When you develop special feelings for someone, it can change your world. You might want to talk on the phone or ask your crush to a party, or a school dance. As you get older, and your feelings change, you might be ready for your first boyfriend or girlfriend, and even your first kiss! But for now, you might just be friends with your crush that is if your crush wants to be friends with you. You might or might not want to tell the other people who your crush is. It can be fun to talk with friends about it, but sometimes kids tease other kids about crushes. Getting teased is never fun, so if you know about other kids’ crushes, don’t give them a hard time! Some people call first loves or first crushes “puppy love”. But when your feelings seem real and strong, it may not seem like puppy love to you. It’s called puppy love because these feelings are new to you, you’re young, and you don’t have much experience with life. You’re the puppy! Get it? Think about how a puppy is so excited and happy with everything new in its life — from a rubber bone to an old shoe. If you need someone to talk to about a crush, a parent can be a good choice. It may sound absurd but remember, they were kids once, too, and they know what it’s like. Can you imagine who your mom or dad’s first crush was? Maybe they’ll tell you about it!

What if someone breaks your heart?

When you have a crush on someone and you find out that he or she likes you, too, it’s a wonderful feeling. But sometimes it doesn’t work out that way. It is definitely difficult when you find that the person you like doesn’t feel the same way about you. You might feel sad, disappointed and rejected. That sad feeling is called heartbreak, even though your heart isn’t really breaking into pieces. If it is heartbreak you are going through, those feelings can last for a while. But don’t worry, with time, it will fade away. If somebody likes you it is a compliment because this someone thinks you’re special. Crushes are new and exciting, so enjoy them while they last. Someday, you’ll be telling your own kids about your first crush!