If I Have a Crush, What Do I Do?

When you develop special feelings toward someone, it can change your world. You might want to

talk on the phone or ask your crush to your birthday party or a school dance. As you get older and

your feelings change, you might be ready for your first boyfriend or girlfriend and even your first kiss!

But for now, you might just be friends with your crush, if your crush wants to be friends with you.

You might or might not want to tell other people who your crush is. It can be fun to talk with friends

about it, but sometimes kids tease other kids about crushes. Getting teased is never fun, so if you

know about other kids' crushes, don't give them a hard time!

Some people call first loves or first crushes "puppy love" because these feelings are new to you,

you're young, and you don't have much experience with life. You're the puppy! Get it? Think about

how a puppy is so excited and happy with everything new in its life — from a rubber bone to an old

shoe. But when your feelings seem real and strong, it may not seem like puppy love to you.

If you need someone to talk with about a crush, a parent can be a good choice. Remember, they

were kids once, too, and they know what it's like. Can you imagine who your mom or dad's first

crush was? Maybe they'll tell you about it!