“I think of you more as a … buddy” Yikes! You’ve been friend-zoned — banished to that icy place where one person thinks of the other as a pal while the other, sadly, wants a romantic relationship. But once you’ve been banished to the friend-zone is there a way out? As Valentine’s Day approaches, there may still be hope. So here’s a GPS to help navigate your way out of the friend-zone.

1. IF THE EXIT RAMP TO THE FRIEND ZONE IS COMING CLOSE, TURN LEFT!
You have to understand what type of friend-zone you are in. If he/she is just not that into you then there’s not really much you can do, but it could be that you are doing something to make him/her think that you are just friends. So, identify the problem and think about whether you can do something to change it. So, is it you or is it them?

2. FIND AN ALTERNATE ROUTE.
Consider changing things up so your love interest can see you in a different way. Try some new clothes, get a haircut, or do something that he/she will notice and enjoy. But don’t pull a “Grease” and change yourself so drastically that they end up falling for someone you aren’t.

3. CHANGE YOUR SPEED.
Try spending time with him/her doing things outside of your regular routine. If you usually just catch up on TV, go to a concert or a movie. If you typically share outdoor activities, try being a homebody. Let your sweetheart see you in a different environment.

4. IF YOU MUST GET ATTENTION, HONK! The most crucial step is flirting. Be more playful rather than romantic. Be casual with this step or you could ruin the whole operation. If you flirt too strongly, then the person will see right through you. If you complete these steps correctly, getting the guy/girl of your dreams might become reality. Trust the process. Otherwise you might get hopelessly off course.