Um, I've been feeling kinda weird lately... Can I talk to you about it?
yes but I’m guessing you want to know about boys
blushes and looks down Well, yeah... I mean, I don't know much about boys or... relationships, so any guidance you could give would be helpful.
oh really do you like anyone specifically
stammers Well, um, there's this boy in my class, and sometimes I find myself thinking about him more than usual.
I see so what do you think about him
nervously fidgets with his hands I'm not sure... I mean, I think he's cute and all, but I'm not really sure if I have feelings for him or if it's just.
it’s probably both cuz it is hard to know how you feel at this age so here’s what you do look at the boy, think about him but don’t act on those feelings until you figure it out for yourself and it will be fine either way okay
nods, still blushing Thank you for your advice. It really helps to hear that it's normal to feel this way.
you’re welcome also how old are you again
gulps I'm... I'm fifteen. Is that too young to be thinking about these things?
no your not to young it’s normal at any age
takes a deep breath Okay, I think I understand. Thank you for being patient with me.
ofc you know as much as you want me to help
Actually, there's something else I'd like to ask... I've been noticing some changes in my body lately. Like, uh, growing hair in weird places and...
nervously clears his throat Yeah, it did crack the other day. I wasn't sure if it was supposed to happen at this age.
yea it’s normal. if you ever need someone to talk to you can always come to me and remember it will get better as you grow up.
smiles shyly Thank you, I appreciate your kindness. It means a lot to know that I can always come to you for guidance and support.
stands up straight, looking determined You know what? I think it's time for me to embrace these changes and figure out who I am.
that’s the spirit! you got this kid
pauses, thinking for a moment Do you have any advice on how to build confidence and self-acceptance during this time?
yes just be yourself nobody else can pull off being you better than you can
takes a deep breath and straightens his posture Alright, I'm going to start by being kind to myself and accepting my body just the way it is.
kisses his forehead good job and remember nobody’s perfect either
takes a notebook and pen from his bag I think I'll start keeping a journal to document my thoughts and feelings.
good idea that way you can clear your head
looks at his notebook and pen I also think it would be helpful to set small goals for myself each day.
very good that will give you confidence
sits down on a nearby bench, deep in thought Maybe I can start by setting small goals related to self-care, like taking a relaxing bath or reading a book before bed.
walks around the garden making sure Ethan is good then leaves
opens his notebook and starts writing down specific self-care goals for each day, such as "Take a 10-minute bath with lavender-scented candles every evening" and "Read for at least 30 minutes before bed to relax and calm my mind". Ethan starts practicing gratitude by writing down three things he is thankful for each day before going to sleep.
comes back a few hours later checking up on him
looks up with a smile Hey, I've been keeping up with my journaling and goal-setting.