CRUSHES

Advice

6 reasons your crush hasn't asked you out yet

Before you know it, it'll be time for your camp's annual dance, and your besties are swooning over the sweet ways their BFs are asking them to the soirée of the season. You’re cute, smart and (not to toot your own horn) pretty darn funny—so why isn’t someone working on your promposal, you wonder? Well, consider this...

You might be a little too picky...
Listen, we’re all about having high standards. But rolling out a mile-long must list (ahem, you’re looking for someone who’s tall, plays guitar and has a 4.5 GPA) doesn’t ensure a perfect pairing—trust us. Unicorns may be pretty, but they don’t always make us happy. Partnering up isn’t about prerequisites—so push aside your more superficial requirements and give someone unexpected a chance. It’s just a date, not forever.

Your friends feel meh about your crush...
Ever think a dude is dreamy— until your bestie deemed him a dud and your interest disappeared faster than a Snap? When it comes to crushing, pleasing your friends simply shouldn’t be part of the equation. Value your girls like gold—but it’s not like you always dig their baes, either. Dare to date whomever you want (though listen up if they say things like, “He doesn’t treat you right”). If he’s truly the real deal, your girls will likely warm up to him.

You're surrounded by a BFF barricade...
Wherever you go, you’ve got your closest 15 in tow—and that’s a very intimidating scenario for someone to break through. It’s OK to part from the pack for a sec—whether it’s in the halls or at lunch or wherever—to score some solo time with your potential sweetie.

You hibernate...
You’d so rather curl up on the couch with Netflix than cheer on your school at the big basketball game. And, once in a while, we’re with you. But how are you ever going to meet anyone tucked away in your room? Unless you’ve uncovered a date-delivering genie (call us!), you have to put yourself out there. School sports not your thing? Find something social that is—and we don’t mean liking pics on Insta.

You don't realize how awesome you are...
“They’re just being nice,” said every girl ever who wasn’t sure if that cutie was into her or just suddenly curious about her play’s premiere… or following up on a convo you had months ago…or asking for your number. Yes, bae is likely showing interest—so dish the attention right back if you feel the same way. When you believe you’re as amazing as they think you are (and you are!), you’ll be that much more confident when taking things from flirty to for-real.

Because there's no rush...
What’s wrong with living the single life? Nothing. At. All. There’s no drama, no breakups, no heartaches—and you can flirt it up if you feel like it. Yeah, you may change your mind at some point (like when someone worthy finally catches your eye). But until then, rock single status in a way that just may make your paired-up pals, well, a little jealous.

A version of this story appeared in the April/May 2018 issue of Girls' Life magazine.