I'm 44 now, but remember high school like it was yesterday. I was the youngest in my class - graduated HS at 16 (turned 17 that July). I didn't date until I was in college. Felt out of place thinking of dating girls 1-2 years older than me in my class. Also, had family issues - really lack of family support in social areas. Raised by a mom (adoptive) who wanted me to have good grades and not waste time with stuff like dating. So, I get into college and end up with a high-school girlfriend that year who was 3 years younger than me. She was great - but I did things all the wrong way.

Fast forward to oh, 2 weeks ago. Took my family and 2 kids on a trip back to my hometown. We ended up at a hotel for one night that was near my first girlfriend's house. Freaky thing happened - I see her mother in the pool working out while my kids are also in the pool. I was debating to myself whether I should say something to her but I chickened out. After dating her daughter for 3-years and all we went through - I was just not wanting to bring back old memories.

Anyway - back to your issue. There is tons of "peer pressure" to date in high school. I think that's crazy. Yeah - hormones get people all worked up and everyone wants to get into dating young. Even my son seems to be interested and had an "online girlfriend" this year (he was 12). But from my experience dating through college and after - I think I was ready for dating when I reached, oh, about 25. Before that, I realize that I should have just made more friends with women and kept myself more focused on getting ready for a career. Still made out well - went to college, etc. But I know that if I had dated in high school and changed my path earler in life, I think I may have done worse in school and ended up with kids too early in life. Getting married at 30 was probably one of the smarter things I've done in my life.

Go easy on yourself. You deserve to find out just who *you* are - you aren't defined by who you are with. And, when you do find someone, don't let them take away your self-worth or identity. Be true to yourself with or without someone. Get an interesting hobby to put your efforts into.