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Information » Family & Relationships » Being in a Relationship » Boyfriends

• A boyfriend is someone you are in a romantic relationship with and every relationship is different, and a ‘romantic relationship’ can mean different things to different people
• A romantic relationship could be simply spending time together, going out to places together, sharing affection and talking to each other. If you enjoy spending time together, you may find you become closer and your feelings may become stronger for him.

Having a boyfriend

• Don’ t worry if your friends all seem to be getting boyfriends. Your relationships are personal to you, so don’ t feel pressured into starting a relationship with somebody if you do not want to or don’ t feel ready.
• At the start of a relationship, it is normal to feel a bit nervous at the thought of being close to someone new. Relax and concentrate on what makes you feel happy about that person
• Having a boyfriend doesn’ t mean you have to have sex. Every relationship is different, so don’ t feel you need a sexual relationship if you don’ t feel comfortable or ready. Think about how you may feel if your relationship became a sexual one, would it change? Most people want to be in a stable loving and permanent relationship before they decide to have sex.
• Remember: don’ t rush into anything if you are unsure. Your relationship is personal to you – you have a choice

Boys can be friends too!

It is normal to have boys as friends. Just because you are friends with a boy, does not mean he is your boyfriend

Boys and girls are different

• Girls mature more quickly than boys, so they may have different ideas of what a boyfriend should be.
• Good communication is the key to a happy relationship – so keep talking about how you feel.

Your friends

• When you have a boyfriend, it is important not to neglect your friends. After all, they have been there for you longer than he has and if you spilt up, they will still be there but he may not
• You might try socialising together as a group, but if you spend a lot of time alone with your boyfriend, remember not to lose touch with your friends.

Your parents/ guardians

• Your parents or guardians might feel differently to you about your relationship. They might not be comfortable with you having a boyfriend for any number of reasons. Common ones include:
• You are ‘too young’
• He is ‘too old’
• They are not happy about someone spending a lot of time with you if they don’ t know them.
• They ‘don’ t like him’ or think you can do better
• It may seem as though they are interfering but your parents/guardians are only looking out for you
• Talking to your parents or guardians can help. Find a quiet time when you can discuss the situation together calmly
• It may help for your parents or guardians to get to know your boyfriend. For example, suggest inviting him over for a meal or for all of you to spend some time together