Following your crush on Instagram or other social media apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Facebook can be pretty intimidating. What if he doesn’t follow back? What if she finds me creepy? What if I come off as weird?
That little ‘follow’ button can feel like a huge leap into the unknown. Will following them on Instagram help you get closer to them and potentially start dating them, or will it make things awkward between you two?
You’re not alone in this, because nowadays most relationships often start with a simple follow or friend request. It’s the modern-day equivalent of asking for a phone number or passing a note in class.
Yes, it is scary but it might be the best way to get closer to your crush especially if you don’t have a chance to spend time with them in real life.
To make it easier for you to decide whether you should click the follow button, let’s take a look at some advantages and disadvantages when it comes to following your crush on Instagram so that you can make a decision that works best for you.
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Pros of Following Your Crush on Instagram
1. Sign of Interest
Following your crush on Instagram is a subtle, modern, and yet powerful way of showing your interest in them.
It is less intimidating than approaching them in person and can be an easy first step toward letting them know you like them.
2. Gauge Compatibility
Once you follow your crush, you immerse yourself in their world through their posts, comments, and likes. All these things can help you to learn more about their personality.
If you both share similar posts or likes, it may indicate a certain level of compatibility.
3. Interests
Instagram profiles often reveal personal interests, from hobbies to favorite music to travel destinations.
Whether your crush loves traveling, painting, or dog memes, these might turn into fantastic conversation starters, and shared interests can help you develop rapport.
4. Boost Confidence
The feeling when your crush accepts your follow request or reciprocates with a like or comment can significantly boost your confidence.
This can be a positive sign, indicating that they’ve noticed you and might be interested in getting to know you better.
5. Initiate Conversation
Instagram’s DM feature is a less direct way to start engaging with your crush.
It bridges the gap between casual social media interactions and texting, removing the pressure of face-to-face communication.
6. Develop Friendship
By interacting on post comments or sharing memes or stories, you may potentially establish a friendly rapport with your crush.
This can help to transition into a more romantic relationship down the line.
7. Understand Friends and Social Circles
Observing your crush’s interaction with their friends on Instagram offers you an understanding of their social circle.
This will give you an idea of who they hang out with or if you have any mutual contacts.
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Cons of Following Your Crush on Instagram
1. Perception of Stalking
There’s a very thin line between showing interest and appearing stalkerish.
Engaging too much like overly liking, and commenting on every picture or post, might make it seem like you’re digging too deeply into their life.
2. Potential Jealousy
Social media has a tendency of stirring up feelings of jealousy and insecurity, especially if you see your crush actively interacting with others.
Keep in mind that not all social media engagements are signs of romantic interest and overthinking can cause unnecessary mental stress.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
Instagram often portrays the glamorous side of life rather than the struggles.
If you assume everything about your crush based on their feed, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment due to unrealistic expectations.
4. Obsession Risk
The constant urge to constantly check their profiles, updates, and interactions could potentially lead to an unhealthy obsession that hinders your emotional health.
5. Delay In Closure
If things don’t work out with your crush, having them on your follower list could delay your ability to move on.
6. False Impressions
It’s easy to interpret things incorrectly over social media because sincere emotions can’t always be accurately portrayed or interpreted online, leading to potential misunderstandings.
7. Emotional Discomfort
Seeing your crush not liking your posts or engaging with your IG stories can cause feelings of rejection which might affect your self-esteem.
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Examples of Questions To DM Your Crush for the First Time
So you decided to take a leap of faith and follow your crush and now, you’re faced with the nerve-wracking task of sliding into their DMs for the first time.
Oh, the anticipation and the butterflies fluttering in your stomach! Well, don’t fret just yet because we are here to help you break the ice the right way.
Sending the first message can be a bit intimidating; after all, you want to make a good first impression, and spark interest, but avoid coming off as too strong or creepy. This can certainly be a tricky balancing act.
Impressing your crush with your first DM is all about striking up an engaging conversation.
Here are some great examples to get you started:
- Do you happen to go to [your gym/school/workplace/etc]? You look really familiar!
- Any recent book recommendations? Your reading list always seems interesting.
- Noticed we share the same taste in music from your posts. Any concert recommendations?
- So you’re a wine enthusiast! Red or white, what’s your go-to?
- Just caught your latest post – where was it taken? The setting looks amazing.
- How do you manage to look so stunning even in #MorningSelfies?
- Noticing your love for travel, what’s the most exotic place you’ve been to?
- Is that your pet in your last post? They look super adorable!
- Can’t stop chuckling at your recent meme repost – where do you find such hilarious stuff?
- Saw you enjoyed the food at [restaurant name], any dish recommendations?
- Your last hiking snap looked stunning! Where is it located?
- Your photography skills are amazing! Any tips for a beginner?
- Couldn’t help noticing, are you into cycling as well?
- Saw your post about [movie/series]. Would you recommend it?
- Loved your recent fashion post! Where do you shop for such cute outfits?
- I’m also a fan of [band/musician they like]. Have you seen them in concert before?
- Noticed you’re into fitness. Got any tips to stay motivated?
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