NEVER HAD A SERIOUS BOYFRIEND

Dear Coleen

I’m an 18-year-old girl in my last year of A-levels before going to university, and I’m the only one of my group of pals who doesn’t have a boyfriend.

I’ve never actually had a “serious” relationship and I feel really left out because of it.

My friends all share stories about their boyfriends and have a laugh together, and I can’t join in the conversation. And sometimes they all go out together in couples, but never invite me because I’m single.

Will I ever meet anyone? Right now it feels as if I’ll always be on my own? Help!

Coleen says

Oh, for goodness sake, stop panicking! You are 18 with your whole life ahead of you, and plenty of time to meet your soul mate. What an exciting position to be in. OK, my first bit of advice is, don’t go out with the first bloke who comes along just because he’s male and he’s interested in you. It’s fine to be choosy and to wait for someone you genuinely like and who you’re attracted to.

Also, I don’t see why you can’t join in their conversations – you can show an interest in what they’re saying and talk about the guys you like.

And why does the conversation always have to revolve around boyfriends? You can steer it in another direction.

I bet when you go to uni in September, your social life will open up and there will be lots more opportunities to meet guys. Please stop worrying!