Right on the Edge

Signal strength — Medium. Mixed signals, and a few of them are real

What's probably going on — Some of what they do looks like friendship and some of it doesn't. They've gotten vague about who they like, they pause before putting a label on you, and you've caught them looking. Then the next day everything's normal again. That back-and-forth usually means one of two things: they're still working out their own feelings, or they're a warm person and you're reading the warm parts extra closely. Both are completely normal, and neither one gets settled by guessing harder.

Signs pointing yes

· Something changes in their face when you mention someone else

· Their answer about who they like has gotten vaguer lately

· You keep catching them looking, and they look away fast

· They wait to see who you pick before they pick

Signs pointing the other way

· Just as often, they act like nothing is different

· Most of your time together still happens in a group

· They haven't suggested any one-on-one plans

· Some of these signals could just be them being thoughtful

What to do next — Suggest one small, easy plan for just the two of you, like grabbing food after school, and pay attention to how they are when the group isn't around.

What not to do — Don't go full detective, rereading every text and asking the group chat for theories. Signals get clearer with time, not with overanalyzing.

One line for you — A maybe isn't a no, and it isn't a yes either; give it a little time and let it tell you.