Dear Leo: Advice Column

Is pineapple on pizza underrated?

- Pineapple on Pizza Protection Front, LLC

Dear Pineapple on Pizza Protection Front, LLC,

Absolutely. Everything about it is wonderful and the peasants who say otherwise are sorely misinformed.

Do you like cookies and cream ice cream? If so, why?

- Cookies and Cream Hater

Dear Cookies and Cream Hater,

It’s really just oreos and plain vanilla ice cream. I’d rather have both separately than mixed together. There are never enough cookies and they get all soggy anyways, and who wants to eat soggy cookies? Definitely not me. It’s not a bad combination, just a bit uninspired. I’m not the biggest fan− but to be honest, it’s ice cream. Need I say more?

How should I tell my best friend about my crush? It will make everything more real, and I really trust them and want them to know but then it will be awkward when I talk to my crush because my friend might ship me. Also, how do I tell my crush I like them when I’m not sure if they like me back? 

- a depressed banana 

Dear A Depressed Banana, 

If you really trust your friend and want them to know, then you should tell them! It doesn’t have to be a big deal− just find a private place where you feel safe having that conversation. I suggest having it in-person, as it sounds like you don’t want others knowing; and that could be a possibility if you bring it up online. If they do make you feel embarassed or uncomfortable around your crush, set some healthy boundaries! Bringing up any conversation about boundaries can definitely be difficult, but never hesitate to protect your own privacy if you feel as if they’re overstepping their bounds or taking the shipping too far.  Politely but firmly tell them that you don’t appreciate it and you’d like it if they stopped. 

Even if you’re not sure they like you back, that’s no reason to stop you from being honest and vulnerable. If you really want to let them know, go ahead! If they don’t like you back, that’s totally fine! It doesn’t and shouldn’t undermine you in any way, and being honest and open about things is always a good idea. But if you want to keep it to yourself or feel uncomfortable, do that instead! Take things at your own pace, and you shouldn’t ever feel pressured by yourself or those around you to do something you don’t want to. You got this! :)