Last month, I briefly explained the basics to understanding girls. My plan is to help my Breakaway bros understand and relate better with the females in your world — at school, at church and at home with your mom and sis. Let’s review: A girl’s mind is powered to go from zero to 60 thoughts in milliseconds: thoughts like I wonder what I’ll give my brother for his birthday? to I hope I aced my chemistry exam! You can build up your sisters in Christ by offering a sincere and appropriate compliment and encouragement. (Hint to shy guys: Your encouraging words often lead to great conversations!) Here’s some more advice from real-life teen girls.
EXPERT ADVICE
ANGELA BRAGATO
Years of Experience: 18
Hometown: Hermiston, Ore.
Likes: peanut butter cookies
KELLY CAMPBELL
Years of Experience: 18
Hometown: Troy, Mo.
Likes: Diet Coke floats
TIFFANY CARON
Years of Experience: 18
Hometown: Oxford, Mich.
Likes: chai tea from Starbucks
MICHELLE OWAKA
Years of Experience: 18
Hometown: Los Angeles
Likes: mint chocolate chip ice cream
“I admire a guy who . . .”
Angela:
“. . . says he’ll do something and then follow through with it.
. . . is a good listener and gives godly advice and insight.
. . . makes me laugh a lot.
. . . is bold and vocal about his faith and really lives it out.
. . . is a true God worshiper.”
Kelly:
“. . . is spiritually mature and growing in his relationship with Christ.
. . . is genuine with his words and actions.
. . . is able to laugh at things and not take things too seriously.
. . . is into Christian music.
. . . is easy-going.”
Tiffany:
“. . . views me as a sister in Christ instead of a potential girlfriend.
. . . keeps his standards high.
. . . has his eyes on Christ and doesn’t look lustfully at girls.
. . . has a sense of humor that is appropriate, not dirty.
. . . respects my stance in purity: remaining abstinent until marriage and staying pure in heart, as well.”
Michelle:
“. . . is dependable.
. . . is honest.
. . . is sensitive.
. . . is devoted to friendships and to God.
. . . is diligent in schoolwork and shows responsibility even in things he might not like to do.”
“Guys do NOT impress us when . . .”
Angela:
“. . . all they talk about is themselves and how great they are. Nice cars don’t impress me at all. Guys who cuss or laugh at dirty jokes are also big turnoffs.”
Kelly: “ . . . they swear and degrade others. Also, I can’t stand it when they’re distracted during a conversation.”
Tiffany: “. . . they are checking out another girl in front of me. Guys also annoy me when they wear socks with sandals.”
Michelle: “. . . they make fun of people who are easy to make fun of or when they tell dirty jokes.”
“The first thing I want a guy to notice about me is . . .”
Angela: “ . . . my heart for God. I want him to be attracted to Jesus living in me. I want him to think I’m attractive (obviously), but to fall in love with my personality.”
Kelly: “. . . that I have Jesus Christ in my life. It’s important that he sees this in the first few moments we meet.”
Tiffany: “ . . .my energy!”
Michelle: “ . . . my devotion and commitment to those around me. My loyalty to things that are important to me. If we’re friends, he’ll see that I’m not flaky, and hopefully this will be reciprocated.”
“I notice a guy who . . .”
Angela: “. . . is confident but not cocky. I also like it when he smiles a lot and makes me laugh.”
Kelly: “. . . is helping other people and sharing his faith.”
Tiffany: “. . . knows how to cheer me up when I’m having a bad day.”
Michelle: “. . . has pretty eyes; makes me laugh.”
“Here are some words to the wise . . .”
Angela: “Don’t take things so seriously! Have fun and simply enjoy a girl’s company. Show her you’re not all about ‘getting some action.’ Be a gentleman, open doors, pay, pursue, initiate, plan and set high standards. The greatest presents are the ones that are thoughtful and unexpected. Surprise us! Put thought into things you plan and do with us. It’s the little things that mean the most.”
Kelly: “I love it when my guy friends are really goofy. They like to wear goofy clothes and quote lines from movies. They just like having fun. You can have a great friendship with a girl without getting the romantic stuff involved.”
Tiffany: “Don’t settle for second best.”
Michelle: “Save yourself for God and allow Him to refine you for when He brings the right person for you.”
