Flirting with a guy you like by dressing up, using a sweet-smelling perfume, showing him that you've got a big social life, and so on can help him see that you're interested - and interesting. There's no harm in playing a little hard to get, as long as you don't get too consumed by trying to attract his attention. Making him miss you might turn his head initially, but eventually he'll get bored if you wait forever to answer his texts or avoid him for too long between dates. He might also catch on to your plot to make him miss you if you spend too much time bragging about the fun you have without him. Instead of figuring out new ways to make him miss you, try telling him how you really feel. It's normal to want your ex to miss you when you're gone, especially if you were the one who got dumped. However, focusing too much on making him miss you will probably end up backfiring. You'll get too obsessed by what he thinks, when instead you should be moving on. Give yourself, and him, a break and don't try to manipulate him after you've already broken up.

Summary: Try making him miss you to help him see how special you are. Switch to straightforward communication when you're ready for more. Avoid making him miss you as a way to manipulate him.

Choose a place where you won't be interrupted or have to worry about others around you. Rather than a coffee shop or restaurant, sitting in the living room or at the kitchen table might be more conducive to an open conversation. You could even ask your mom to take a walk with you. Go somewhere quiet and tranquil rather than a busy path or crowded street. If you want to talk to your mom at home but have siblings or another parent you don't want around, try to arrange a time when everyone else will be out of the house. You could even tell your mom you want to talk privately and she could help arrange a time for you two to be alone. If you are nervous, write out a letter addressed to your momwhen the time for the conversation arrives, you can follow the letter. Or, write bullet points of the important things you want to make sure to cover. In the moment, you'll probably feel pretty nervous and will be prone to forget things. For example, you may want to include when you learned you were gay, what that has been like for you, and why you've decided to share this with your mom. If you live in a household where homosexuality is frowned upon, you may also want to tell your mom that you were born this way and that it is part of who you are rather than a choice you're making. You could end your letter or list with a wish for your relationship with your mom. For example, maybe you hope that you can have an open relationship and that she'll accept you for who you are. Maybe you hope she will help you tell another parent. This is totally up to you based on what your relationship with your mom is like, so take some time to think about it. If you're afraid that she might become violent when you tell her you're gay, you need to have a plan in place. In this type of situation, it might be better to talk to her in a public place; or, you may want to have someone else with you for emotional support. At the very least, have an exit-plan prepared so that if she does become verbally or physically abusive, you have somewhere to go. If there are people in your life who already know you're gay, ask them for their support. It can be daunting to come out to anyone, including your mom. Talk to them about your fears, ask them for advice, and lean on them when you're feeling worried. If your mom is the first person you're going to come out to, this may not be possible. But even if she is, you could still talk to a counselor or therapist beforehand to get some support. Rather than springing this big conversation on your mom, tell her beforehand that you want to talk. You could do this the morning of the day you plan to tell her, or you could even tell her a few days beforehand. Keep in mind that once you say this to her, though, she probably won't want to wait very long to have the conversation. Try saying something like, "Mom, I have something I want to talk to you about. Could we get together just the two of us this afternoon?" You could also say, "There's something I've been wanting to share with you, but I want it to be private between the two of us. When can we talk?" If she asks what the conversation is about, say, "It's about me, but I'd rather wait until we can sit down together to talk more about it."

Summary: Pick a place to have the conversation that is quiet and calm. Write down what you want to say so you don't forget. Make your safety a priority if you're worried about your mom's reaction. Talk to a support system or mental health professional beforehand. Tell your mom you want to talk to her about something important.

Exercise will help you look better, but it will also produce endorphins, which will make you feel better, too. When you feel better about yourself, you naturally act more confident, which translates into beauty when others look at you. To start, try working out for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week. As exercise becomes more of a hobby, you can increase your sessions. You don't have to belong to a gym to exercisetry walking around your neighborhood, biking, doing exercise videos at home, or joining a sports team at school. Fresh, whole foods are full of nutrients that are good for your skin and which will help make you look more beautiful. When you snack, try to eat fruits and veggies instead of processed foods. Sugars can wreak havoc on your skin, so eat sweets in moderation. When you choose foods, think of eating all the colors of the rainbow. Red bell peppers, oranges, spinach, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables will help hydrate your skin while providing great antioxidants. Aim to drink 8 to 9 glasses of water every day. If it's hot out or if you've been exercising, you may need to drink more to keep your body hydrated. Water plays a big role in how your skin looks! A glass of water is 8 ounces (230g). Pay attention to the color of your urine when you go to the bathroom. If you're drinking enough water, your urine should be a clear or light-yellow color. If it's darker than that, you may be dehydrated. It may be tempting to squeeze in a few extra hours of studying or socializing, but try making your sleep a priority. Not only will you feel better and more capable of handling day-to-day stress, but your body will look better, too. Try always going to sleep and waking up at the same time, even on the weekends. Turn off all of your electronics 30 minutes before heading to bed. You can look as beautiful as possible, but with the wrong attitude, you'll come across as a very unattractive person. Science shows that people think kind individuals are better looking than those who are mean or rude. Try to be positive, treat others with kindness, and look for the good around you. Being kind to others (and to yourself) is a great way to radiate beauty to everyone around you. Believing in yourself is the best way to impact how others perceive you. Work on accepting yourself for who you are, and focus on all the things you can do well. When you feel good about yourself, you'll look good, too. Smile at others, be welcoming, and trust that you are smart, beautiful, and capable of getting through your high school years.
Summary: Exercise for better mental and physical health. Eat foods that are healthy and nutritious for glowing skin. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night for optimal health benefits. Practice being kind to everyone you meet. Be confident in yourself and in your beauty.