Dear boys of the world who are stuck in the friendzone and feel like you will never be freed,

The world isn’t over. There is still time to escape. Ron Weasley did it, and it may have taken him seven whole books to accomplish this achievement, but he still did it, so don't give up! There is still hope! Here are 10 simple and foolproof tips on how you can escape the friendzone:

1. First of all, if you don’t want to be “just friends” then try not to purposefully make yourself appear unattractive.

And I don’t mean looks-wise (but that contributes too, obviously). Try to cut some bad habits that prevent her from seeing you as an unappealing guy she wouldn’t dream of dating (not to sound superficial, but you guys feel this way about girls too).

2. Don’t make a fool out of yourself and say something stupid that is completely obvious.

She’s going to think you’re the biggest idiot. Harsh? Sorry, it's just simply the truth.

3. Don’t just spend your time gloomily pining over her and definitely don’t try to distance yourself to try to get over her.

Instead, pick up a hobby or a sport and get her involved. Maybe you can even try something she’s into and have fun doing this hobby together. Not only will this give you more excuses to hang out with her, but this is impressive and shows that you have goals and ambitions.

4. And definitely stop the awkward picking-on-her-because-there’s-tension thing you guys tend to do.

You may think this helps, but all it does is send the wrong message. In addition, don’t take your anger out on her. Just because you’re frustrated doesn’t mean she needs to be your new punching bag to get out your feelings of being “rejected”.

5. Stop being jealous of other guys or at least don’t show it.

This will put a strain on your friendship and soon the friendship will become awkward or even nonexistent.

6. Compliment her.

But make sure you do it right or don't even bother trying.

7. Don’t use other girls to make her jealous.

Just, NO. Don’t do it. Trust me. This sends a wrong signal and if there was hope that she was becoming interested in you, you just extinguished it by sending her the signal that you aren’t interested in her at all.

8. Just talk to her about it, if you feel brave enough.

It's so much better to ask about it and talk about it then to be left absolutely clueless and frustrated.

9. Or you can just change your name to Ron.

That seems to work, too.

10. But seriously, stop stressing and obsessing over it.

Just be there for her, comfort her in her sad times, share moments with her in the good times, and just be a friend. Eventually she’ll realize how amazing and special you are and in the end it will be worth the wait.

Sincerely,

A girl who knows what she’s talking about.