Summarize:

Different people show affection in different ways. You might show your affection by holding hands, hugging, caressing, cuddling, kissing, or having sex. Do what feels natural and comfortable to you.  Talk to your boyfriend about boundaries. What kinds of touching are you comfortable with? How do you feel about PDA? Don’t feel pressured to have sex. It’s a big decision, and should be something you talk about in depth with your boyfriend and your parents. You may not be the biggest fan of skateboarding, but if it’s important to your boyfriend, you should at least learn about it. Watch him perform at the skate rink, and listen when he talks about his newest skate trick.  Ask him questions about the things he loves to do. If he loves playing the piano, you could ask, “What’s your favorite song to play?” Your boyfriend should also make an effort to understand your interests. Share with your boyfriend what interests you as well to ensure that you are both learning about each other’s interests. If he’s on the soccer team, show up at his games and cheer as loudly as you can. If he’s in a band, go to a few of their gigs and watch him jam out. He might ask you to come, but you should show up to some of his performances and games without being asked. He’ll value your support. For sporting events, make a poster with his name on it and bring your loudest cheering voice! Bake him cookies just because, or help him work through a tough homework assignment. These acts of kindness, no matter how small, show that you care.  Surprise him with a back massage after a tough day. Leave encouraging notes in his backpack or locker. Say something cute like, “Just wanted to tell you that you’re awesome!” You don’t have to be best friends with his friends--you don’t even have to like them that much. However, when he wants all of you to hang out together, don’t make up excuses. His friends are important to him. Showing you value his friends shows that you value him.  The best thing you can do is show up and try to be friendly. Try to understand why your boyfriend loves his friends. Maybe you’ll learn to love them, too! Remember that it takes time to get to know people. If you feel like you don’t click with his friends right away, be patient. Your boyfriend should be able to trust you. If he tells you a secret, don’t turn around and tell your best friend. If you promise you’ll be at his game, don’t bail at the last minute because you’d rather do something else. Keeping your promises shows you’re loyal and committed to the relationship.
Be affectionate with touch in a way that feels comfortable to you. Take an interest in his interests. Go to his events to support him. Do nice things for him without being asked. Spend time with his friends. Keep your promises.