Dating makes me feel SMOTHERED!

Hey, Shannon: Don’t worry! Here are some guesses as to why you’re having problems finding the right guy to get close to.

1) Maybe it’s the guy’s fault. When they are sophomores in high school, many guys are either totally clueless about how to communicate with girls or total jerks. They can feel scared and confused about having a girlfriend, so they do stupid or insensitive things in a blind attempt to impress us or mask their own fears. This makes it tough to date them.

2) You’re just not ready. There’s no set time when a girl is ready to have a romantic relationship; it’s up to the individual girl. I think it’s cool that you’re so independent and you prize your freedom so highly. If you would rather hang with your friends or spend time by yourself than do “stuff” with a guy, that’s what you should do. Don’t feel pressure to have a boyfriend just because that’s what you see people around you doing.

3) There may be a deeper problem that’s keeping you from feeling close to guys. If there is something else bothering you, talk to a counselor or friend about it and try to get some help.

It’s true, sometimes having a boyfriend can swallow up your individuality. There’s no law that says you have to have one to be happy. In fact, it’s best if you know you can be totally happy without a guy. I’m sure the right person will come along soon enough, and then being close will just come naturally.