Reasons to continue the friendship (and potentially explore a relationship):
* Strong feelings: If your feelings are genuine and strong, distance shouldn't necessarily be a deal breaker. Many long-distance relationships work, especially at the high school level where you're both still quite flexible.
* Mutual desire: Does he feel the same way about you? Open communication is key. If you both want to explore a relationship despite the distance, it's worth trying.
* Shared interests/activities: Do you have things you can still do together, even with different schools? Perhaps weekend activities, mutual friends, online communication, or visiting each other occasionally.
* Willingness to put in the effort: Long-distance relationships require extra effort. Are you both willing to make time for communication, visits, and planning shared activities?
Reasons to remain friends (or perhaps distance yourselves for a while):
* One-sided feelings: If your feelings are much stronger than his, continuing a friendship might lead to unnecessary heartbreak. It's okay to step back and allow yourself to move on.
* Lack of shared interests/activities: If you have very little in common outside of the school you used to attend together, maintaining a close relationship might be difficult.
* Unrealistic expectations: Don't set yourself up for disappointment. Long-distance relationships in high school, while possible, can be particularly challenging due to other commitments like schoolwork, friends, and extracurriculars.
* Desire to move on: If you feel it's best to prioritize your own life and friendships without the added complication of a long-distance relationship, that's perfectly valid.
What you should do:
1. Talk to him: Have an honest and open conversation. Express your feelings and ask him about his. Find out how he feels about the distance and the possibility of a relationship. Listen carefully to his response.
2. Assess your feelings: Honestly evaluate how much effort you're willing to put into maintaining a relationship despite the distance. Be realistic about the challenges involved.
3. Consider the friendship: If a romantic relationship doesn't seem feasible, consider if you can maintain a healthy friendship. If staying friends might cause you ongoing emotional pain, it might be best to create some distance to allow yourselves to move on.
4. Prioritize yourself: Your well-being is paramount. Don't stay in a situation that causes you undue stress or unhappiness.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Choose the path that feels right for you, based on your honest assessment of your feelings, his feelings, and the practical realities of the situation.