You have this friend. And they were your friend at first, but you've come down with a case of the feels. They're suddenly so much hotter than they used to be, they make you smile just by looking your way, and they're starting to flood all of your daily thoughts. But they're just your friend.

So you're stuck in the dreaded "friendzone," huh? Well, lucky for you, you've come to the right place. I, myself, was in the friendzone for four years, so I am what you might call an expert on this particular issue. Did I ever escape the friendzone, you ask? Um... Not the point! Do you want to know how to get out of the friendzone or not?

1. Think about it.

Do you actually have feelings for this person? Or did you just see them at prom and thought they looked totally hot? Just take a step back. Would a relationship with this person be successful outside of a friendship? Yes? Then proceed to step two. No? Then move on, girl/dude.

2. Tell them.

This seems to be the part that everyone has problems with. How do you expect to get out of the friendzone if the person you have feelings toward never has a clue? Don't sit around and complain about the relationship never going anywhere if you won't do anything about it! The worst they can say is no. If you don't have the guts to tell them how you're feeling, then you probably don't want to be more than friends that badly. And if they stop being your friend because you told them how you felt, then they were a crappy friend to begin with.

3. They reciprocate feelings? Sweet!

Congrats! You're in a relationship! Was that so hard?

4. They didn't reciprocate feelings? That's okay too!

Contrary to popular belief, you can still be friends with someone you had/have feelings toward. Sometimes it's healthier to take a step back for a little while and get your emotions in check first, but it's 100% do-able.

But do not be the person who cries, "Nice guys/girls never win." Just being a decent human being does not entitle you to date whomever you please. People are allowed to not be attracted to you, no matter how nice you are. That's why you make such a great friend! And if your friend starts dating someone else, make sure you make a fair assessment of them; don't label them as a "jerk" simply because you're bitter about being friendzoned. If they are truly a jerk, be there for your friend, because they will figure it out on their own and get their heart broken sooner or later. And who has a better shoulder to cry on than their best friend: YOU!

Take a breath. If it doesn't work out with this one person, there really are more people out there. Life goes on, my friend. So write a sad poem in your journal, and get over it.