Editing How to Act Normal Around Your Crush (section)

== Avoid Awkward Behaviors ==
Sometimes ''what you don’t do'' is just as important as what you do. Being mindful of a few common awkward behaviors can help you steer clear of cringey moments. Here are some things to avoid when you’re around your crush:

* '''Don’t pretend to be someone you’re not.''' It’s tempting to overly tailor your behavior to what you think your crush will like – but trying too hard can backfire. For example, don’t lie about your interests or wildly exaggerate to impress them, and don’t agree with every opinion if you actually disagree. It’s exhausting for you and comes off as inauthentic. Stay true to yourself and share the real you. ''“You don’t need to change yourself so much that it makes you feel awkward and uncomfortable,”'' as one guide puts it (25 Great Secrets to Get Comfortable Around Your Crush - HeartMush). Being genuine is more attractive than any act. Plus, if things progress, you want them to like you for ''you'', not a fake persona.
* '''Avoid coming on too strong or clingy.''' When you really like someone, you might be eager to talk to them all the time – but be careful not to overwhelm them. Give your crush some breathing room. For instance, don’t spam them with messages if they haven’t replied yet, and don’t drop all your own plans to be available at their beck and call. Constantly hovering or demanding their attention can be a turn-off (10 Ways To Talk To Your Crush Without Being Awkward). Instead, balance your interactions: show interest, but also lead your own life. Let them initiate conversations sometimes, and respect their time and space. This shows confidence and self-respect, which are very appealing, as opposed to neediness.
* '''Watch those nervous tics.''' We all have little habits when we’re nervous, but try to keep them in check so they don’t become distracting. '''Fidgeting''', for example, is a common one – playing with your hands, shuffling your feet, twirling a pen, etc. can signal to your crush that you’re uncomfortable. Similarly, talking ''too'' fast, giggling anxiously at everything, or touching your face/hair repeatedly are signs of nerves. ''Pay attention to these habits'' and work on minimizing them (25 Great Secrets to Get Comfortable Around Your Crush - HeartMush). One trick is to literally '''ground yourself''': keep your feet planted and let your hands rest in place (hold a drink or gently clasp your hands together) so you’re less tempted to fidget. Staying physically still (but relaxed) can help calm your mind as well.[[File:Normal around 2.png|thumb|300x300px]]
* ''Avoid obvious nervous giveaways like touching your hair or neck when speaking.'' If you notice you’re doing something like this, gently correct it – for example, place your hands back down or hold onto something steady like your phone or a bag. Little adjustments will make you appear calmer. And if you do slip up, don’t sweat it; just calmly continue as if it didn’t happen. Often, people won’t even notice a small fidget unless you draw attention to it.(image)
* '''Don’t get distracted or disengage.''' Nothing kills a vibe like feeling ignored. So, avoid behaviors that might come off as disinterest or boredom. The big one here is '''looking at your phone''' – do ''not'' start texting or scrolling mid-conversation (10 Ways To Talk To Your Crush Without Being Awkward). Also, don’t let your eyes wander all around the room when your crush is talking to you. These actions can make them feel unimportant or awkward. Instead, stay present. Even if you’re in a group or a busy setting, do your best to focus on the interaction when you’re together. Showing you’re attentive will prevent those uncomfortable moments where one person feels tuned out.
* '''Handle awkward moments with grace.''' Despite all precautions, awkward moments ''may still happen'' – and that’s okay! How you react can actually turn it around. If you say something that comes out wrong or there’s an odd silence, '''lighten it''' rather than panicking. You can smile, make a small joke about the situation, or just casually acknowledge it and move on. For example, if you trip over your words, you might chuckle and say, “Whoops, tongue-tied! Let me try that again.” This shows confidence and a sense of humor. Sometimes even openly admitting “You make me a little nervous” in a ''playful'' way can be endearing and break the tension (it shows your crush that they matter to you in a positive way) (29 Tips to Talk to Your Crush (Without The Awkwardness!)). The key is to ''recover'' instead of freezing: take it in stride, and the awkwardness will usually pass quickly.
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