‘I don’t have a girlfriend!’:(

Hey Disha. Today the last single boy in our group (except me of course) also confessed that he has a girlfriend. Now I’m the last one standing. All my guy friends have girlfriends and I can’t even say hi to a girl without my insides exploding. Help me! Viraj, 16, Gurgaon.

Single is the new cool

Woah Viraj! dramatic much? Take it easy bro, it’s all cool, I’ll help you through it. That’s what I’m here for right? After all, why fear when Disha is here?

Well first things first, there’s no issue in staying single okay? Single is the new cool man. Not many people can do it.  So yeah you don’t need to have a girlfriend to be cool. 

But haan you should know how to talk to girls. They can be amazing friends. I mean, just look at me! We’re honest, and emotional (which, let’s be honest, guys rarely are) and you can have a real heart-to-heart without feeling judged. We’re practically angels yaar!

Okay okay, getting back to the point, yes talking to a girl for the first time can be somewhat nerve-wracking but they’re only human. They won’t bite! Plus there’s always a first time for everything right? Just be yourself, trust me that’s all you need to do.

Also, don’t forget to check out this amazing video on how to talk to girls, boys and everyone in between!

Conversation starter

And if there’s a girl you like but are afraid to talk to her, don’t beee! I know I know not great advice but hold your horses, I’m going to elaborate okay.   

First of all, you’re looking for a conversation starter or things to talk about, well you must know something that she likes or you can always talk about similar interests like sports or celebrities. 

And don’t you lie to me Sherlock! I know you must have noticed SOME things in common.     And the second important thing is compliments! They go a long way my man. But don’t overdo it, you don’t wanna sound like a creep.

Once you start talking or get to know each other, it will get easier.

Yes, you may get nervous, especially in the beginning but that’s totally normal. We all get nervous when we try new things and anyway you have to start somewhere right?

You’ll never know if you don’t try

 Maybe she’s as nervous as you are. And It may even turn out the way you want *wink wink*. Maybe then you won’t be the only single guy in your group anymore. How does that sound, huh?

Besides what’s the worst that could happen? You could gain a friend or you could have your very first experience in talking to a girl. I mean who knows maybe you are destined to be best friends. It could work out either way. But you’ll never know if you don’t try. 

And even if it doesn’t work out, it’s not like she’s the last girl on earth right? You’ll click with someone else. Just be cool and have some patience. Think of it as an incomplete puzzle, you’ll just know when you fit. You can’t force mismatched pieces together right?

So just be yourself and try to start a conversation with a girl you like. Once you get comfortable you’ll realize it’s not that difficult. So “Jaa Simran jee lo apni zindagi!”. It’ll be okay.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.