The main advantage of asking your friends to set you up is that your friends know you. They’re familiar with your interests and personality. They’ll be able to find someone who’s a good match for you. Being set up by a friend also helps to make sure you’re finding a quality guy. You do not want to end up in a relationship only to find out, down the road, your new boyfriend has a reputation for being kind of a jerk. Your friends can verify that a guy is a decent person deserving of your time.
Choose extracurricular activities relevant to your interests. You’re more likely to find a potential match if the two of you have shared interests. If you’re fascinated by journalism, join the newspaper. [4] X Research source Try going to an event by yourself. It can be stressful to go to a school club solo, but you may come off as more approachable if you’re not surrounded by friends. If you look like you came alone, a potential boyfriend may be inclined to introduce himself as he’ll sense you’re new. [5] X Research source If you know a certain club tends to have a lot of male members, consider joining this group. With more men to chose from, you’ll have a better chance of finding a single guy who you’re interested in dating.
Try to strike up a conversation with a guy you don’t know. Sit down at a new lunch table. Talk to the guy sitting across from you in Spanish class. Starting a conversation with someone you don’t know well can be stressful. You can try to make conversation based on what’s happening around you, which is easy to do when you’re both in school. For example, you could say something like, “Wow! Last week’s exam was intense, right?”
Sports games may be particularly fun, as there will be students from other schools in attendance. If you’re not interested in any guys in your own school, you can meet someone from another school. [9] X Research source For safety reasons, it may be a good idea to go with friends. Unlike extracurricular activities, many school events may take place late at night away from school. It’s a good idea to go in a group, just to be on the safe side.
It’s okay if it takes you a few days to get up the nerve to ask someone out. This is normal, especially if you’re new to dating. You can spend a few days talking to friends. If you have a friend who has a boyfriend or a girlfriend, ask this person for advice. You can ask someone out by bringing up mutual interests. For example, maybe you’ve both talked about a love of horror films. You could ask the guy if he’d be interested in seeing the new horror film coming to your local theater on Friday. You can ask someone out in a fairly casual manner. Try saying something like, “Would you be interested in getting coffee with me after school some time?” If you want to make sure the guy knows it’s a date, you can add something like, “Just the two of us. " If you feel comfortable, you can flat out saying, “Would you like to go on a coffee date with me this weekend?” A guy may appreciate this frankness.
Stay calm going into a date. Do not worry about something going wrong. Instead, go in with the expectation that you’re going to have fun. If it helps, you can make a mental list of conversation topics. This may ease your worry about running out of things to talk about, making the date easier. If you’re nervous, you may inadvertently engage in behavior that can put off your date. For example, you may rip up a piece of bread from the bread basket instead of eating it. Trying to be positive can help you put out your best self, allowing the date to run smoothly. [11] X Research source
Be prepared to meet someone everywhere you go. Dress in a flattering fashion when you go out. Introduce yourself to guys who seem interesting. However, make sure to be safe. If you’re outside of school, be careful who you converse with and be sure to travel with friends. [12] X Research source If you get asked out, take a chance. Even if you feel lukewarm with someone, your feelings may change on a date. You should also be brave and ask a guy out if you’re interested. He may say “No,” but you’ll never know if you don’t make the effort.
Choose your favorite outfit for a date, even if it doesn’t feel like a date outfit. If you feel comfortable and relaxed, you’re more likely to have a good time. While you should primarily dress in a way that makes you feel good, if you know some of your date’s preferences, it’s okay to dress towards those preferences in a way that makes you feel comfortable. If your date is interested in the athletic type, consider wearing a pair of jeans and sneakers that you feel are flattering on you.
Make sure you have the conversation face-to-face. Text can obscure meaning. It can be a little stressful to ask. However, if you’ve been seeing a guy regularly, he probably won’t be surprised by the boyfriend talk. Try to introduce the subject directly. Don’t say, “We need to talk,” as this can indicate something is wrong. Just pose the question. [13] X Research source Review what’s been happening in the relationship. Say something like, “So, we’ve been hanging out almost every weekend, and we talk every day. I really enjoy spending time with you. " Then, say something like, “I just wanted to know if it’s okay to call you my boyfriend or not. “[14] X Research source There is a chance the guy may not be interested in an official relationship at this time. If a relationship is something you want, and he doesn’t, it may be best to cut your losses and move on. While rejection can hurt, you should not settle for a relationship that does not meet your basic expectations.
Your boyfriend may not like having details about himself posted online. He may get annoyed or embarrassed if you post about your relationship all the time. Before posting something, make sure it’s okay with him. [15] X Research source You should not post any rude or aggressive statuses directed at your boyfriend when the two of you are fighting. This will only serve to escalate the argument. Remember, if you put something on the internet, it’s there forever. You should use discretion when posting about aspects of your relationship. Do not post anything you would not want a future college or employer to see.
While you may not like to think about the fact, the vast majority of high school relationships end. While your boyfriend may seem like the biggest deal in the world right now, you will likely not think of him much in a few years. Prioritize your homework and grades over your boyfriend, as they will matter more longterm.
Many high school students start experimenting with sex and intimacy for the first time. You should not engage in sexual activity before you feel you are completely ready. You should always use condoms to prevent pregnancy and STDs. If your boyfriend pushes you to get more physical than you want, seriously reevaluate the relationship. You deserve to be with someone who respects your boundaries. You should also watch out for anyone who is overly possessive or jealous. If your boyfriend expects you to spend less time with your friends, you should be wary of the relationship. Your boyfriend should also want you to succeed. He should not discourage you from getting your homework and other obligations done on time.