CRUSHES

Advice

I want a boyfriend--but do I really need one?

I'm 11 years old and have never had a boyfriend. But I want one. My only crush is Jaden Smith! What should I do?

From all the letters we get from girls just like you, you are totally not alone, chica! Once you hit a certain age, a boyfriend suddenly becomes something you want, even something you need to have.

Do you really “need” a guy?

Short answer? No! You def don’t need a guy to feel good about yourself, to “act your age,” to be mature. That’s all about Y-O-U, sweetie, not some dude calling ya his girlfriend.

That being said, when everyone else around you is beginning to pair up—even it’s just for holding hands in the hallway and sittin’ together at lunch—it’s normal to feel like you need a BF, too, just to fit in.

Crush much?

Unless Jaden Smith is your locker buddy, chances are that celeb relationship isn’t gonna happen anytime soon. When it comes to dating in middle school, you have to decide what sort of relationship you want. Do you want your first boyfriend to be a guy you don’t really dig, just so that you can be BF and GF? Or would you rather wait and make it somethin’ special?

It’s totes up to you, but I would lean towards the second choice. It might feel like your way behind, but you’ll be glad you waited once you find somebody special.

Dating 101

One more thing…maybe your ‘rents are more understanding than mine, but have you asked when you’re allowed to begin dating? It’s a good convo to have now that you’re thinking about guys, and if Mom ‘n’ Dad begin to freak, you can always say, “Hey, I was just wondering. I’m holding out for my boy Jaden.”

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