Stella S., 14, had her first crush when she was just a tot. The object of her affection was her older cousin Karin. A girl. “She was alluring to me because she knew things I didn’t know about yet, so I hung on her every word,” Stella reveals.
Since then, Stella’s had other girl crushes. Currently, it’s on a friend of a friend. “I met Sanam through my friend Maya. I saw she liked the same music and movies as me, plus she was into bands I hadn’t even heard of yet,” Stella says. “She was also really funny and had interesting friends and went to cool places.”
CRUSH CRASH COURSE
Stella’s not alone—many girls have been same-sex smitten at some point. You know the feeling: butterflies in your stomach, nervous jitters whenever you’re around her. Or maybe you ransack your closet for the perfect outfit to impress her, or check Instagram for something cool to tell her about. Sound familiar?
These feelings can be super confusing because they’re so similar to what a girl usually feels when falling for someone romantically, says therapist Dr. Carol Schwartz. And while the sight of her might cause the same pitter-patter you get from that cutie in homeroom, most girl crushes aren’t amorous in the same way that romantic crushes are.
“Generally, they’re not sexual,” says Dr. Schwartz. “And although there might be a degree of intimacy, often there is no desire to become romantically involved.”
This story is from the Feb/March 2020 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Feb/March 2020 edition of Girls' Life magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Why aren't you and your crush together already
Six reasons you aren't dating for real... yet.
A love letter to myself (and all the single girls out there)
This year, I’m my own Valentine. And not only is that OK—it’s kind of amazing, tbh.
WELCOME TO YOUR winter workout WONDERLAND
DON'T LET THE COLD TEMPS FOOL YOU-WE'RE OFFICIALLY ENTERING PEAK FITNESS SZN.
Low-key missing lockdown
Yeah, staying home was weird, but it also was kind of...nice?
Dear Carol
I don’t know if my crush likes me back
THE PRETTIEST PARTS
Changing the way you wear your hair is quick, easy and doesn't even require a major makeover (or a single scissor snip!).
Lucky Girl Syndrome
just became your thing
WHAT'S YOUR GALENTINE'S SUPERPOWER?
We’re 1,000% sure your besties would agree: You’re caring, supportive and pretty much all-around amazing to have as a friend.
Meet You at The Ballet Barre
Pull on your tights and channel your inner prima ballerina.
KyliE Cantrall is just trusting the universe
...and it's giving some serious heart eyes (and star power) right back.