Fear of rejection
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Dear Annie: I'm a teen in need of advice. I've been friends with "Jason" for a little over two years. I've started to like him as more than a friend, and sometimes he acts as if he likes me, too. Jason is really kind, nice and funny, and we share a lot of the same interests. Sometimes, he gets really flirty and seems to like me a lot, and other times he completely ignores me, and it really stinks.
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I am confused. I can't ask my mother for advice because I know she would say, "I'm sure any guy would be happy and lucky to date you." I really want to take our friendship to another level, but I am reluctant to ask Jason out because the embarrassment of rejection would be too much for me. I don't want to give up on him, but I don't want to get hurt. What am I to do? -- Teenager in Love
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Dear Teenager in Love: That's the trouble with love -- you don't get anywhere if you aren't willing to risk getting hurt. Here are some low-risk options: Invite Jason to join you and a bunch of friends when you go to the movies, the mall, the arcade, and so on. Can you get an extra ticket to a concert or an invitation to a party and ask him to come along?If he shows no interest in being with you, at least you'll know he wants only to be friends, nothing more. (Meanwhile, your mother is right. Please talk to her, and give her a chance to be supportive and helpful.)
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