Is this young love?

Posted on Mon, 14 Mar, 2011

Question:

Dear Auntie Nangy, I am someone who keeps and solves my own problems but something has left me confused and worried. I’m 15 and I like this girl who is three years older than me. I asked her out and sadly she said no, but not because of age because just like me she thinks age is just a number. But to get back to the point, I was hurt by her decline but I tried to move on like I always do when I strike bad luck. The thing is I can’t move on Auntie, we are good friends now, whenever she needs me I’m there for her and for some reason she is the only one who always cheers me up when I’m down. Don’t let me get started about her smile! My point is I think this is beyond a crush, am I obsessed with her or is it what my friends call young love? Please help me Auntie, I’m tearing apart.

Answer:

Dear, to me you seem like a very responsible and very mature young man and I think that you are handling your problem very well. The first step in solving an emotional problem is to be honest and admitting to it, which you have done. I think I can safely say that your friends are right and you are in the throes of young (first?) love that is messing with your heart and head. The fact that you are friends and you still see her also does not make the situation easier but I am not suggesting that you stop the friendship as it is a blessing to find a good friend. You will get over her, just hang in there. Do whatever it takes to get over her, go out with other friends, take up a new hobby or sport or write long, soppy poems. A broken heart does not heal overnight and you seem to have really strong emotions so it will take time but it will happen. Take care.