"Will I EVER Have a Boyfriend?"

Dear Doctor TRuth:

I'm 15 years old and I have never had a boyfriend.

It seems like everyone my age (and younger!) is progressing with their
love life, and I havn't even had my first kiss!

I think I have a lot to offer, and I don't know why things have ended
up this way. I'm afraid I'm going to get so left behind that no one
will want me.

I like a few guys, but they hardly know I exist. It's especially hard
for me because I just moved to a new town a year ago and I still don't
know anyone very well.

I'm really lonely and I'm getting desperate!

Am I destined to be dateless forever?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you,
"Dateless"

Dear "Dateless,"

I know it isn't easy to be 15 and it also isn't easy to be the new kid
on the block.

I know that it seems everyone has someone but you but believe me, that
just isn't true.

How quickly we get a boyfriend in early adolescence has very little to
do with what will happen to you in the future.

My guess is that moving to a new town put you back in your
socialization a bit but don't worry, you will catch up! No one is
dateless forever!
Some beautiful girls that I know don't start dating till college,
largely because they just aren't ready emotionally. As a matter of
fact, I find many girls rush into having boyfriends because they lack
the emotional security to be on their own a little while longer.

Here's my advice: Don't despair!

Use this time to work on yourself and make yourself the best self you
can possibly be. Work on your self esteem and confidence. Do well in
school, develop some other interests, possibly a sport, musical
instrument, or something that you can really excel at, make some good
girl friends to hang out with, and be patient with yourself.

If you feel insecure about your looks ( and what girl your age
doesn't) join a gym or do whatever it takes to help your body image.

Above all, even though you feel lonely and sad, try to smile and say
hi to people you wouldn't ordinarily greet. That will make you feel
more self assured. You would be surprised how others respond to people
reaching out to them.

High school is a painful time and has its ups and downs. Life really
does get better so don't be so hard on yourself.

Give yourself time and space to develop into someone that you yourself
like! Others will notice and like you too.

Sincerely,
Dr. TRuth