[zoanimallover]

I'm 14 years old and have never had a boyfriend. I've had a few offers when I was younger but I wasn't ready back then. I am ready now because I know who I am more. I know I'm still young and people keep telling me that I don't need one and I'm too young but guys just don't seem to like me as a friend either because I'm a little socially awkward. What do I need to do to be more social with them and not scare them away.

Hello, zoanimallover. Have you talked to you parents about socializing with boys? When I did a Google search for teen dating, I found many articles that discuss violence and bullying.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...&aqi=&aql=&oq=

I hope that you talk to your parents about appropriate boundaries when socializing so that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...&aqi=&aql=&oq=

[LittleForgetMeNot]

I think dating as a teen can be difficult.. No one really knows what they're doing, or some people are expecting too much, others aren't comfortable with the experiences one has or the lack of them. I suppose people face this in all relationships at any age but when you're first starting out it can be a little overwhelming..

I'm a little socially awkward as well, but that doesn't mean you cannot manage a few friends, right? Think of boys as just another human being, try not to work yourself up so much. Just try talking to boys first, casually, then try being friends with a few that you get on with, and with friends come crushes and eventually relationships. At least if you start off friends, you know about the boy and if he will respect you and care for you - you know each other's ins and outs so there shouldn't be any unexpected surprises.

[Direction]

Originally Posted by zoanimallover

...I know I'm still young and people keep telling me that I don't need one and I'm too young but guys just don't seem to like me as a friend either because I'm a little socially awkward. What do I need to do to be more social with them and not scare them away.

Thinking as a dad...yes still very young to think about a boyfriend...although at some point there needs to be a transition from no boys to doing things in groups to having one-on-one dates to boyfriend. It would be wise to sit down with parents or other significant person to discuss this transition Doing various activities in groups can be helpful for developing various skills. But most importantly developing good healthy boundaries is what I want most for my children.

[thine_self_untrue]

My best advice is please, whatever you do, for God's sake don't force it! Nothing is worse than a strained, contrived relationship. Relationships are really hard work, so why bother for a guy who is anything less than your expectations? In other words, don't settle for any guy who asks you out just for the sake of having a boy friend. Not worth it. Some of the best boy friends start out as just friends, so try to get to know guys that way first. If you wouldn't want him as at least a friend, why on earth would you want him as your boy friend? Best of luck, hun! You are pretty young- there is lots of time!

[Xeneon]

Your 14 don't worry about not having a boyfriend. It will happen sooner then you think.