Ok, so I'm a 13 going on 14 year old girl living in a society that you are expected to be welcome to the idea of dating. I am only in the 8th grade and I am in multiple after school activities that take a lot of my time and energy while my peers are talking to girls/boys and are in the "talk" phase of a relationship. Here I am a straight A student that is in a 9th grade algebra class and am in basketball, FCCLA, and FFA. On my last FCCLA trip we went into Dick's sporting goods where a tall, muscular male mannequin was on display. I had my friend take a picture of me holding his hand and smiling. I later showed this picture to several of my teachers at school. My favorite teacher's response to me saying I have a boyfriend was "she's too busy to have a boyfriend." My recommendation to any teen who is feeling pressured to date by peers or media is to take a picture with a mannequin of your preferred gender and show it to your friends/peers. It will make you feel more confident, I promise. Remember boys/girls have cooties, grades and happiness are more important than having a "special friend". Thank you and carry on scrolling.