Have a friend give you a pep talk to boost your confidence. The more optimistic you feel, the more positive your experience will be.

Any variation of “I’m so excited” will work. For example, you could say, “I’m so pumped about this!”

If you’re worried that you’ll run out of conversation topics, read the newspaper or watch the news. If the conversation lags, you can bring up a current event and talk about it together.

Know how to deal with negative thoughts. If your crush is not responsive, you may start putting yourself down, wondering if there’s something wrong with you, or feeling like you will never find love. These are natural thoughts to have in the face of rejection, but just having these thoughts doesn’t make them true. Know how to refute these negative thoughts ahead of time so you can put a stop to them right away. Practice self-care. Know what makes you feel better. If talking to your friends usually lifts you, tell your friend you’re going to be texting or calling your crush, and ask if you can hang out afterward. Or, make enough time so you can go for a run, watch a favorite show, or do something else that you know improves your mood.

Practicing with a friend will build your self-confidence and sharpen your conversation skills. If you’re persistent with practicing, you’ll be much more relaxed in stressful situations. [4] X Research source

After a few days of talking to the group, “accidentally” text your crush a particularly funny joke outside of the group text. If you don’t want to ask for a phone number in person, you can ask over a social media platform such as Facebook or Instagram.

If your crush doesn’t answer the phone, leave a short message or send him a text and then go do something fun. Don’t sit around waiting for him to call or text back — go live your life!

“My friends don’t want to see the new Avengers movie, but I don’t want to go alone. Interested?” “You looked amazing today! What’s your secret?” “How would you define yourself in three emoji’s or less?”

“Have you ever been on any exciting vacations?” “I’m totally addicted to this new phone game. Have you played it?” “What are you going to do after you graduate?”

Go to the same school? Play the same sports? Take the same classes? Know the same people?

“I also love playing video games! Do you have any favorites?” “That’s my favorite soccer team too! Do you have any game day traditions?” “If you tell me what’s on your bucket list, I’ll tell you what’s on mine. ” “I love that TV show! Who’s your favorite character?”

“We just got back from France. Where’s the coolest place you’ve ever been to?” “What are you passionate about?” “I wish I could go to Hawaii. What’s your dream vacation?” “What’s your favorite class?”

When in doubt, keep your conversation under thirty minutes. You want to intrigue your crush and leave him wanting more, not exhaust him with your company.