Does She Want to be a Date or a Girlfriend?

Dear Bro Jo,

I am a 16 year old girl who is currently crushing on a friend (big surprise). He is a super sweet guy and is fun to be around. He turns 16 in soon so I have some waiting to do, but I'm OK with that. I've already set my standards and plan on not dating exclusively, but I don't think he has the same standards as I do.

My problem is I don't know how to drop hints that I'm interested once he's 16, and I don't know how to make it clear what my standards are.

I only get to see him at stake dances and activities and we've been friends for about 2 years now. I want to let him know I'm interested but don't want to come on too strong or want our friendship to become awkward.

Any tips?

-A Little Confused


Dear LC,

Let me ask: to what end?

Do you want to go on Casual Group Dates with this boy? Will you be content to go out with him once in a while both of you also go out with other people?

Or are you looking to be his girlfriend?

Are you hoping to have a relationship?

Hold his hand . . . possibly do a little kissing?

Whatever your answer, you will soon be leaving the "friends" territory because, as you know if you've been reading my columns, "Men can't stay 'Just Close Friends'" . . .

But then, I don't believe you'd be satisfied with that either . . .

- Bro Jo

PS; As far as "tips" on letting him know your standards and that you'd like him to take you out, nothing works better than Communication; try just . . . Telling him. Tell him what your standards are. Tell him that when he turns 16 you hope he's smart enough to ask you out.