Login | Register
||

BoyPower: Crushes, Dating & Mixed Signals

BoyPower: Crushes, Dating & Mixed Signals

GirlsHealth.gov – Relationships (great for understanding her side)

Real‑life scripts, boundaries, texting mistakes, and how to be respectful — not confusing or pushy.

TeenThreads mission: Help teen boys navigate crushes and dating with respect, clarity, and emotional maturity.

Important: This page is educational and does not replace mental health or relationship counseling. If you feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or confused, talk to a trusted adult or counselor.

Core truth: Being a good partner starts with respecting boundaries — yours and theirs.

TeenThreads Reality Check: Being “smooth” is overrated. Being honest, kind, and respectful is what actually matters.

1) Understanding Crushes & Feelings

Crushes are normal. They can feel exciting, confusing, or intense. None of that means you’re owed a relationship or attention.

  • It’s okay to like someone who doesn’t like you back.
  • Your feelings are real — but they don’t control your actions.
  • Respecting their answer (yes or no) is part of growing up.

Nemours KidsHealth – Crushes

2) Dating Basics (Respect First)

Dating is not about “winning” or “scoring.” It’s about connection, respect, and mutual interest.

  • Ask, don’t assume: “Would you like to hang out sometime?”
  • Accept “no” without arguing or guilt‑tripping.
  • Move at the pace of the slowest person.
  • Keep school, hobbies, and friendships in your life — don’t drop everything for a crush.

LoveIsRespect – Healthy Relationships

3) Mixed Signals: What They Might Mean

Mixed signals = confusing behavior. One day they seem into you, the next day distant. Instead of guessing, focus on clarity and respect.

  • They might be unsure of their feelings.
  • They might like the attention but not want a relationship.
  • They might be dealing with stress, family, or mental health.
  • They might not be interested and don’t know how to say it.

Key rule: If it’s confusing, ask calmly or step back. Don’t push.

4) Real‑Life Scripts (What to Say)

Asking someone out:

“Hey, I like talking to you. Would you want to hang out sometime after school?”

Checking in about mixed signals:

“Sometimes it feels like you’re into me and sometimes it doesn’t. I don’t want to assume. How do you see us?”

Respecting a no:

“Thanks for being honest. I respect that. I’ll give you space.”

Setting your own boundary:

“I like you, but I’m not ready for anything physical. If that’s a problem, we should slow down.”

5) Texting Mistakes & Digital Respect

Texting can make things easier — and messier. Respect still applies.

  • Don’t spam: if they don’t reply, don’t blow up their phone.
  • Don’t send screenshots of private convos without permission.
  • Never pressure for photos or “proof.”
  • Don’t text angry paragraphs in the heat of the moment — pause first.
  • Remember: screenshots last forever.

StopBullying.gov – Cyber Safety

Consent is not just for sex — it’s for hugs, flirting, and physical closeness too.

  • Ask before touching: “Is it okay if I hug you?”
  • Watch their body language — tense or quiet can mean “no.”
  • “No” or “I’m not sure” means stop, not “convince them.”
  • Being drunk or high = can’t give consent.

CDC – Intimate Partner Violence & Consent

7) Handling Rejection & Breakups

Rejection hurts. But how you handle it shows your character.

  • Don’t insult them or call them names.
  • Don’t try to “change their mind” after they say no.
  • Talk to friends, journal, or exercise to process feelings.
  • Remember: “No” is about compatibility, not your worth as a person.

8) Red Flags (Your Behavior & Theirs)

Red flags in your behavior:

  • Checking their phone without permission.
  • Guilt‑tripping them for saying no.
  • Calling them names when you’re upset.
  • Threatening to hurt yourself if they leave.

Red flags in their behavior:

  • They mock your feelings.
  • They pressure you into things you don’t want.
  • They isolate you from friends or family.
  • They ignore your boundaries or “no.”

9) When to Get Help

You don’t have to figure everything out alone.

  • If you feel constantly anxious or stressed about a relationship.
  • If there is any threat, fear, or violence.
  • If you’re struggling with rejection or anger.
  • If you’re unsure what’s healthy vs. unhealthy.

American School Counselor Association

Trusted Resources

20‑Question Quiz + Answers

Use this quiz to check your understanding. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about learning how to show up as a respectful, emotionally aware guy.

  1. True or False: Having a crush means the other person owes you attention.
  2. Which of the following is a respectful way to ask someone out?
    a) “We’re going out. You don’t get a choice.”
    b) “If you say no, I’ll be mad.”
    c) “Hey, I like talking to you. Want to hang out sometime?”
    d) “You have to say yes. I like you.”
  3. What are “mixed signals”?
  4. True or False: If someone is sometimes flirty, that means you can ignore their “no.”
  5. Which of the following is a healthy response to mixed signals?
    a) Keep pushing until they decide.
    b) Ask calmly how they see the relationship.
    c) Get angry and insult them.
    d) Gossip about them to friends.
  6. What is one example of a texting mistake?
  7. True or False: It’s okay to share screenshots of private conversations without permission.
  8. Which of the following is an example of consent?
    a) Silence
    b) “I guess…” after pressure
    c) “Yes, I want to.”
    d) “Fine, whatever.”
  9. What does it mean to move at the pace of the slowest person?
  10. True or False: Being drunk or high makes consent easier to give.
  11. What is one healthy way to handle rejection?
  12. Which of the following is a red flag in your own behavior?
    a) Respecting their boundaries
    b) Checking their phone without permission
    c) Accepting “no” calmly
    d) Giving them space
  13. True or False: You should keep texting someone repeatedly until they answer.
  14. What is one sign of an unhealthy relationship?
  15. Which of the following is a digital boundary?
    a) “I don’t share passwords.”
    b) “I don’t send photos.”
    c) “Don’t post me without asking.”
    d) All of the above
  16. True or False: Threatening to hurt yourself if someone leaves is abusive.
  17. What is one reason to talk to a school counselor or trusted adult?
  18. Which of the following is a respectful breakup response?
    a) “You’ll regret this.”
    b) “I hate you.”
    c) “Thanks for being honest. I’ll give you space.”
    d) “I’ll ruin your reputation.”
  19. True or False: Your worth is defined by how many people like you back.
  20. Finish the sentence: “Being a good partner means I ______.”

Answer Key

  1. False — no one owes you attention.
  2. c) “Hey, I like talking to you. Want to hang out sometime?”
  3. Confusing behavior where someone seems interested sometimes and distant other times.
  4. False — “no” always means stop.
  5. b) Ask calmly how they see the relationship.
  6. Examples: spamming texts, texting when angry, pressuring for photos.
  7. False — that breaks trust and privacy.
  8. c) “Yes, I want to.”
  9. Not going faster than the person who feels least ready.
  10. False — being drunk or high means they can’t give consent.
  11. Examples: thanking them for honesty, giving space, talking to friends about your feelings.
  12. b) Checking their phone without permission.
  13. False — that’s harassment, not respect.
  14. Examples: pressure, jealousy, control, ignoring boundaries.
  15. d) All of the above.
  16. True — that is emotional abuse.
  17. Examples: feeling overwhelmed, confused about what’s healthy, dealing with anger or rejection.
  18. c) “Thanks for being honest. I’ll give you space.”
  19. False — your worth is not defined by dating.
  20. “…respect boundaries, communicate honestly, and handle feelings without hurting others.”

By TeenThreads Content Team

Contact





    Contact Details

    Address: P.O. Box 66802, Phoenix, AZ, 85082, USA

    Need Support?
    (555) 123-4567
    Info@Yourmail.com