CRUSHES

There’s this boy I like. He’s dreamy and smart, but the thing is he is one grade behind me. My friends don’t like him because of that. What should I do?

There’s nothing wrong with liking or dating a boy who’s a little younger than you. I know the age difference seems huge now, but it’s only one year. Even you really feel a connection with this boy, don’t let one measly year get in the way of that.

Maybe your friends think the age difference is such a big deal because he acts more than a year younger. Is he really immature? If you don’t think he is then you should explain to your friends how much you like him and hopefully they will too. If you and your BFFs still can’t agree then you need to decide which is more important: Following your heart or the approval of your friends. Remember that you’re your own person and you decide what’s best for you.

If you decide to date this boy, it doesn’t mean you and your girls aren’t friends anymore, just agree to disagree on this issue. Tell them that you appreciate them telling you how they feel and you hope they understand why you chose to date him. Later, if you realize that your BFFs were right and that the boy is too immature for you, thank your friends for their advice, but tell them to keep the I-told-you-so's to themselves. Even though you’re lucky to have friends who care about you, that's the last thing you need to hear after a break-up.

by Jessica Wiggs | 11/10/2018