She likes being with boys
Dear Auntie Betty, There is a girl in my class who likes playing with boys.
I have cautioned her about the outcome of her association with boys but she would not listen. Rather, she and the boys insult me.
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I am worried about her because she has started menstruating.
What should I do?
Worried Girl,
Accra.
Dear Worried Girl, It is not a bad thing to mingle or be friends with people of the opposite sex.
It exposes you to different personalities and points of view and make you better understand your peers of the opposite sex.
It also helps you get along with them, show empathy and have mutual respect.
Having good interpersonal relationships with the opposite sex will also prepare you for relationships, both socially and professionally, in your adult life.
You have to bear in mind that you will interact with the opposite sex in different spheres of life as you grow up as part of normal social life.
So long as your friend’s relationship or association with the boys is platonic and healthy, there is no problem.
Your letter did not state exactly what your friend has been doing with the boys. Is she engaging in anything unhealthy? Are the boys taking advantage of her?
I suggest you have a chat with her again. Look for an appropriate time when it is just the two of you and then talk to her about your concerns, especially if she is doing something that will have dire consequences.
Let her know that it is alright to have male friends, but that she needs to be careful not to engage in any boy-girl relationship at this time. She should not be with the boys alone in isolated places.
The consequences are many — she could get pregnant, get infected with a sexually transmitted infection or perform poorly in school because she will not have time for her books.
Everybody has his or her preferences and she may feel comfortable with the boys, but it is important that she socialises with both males and females and not stick to boys alone.
She should make sure that her association with the boys is true friendship and healthy; something that enriches her life and one that will help her improve on her academic work and achieve her dreams.
All the best.