Is it Love or Just Jokes?

Dear Kaia,

My name is Sadness Sally, and I'm heartbroken. I met a boy from North Carolina who I believe is the love of my life. I got his number, and we've been talking for a while. Every time I tell him I love him, he says he's going to block me. Yesterday, he actually blocked me. I know he's probably joking, but it really hurts my feelings. What should I do about this?

Hi Sadness Sally,

It sounds like you're having trouble expressing your feelings to this boy, and his reactions are upsetting you. Let's see if we can figure this out.

From what I understand, you really like this boy, but his jokes are consistently hurting your feelings, and you're unsure how to address it. I think talking to him directly about this would be beneficial for several reasons.

Having a genuine conversation with him – not just a brief exchange – can help build trust between you. Also, sharing how his words make you feel uncomfortable could eliminate some of the awkwardness you're experiencing.

In my experience, and from observing the relationships of friends I've helped, NO relationship will ever survive without communication. If it does, your relationship is not going to be stable. A stable relationship thrives on open communication.

I believe that you genuinely like this boy, and he seems to like you too. However, it does seem like he is also uncomfortable with you telling him that you love him. Do you really think that his response is just a hurtful joke?

Only knowing this much about your relationship with him so far, my primary advice is to talk to him. You have nothing to lose right now and if you wanna stay in contact with this boy. I would definitely recommend you to just talk to him and tell him how you feel.

He is not a mind reader, and I have a feeling that he doesn't realize that you are really upset about this.

This conversation could lead to more open communication between you later.

Just make sure that you guys communicate and not let it fall out. Otherwise, you will just end up going in circles and not getting anywhere with your relationship.

Overall: don't overthink it, and make sure you talk to him. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

This could be a big growing point in the relationship and an opening to something bigger. It could teach you to be real to each other and even grow respect and trust just with time.