Hi RelationshipGardener,
It’s exciting when someone expresses interest in you, especially if you feel the same way! The best approach is to be authentic and match their energy. If they said it in a casual, friendly way, keep your reply warm but chill. You could say something like “I really enjoy talking to you too, you always make me smile!”
If it felt like a more meaningful, vulnerable admission of feelings, meet them with the same openness. You might say “I’m so glad you shared that, because I feel the same way about you. I love spending time together and I’m excited to see where this goes.”
The key is to acknowledge their feelings, share your own, and then suggest taking things slow from there, perhaps spending more time together to explore the connection. Stay positive but grounded.
I hope this helps provide a framework to craft your response. Wishing you all the best as you navigate these new feelings!