Question:

Answer:

Thank you for your question which is a very common situation among many girls your age and older. In my experience both as a teenager and as a youthworker, I have found that there is almost never a time where a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship is worth losing an already established friendship. Friends are one of God's greatest gifts to us, and we often throw them away over small disagreements or because we like the same person and cannot work it out. I am also not in favor of exclusive dating relationships at your age. High school can be a great time of developing life long friends and enjoying the activities that surround the high school experience. Unfortunately, society pressures young people to "couple up" at an early age and begin developing serious relationships well before they are ready.

I encourage you to hang on to your friendship with your friend and for you both to spend your time hanging out with many friends instead of focusing on a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. In the long run, you will be happy you did.

Blessings to you,

Leslie