LIFE

Dear Carol,

At school there’s a boy who knows I have a crush on him, and I know he likes me back. Everybody else knows too and is teasing us and saying we are dating. We have hung out outside school before, and people are seeing it the wrong way! What do I do to make them understand?

- Not Ready To DTR

Dear Not Ready To DTR,

Just because you and a boy like each other doesn’t mean you have to put your life into fast-forward or define the relationship. It’s wonderful when two people like each other and both know it. So enjoy this phase—and who cares about the others? You can say, “I wish you wouldn’t tease me,” and your real friends probably will stop. When it comes to a crush, there’s never a reason to rush.

Carol Weston is the author of 16 books, including Girltalk, Ava and Pip and Speed of Life, which is a novel about a 14-year-old girl who writes to an advice columnist. Check out carolweston.com and follow her on Instagram @carolwestonnyc.

Want more 'ship advice? Read more Dear Carol here:
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💘 "Dear Carol, I think I have a crush on my ex"
💘 "Dear Carol, Do I have romantic feelings for my BFF?"

We want to hear from you! Go here to submit questions to Carol about every sticky sitch life throws at you.

by GL | 8/15/2024