Have any of you ever had a girl tell you she likes you? I’ve had it happen a few times, along with several girls who flirt with me. While I don’t view it as a bad thing, I often feel guilty saying no, especially when I have feelings for one of them. The reality is, I just don’t have the time to invest in a relationship right now; I need to focus on my grades, golf, and work.
My friends say I come off as a flirt, but honestly, I don’t mean to, and that’s created some awkward situations for me. Plus, when I think about the odds, most high school relationships don’t end up lasting, and even if they do, we’ve all heard the statistics about high school sweethearts and divorce rates. At our age, we’re still figuring out who we are, and people change a lot during this time. Our brains don’t fully develop until we’re about 25, and I’d rather wait to see who I really connect with before diving into a relationship. Sure, we’ll still change after that, but not as dramatically.
It sounds like you’re really thinking things through, which is great! It’s completely okay to prioritize your grades, golf, and work—those are important aspects of your life, especially while you’re still in school. It’s natural to feel guilty about turning someone down, especially if you have feelings for them, but it’s also important to be honest with yourself and with them about where you are in your life right now.
Relationships can be really time-consuming, and it’s smart to recognize that you might not have the bandwidth for one while focusing on your personal goals. And you’re right about people changing—high school is such a formative time for everyone, and it’s hard to predict how things will play out in the long term.
As for the flirting, sometimes it just happens naturally, and it sounds like you’re not doing anything intentionally. Just communicate your feelings and boundaries clearly with the girls who express interest in you. They may appreciate your honesty, and it could even lead to a strong friendship in the future.
Ultimately, it’s all about doing what’s right for you and finding that balance between personal growth and relationships. Good luck!