CRUSHES

You on the first day of school, ready to own it: 

You after you've spent the first week of school obsessing over your crush:

If we can give you only one piece of advice this school year, it's this: Don't spend the entire year stressing over your crush. It doesn't matter if he is crushing back or totally ignoring you. Rock the halls for you and no one else. Follow these tips to make sure your school year isn't run by your crush.

Don't be effected.
Everyone wants their crush to like them back and pay attention to them. Try not to let it bother you if they don't. If they aren't talking to you when you go back to school, you might be bummed, but don't let that set the mood for your whole year. Accept that you're going to have a great year and don't let anything or anyone change that. If they don't return the crush, then they just don't know what they're missing. 

Focus on you.
It's *totally* normal to be crushing on someone and paying extra attention to what they're doing. Just don't let yourself obsess over them. Fill your schedule with activities you love to do, so you don't have time to over think about the cutie in your chemistry class. 

Don't compare.
You don't need to compare yourself to any of your peers. Even if it seems like you are the *only* one without a boyfriend or girlfriend, it's OK. You're going to find a totally awesome sweetie who is just perfect for you, it just might not be right now. Don't let anyone make you feel bad for being single—own your single status! If your crush is talking to someone else instead of you, don't compare yourself to them. 

Have fun.  
Regardless of what grade you're in, just have fun—you're still a kid! You don't need to settle down or focus on any serious responsibilities. Hang out with people that you can laugh and have a good time with and just enjoy yourself. Don't put any extra stress or pressure on yourself to have a BF/GF. Just let everything work itself out.

How do you shift your focus off your crush? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

by Natalie Bland | 9/6/2017