Getting a text that says, “I have a crush on you,” can mean lots of different things depending on the relationship you have with the person sending it.

It’s natural to think that this would come from someone who wants to start dating you, but this could also be sent to a friend as a joke, a significant other to just remind them how you much you care, or even to a spouse to show that they still like you after years and years of marriage.

Another thing to consider is the time it takes you to respond.

You don’t want respond too early, but it’s worse to respond too late.

Too long of a time waiting to respond could stress the other person out, so think what you want to say and respond in a reasonable amount of time.

You also want to consider your relationship with this person; is it someone you like?

Someone you don’t like?

Spouse?

Cater your response to the type of relationship you have with them, and if the situation calls for it, it can be a very funny exchange for the both of you.

Here are some different ways to respond to “I have a crush on you,” depending on your relationship:

 

12 ways to respond to an “I have a crush on you” text

1. No way! I have a crush on you, too!
2. I didn’t know you felt that way! I like you, too!
3. You’re not going to believe this, but I was going to text you the same thing!
4. Oh, I didn’t realize. I’m actually already in a relationship with someone.
5. Okay. I think it’s best if we just remain friends.
6. I see. I really value our friendship and I would like things to stay just as they are. Thank you for being my friend!
7. I’d prefer to keep things strictly professional.
8. Well, I should hope so; we’ve been married for years!
9. Sorry, new phone. Who is this? Is this Jeremy? Stephanie? Robert? lol, j/k
10. Well, it’s about time you said something! We could have been dating for years! Haha!
11. Cool, I do, too! When do you think we should tell the kids?
12. Uh-oh. Better make sure you parents don’t find out!

 

How to respond to “I have a crush on you” from someone you like

Obviously, if you get this sort of text from someone you like, you’re going to be excited, because you both like each other, and now one of you knows.

Responding to this text could start a very deep and special relationship, and you can also make things fun and interesting with a witty reply.

Here are some responses you can use for your crushee:

 

1. No way! I have a crush on you, too!

This one’s simple and gets right to the point.

It lets them know you also like them and gets rid of any potential awkwardness.

After they receive this, they will probably respond by text or call and you guys can text/talk about planning your first date.

 

2. I didn’t know you felt that way! I like you, too!

This response is a little different because some people may not be as upfront about who they like, so you might legitimately have been unaware of their crush on you.

This could potentially help them in realizing they should be more open if the case calls for it.

It’s not always necessary to be so open, but it’s good to know when and where the situation calls for it so you can adjust your interactions accordingly.

 

3. You’re not going to believe this, but I was going to text you the same thing!

This positive response will make them beam with glee.

Even if it’s not completely true, it still works if you were thinking of texting them at some point soon.

It’s not like you’d have to have everything written out, but if it was your intention to text them or otherwise let them know you do indeed have a crush on them, this can help break the ice by showing that you both had the courage to speak up about your feelings.

 

How to respond to “I have a crush on you” from someone you don’t like:

This situation requires a bit more tact.

You don’t want to embarrass them but you also want to make it clear that you don’t feel the same way.

Approach a response to this with caution, as the wrong kind of response might make them upset.

You’ll want to let them down gently, and here are some responses you can use:

 

4. Oh, I didn’t realize. I’m actually already in a relationship with someone.

This is an easy out. It doesn’t really tell them that you don’t like them, but it does tell them that you’re unavailable.

There is a small chance that this could backfire, but use it if you’re confident that they’ll accept the answer.

It’s slightly risky as they might start asking questions, and if you’re not actually in a relationship, it may be problematic.

Use this if you’re confident they won’t dig too deep into the response.

 

5. Okay. I think it’s best if we just remain friends.

This is short and to the point, and makes your intentions clear.

While you are fond of their friendship, you’d like things to stay platonic between the two of you.

If they’re a true friend, they will accept this answer without hesitation.

This could also be a good way to see if they really are a true friend, because some “friends” might not take this too well.

 

6. I see. I really value our friendship and I would like things to stay just as they are. Thank you for being my friend!

This is useful if you really do care about their friendship but don’t want any romantic connection with them.

Some people may call this the dreaded friend-zone, but there’s nothing wrong with still being friends as long as everyone is aware and okay with the status quo.

A well-maintained friendship can be important, even if there is no romance involved.

 

7. I’d prefer to keep things strictly professional.

This one you could use if the text comes from a work colleague or a client or customer of yours.

If you’re not interested in this person, make it clear and absolute that you don’t want any kind of relationship outside of business.

 

How to respond to “I have a crush on you” from your significant other:

In this situation, it’s quite obvious that you two are in a relationship, but there’s nothing wrong with casually reaffirming that with a cute text every now and then.

Whether it be your boyfriend, girlfriend, spouse, or other partner, consider using some of these responses to put a smile on their face.

 

8. Well, I should hope so; we’ve been married for years!

This a cute little response that pokes fun at the fact that, of course you have a crush on each other!

This can keep things fun and interesting with a cute back-and-forth text regarding the things you like about each other, and maybe some fun stories of when you first met and started your relationship.

 

9. Sorry, new phone. Who is this? Is this Jeremy? Stephanie? Robert? lol, j/k

You’ll want to punctuate this with their name so they know you know who they are.

This kind of reply won’t work on everyone, so make sure you know their sense of humor before you use this.

The “new phone, who’s this?” gag is great to use because it’s quick and funny and can easily make the other person laugh out loud.

 

10. Well, it’s about time you said something! We could have been dating for years! Haha!

This is a very funny response that is only funnier the longer you’ve been together.

A decades-long relationship is nothing to scoff at, and keeping things fun with little texts like this can be a very good sign of a healthy, loving relationship.

Replace “dating” with “married” if the case applies, or you could even using something like “lifelong soulmates.”

 

11. Cool, I do, too! When do you think we should tell the kids?

If you have children with this person, this response is sure to get a rousing laugh out of them

Forwarding the chain to said kids, as long as they’re old enough to get the humor, can also be a fun family laugh.

 

12. Uh-oh. Better make sure you parents don’t find out!

Naturally, you’ll want to avoid this response if there was ever any tension between you and their parents.

But as long as everything was copasetic, feel free to poke fun at the fact, and realize that not all relationships are approved of by the parents.

This could also be used if their parents were initially resistant to the idea of your relationship, but warmed up over time.