I'm in love, but my crush doesn't know it!   

Every time your crush walks past your class, your heart flutters as you try
to steal glances and wave hello to him or her without getting caught by your
teacher. Every conversation with your crush sets your heart pounding, and every
smile from him or her puts you on cloud nine.

If only your crush knows how you feel!

Young love

Some call it love, some call it infatuation. But the attraction is
undeniable. There’s something about your crush that is exciting and
exhilarating.

The next logical step is to pluck up the courage and ask him or her out on a
date. It may seem daunting, but you know that’s what you need to do to progress
beyond hurried glances and nervous conversations between the two of you!

So have a little faith in yourself. Take a deep breath, go ahead and ask for
a date. You might feel a little awkward, but hey, if you don’t ask, you’ll never
get that date!

Your first date

Your crush says yes and instead of feeling happy, you start panicking about
how you are going to behave, what you’re going to wear, etc. Sounds familiar?

It is natural to feel anxious on your first date. But be positive. It’s not
as tough as you might imagine!

• Be confident. You shouldn’t be worrying about whether you
  are good enough. If your crush is out on a date with you, he or she probably
  likes you already!
  
   


• Take it easy. Don’t go overboard with the planning and
  don’t over-dress. The best game plan is to do something that you both enjoy
  and where you can be yourself. Go catch a movie if you’re both movie buffs or
  indulge yourself at a new café if you’re both coffee lovers. If you’re not
  sure what your date likes, just ask!
  
   


• To kiss or not to kiss? It’s easier if you just stop
  worrying about it and enjoy your date. The moment will come when the mood is
  right and when you are both ready, whether it’s your first date or your tenth!
  

Unrequited love – it’s all right

Sometimes the feeling may not be mutual – your crush may not be all that into
you!

Rejection from your crush can be tough and heartbreaking. But you can take
pride in the fact that you dared to ask. Otherwise, you’d never know right? At
least now, you can turn your attention to other matters (although this may be
easier said than done).

Here are some tips to help you get back on your feet:

• Don’t be so hard on yourself. You are not a failure. It’s not your fault
  if it’s not meant to be. You can’t change his or her feelings. So stop
  dwelling on it and move on to better things ahead!
  
   


• Don’t be embarrassed. You two merely have different feelings with regard
  to each other. In fact, he or she may even be flattered by your invitation for
  a date!
  
   


• Keep your mind busy. It’s tough to keep your crush out of your mind at
  first, so stay busy by doing things you usually enjoy. Spend time having a
  laugh in the company of friends, or try out new activities and make new
  friends.
  
   


• Let it all out. Don’t keep your feelings all bottled up. Talk to a friend
  you trust if the rejection is affecting you badly.
  
   


• Give yourself some time. You’ll soon realise the situation isn’t all that
  bad after all. Time will heal your pain.

Unrequited love and crushes can almost be considered rites of passage in a
young person’s life. One day you’ll likely find someone who is just as crazy
about you as you are about him or her!