Instead of looking for "love," focus on:
* Building friendships: Middle school is a great time to make strong, supportive friendships. These friendships can provide a foundation for healthy relationships later on. Spend time with people who share your interests and make you feel good about yourself.
* Developing healthy communication skills: Learning how to talk to people, listen to their perspectives, and express your feelings appropriately is crucial for any kind of relationship.
* Exploring your own identity: Middle school is a time of self-discovery. Figure out what you like, what you value, and what kind of person you want to be. This self-awareness will help you attract healthy relationships.
* Respecting boundaries: Learn to respect your own boundaries and the boundaries of others. This includes understanding consent and saying "no" when you're uncomfortable.
* Understanding crushes: Having a crush is normal! It's a way of exploring your feelings and learning about attraction. Don't pressure yourself or anyone else to act on a crush if you're not ready. Focus on building a friendly relationship first. If a crush develops into something more, great! But if not, that's okay too.
Things to avoid:
* Rushing into anything: Don't feel pressured to have a boyfriend/girlfriend or be in a relationship just because others are.
* Focusing solely on romantic relationships: Middle school is a time for exploring friendships and figuring out who you are.
* Ignoring red flags: Pay attention to how people treat you. A healthy relationship is one where you feel respected, supported, and safe. If someone is making you feel bad about yourself, it's not a healthy relationship.
* Comparing yourself to others: Everyone develops at their own pace. Don't worry about what others are doing. Focus on your own journey.
In short, middle school relationships are often about exploring feelings and friendships. Focus on building healthy connections, communicating effectively, and respecting yourself and others. Genuine connection takes time and is far more valuable than a fleeting romance.