer a sacrifice of paperclips. They spent the next 10 minutes trying to fix it together, swapping
sarcastic comments about office life.

That momentbonding as “co-survivors of the cursed printer”broke the ice. After that, they had an easy reason to
talk (“Did the demon printer spare you today?”). Small chats turned into shared lunch breaks, and a few weeks
later, into “hey, want to grab a drink after work?” The crush became a connection because they had a shared
problem to laugh about.

Story B: The “Playlist Confession” Crush

Jordan and Taylor were online friends who gamed together. Jordan had a huge crush but was terrified of ruining the
friendship. They talked almost every night, swapped memes, and complained about lag as if it were a personal enemy.

One day, Taylor casually asked, “Got any music recs? I need new stuff for my commute.” Jordan went overboard and
made a whole curated playlist with songs that matched the kind of mood they associated with Taylor: calm, a little
chaotic, and kind of hopeful.

Jordan titled the playlist with an inside joke only the two of them would understand. When Taylor opened it, they
replied, “Okay, this is way too good. I feel like you low-key know my brain.” That turned into a long conversation
about how they both see the world, what they think about when they’re alone, and what they want in life.

Later, Taylor admitted that the playlist was the moment they started seeing Jordan differently: not just as a
gaming buddy, but as someone who really “got” them. The crush got closer because Jordan shared something creative,
thoughtful, and specific.

Story C: The “Slow Burn Friends-First” Crush

Maya had known her crush, Chris, for years through mutual friends. They weren’t especially close at firstjust
friendly faces at group hangouts. But over time, they ended up being the people who stayed behind to clean up
after parties, carry chairs, and pack away board games.

During those random 20-minute cleanup sessions, they chatted about everything: annoying neighbors, dream trips,
what they’d do if they won the lottery. There was no pressure and no flirting at the beginningjust two people
being themselves because nobody else was around.

One night, after a long day, Maya admitted she was feeling burned out and doubting herself. Chris didn’t rush to
fix it or change the subject. He just listened, then said, “Honestly? You’re one of the most reliable people here.
None of this would work without you.” That small, genuine affirmation hit harder than any cheesy compliment.

A lot of people describe this kind of experience online: you get closer to your crush because they show up
consistently and make you feel valued. Eventually, Maya asked if he wanted to hang out one-on-one. They
started going for walks, then dinner, thenmonths laterofficially dating. It wasn’t a dramatic moment that made
them closer. It was hundreds of small, kind ones.

Story D: The “Brave But Honest” Text

Not every story ends with a perfect couple. Sometimes, what brings you closer to your crush is the decision to be
honest and accept whatever comes next.

Riley had been texting their crush, Jamie, for half a year. They shared jokes, talked about school, and hyped each
other up before big tests. Riley’s feelings kept growing, and so did the fear of losing what they already had.

One night, after overthinking every possible outcome, Riley finally sent:
“Hey, this is a little scary to say, but I’ve started to like you as more than a friend. I really value what we have,
so if you don’t feel the same, I promise I’ll respect that and won’t make things weird.”

Jamie replied honestly: they cared about Riley a lot but weren’t in a place for a relationship. It stung, but
Jamie kept their promise to treat Riley kindly, and Riley kept their promise not to pressure Jamie. Over time, the
friendship stayed intactand Riley later said that pressing “send” on that message made them feel closer to
themselves, even if it didn’t lead to a romantic relationship.

That’s an important kind of “closer to your crush,” too: closer in truth, not just in fantasy.

Final Thoughts: Getting Closer Without Losing Yourself

Whether you’re a nervous Panda silently rehearsing what to say, or the type who accidentally blurts out
“I like your… personality aura?” instead of a smooth compliment, remember this:
you don’t have to be perfect to be lovable.

Getting closer to your crush isn’t about tricks or scripts. It’s about:

• Showing up as a kind, curious, respectful human being.
• Letting small interactions build comfort over time.
• Reading their signals and respecting their boundaries.
• Being brave enough to be honestfirst with them, and always with yourself.

Even if that specific crush doesn’t turn into a relationship, the skills you practicelistening, confidence,
communication, self-respectwill stay with you. And someday, when you meet someone who genuinely matches your
energy, you’ll be really glad you learned how to get closer to someone in a healthy way.

Until then, keep your sense of humor, treat your own heart gently, and remember: the right person won’t need you
to be flawless. They’ll just need you to be real.