The Professional Teaser

Who it might be — The one who gives you a hard time, constantly. They roast your handwriting, argue about everything, and steal your seat just to see your face. It can be annoying, but teasing is one of the oldest ways to get someone's attention without admitting anything. It feels safe: if you don't feel the same, it was just a joke. You're quick with a comeback and you can take a joke, which makes the back-and-forth with you the best part of their day. One key difference, though: playful teasing feels fun, and mean teasing doesn't.

Why it could be them

· They tease you more than anyone else, and your friends have noticed

· The jokes are about you, but they're never actually cruel

· They seem to be everywhere you are: practice, the bus, the hallway

· When someone else gives you a hard time, they suddenly get protective

How you'd find out

· Notice whether they turn nicer and a little awkward when it's just the two of you

· See if they check that you're okay when a joke goes too far

· Watch whether the teasing stops the moment they're actually worried about you

· Pay attention to how they react when you give them a real, serious compliment

If you like them back — Catch them in one of their rare serious moments and say something real, like “You're actually really fun to be around.” Their reaction will tell you a lot.

If you don't — Keep the banter friendly, but don't flirt back just to keep the game going. And if the teasing ever makes you feel bad, say so plainly. A real crush doesn't need to hurt.

One line for you — Sometimes the loudest joke in the room is aimed at the person they like most, but it should always feel like a joke to you too.