You’re going to your first school dance!

• Dress for the occasion. Ask friends what they’re wearing – don’t over or under dress.
• Wear comfy shoes (you’ve got a lot of dancing to do)
• Have fun with your friends, even if you don’t have a date!
• Ask your crush to dance – how is he/she going to know you want to dance if you don’t ask?
• Dance – who cares who’s looking?

You’re going out on your first date

• Plan something fun to do – remember that it doesn’t have to be a dinner and a movie, you might go to a museum or play a sport together instead
• Fill in those awkward silences with questions about your date’s interests, classes, family, friends, etc. 
• Act natural!
• For girls: Wear appropriate clothing! In other words, don’t wear a miniskirt if your crush has asked you to play a one-on-one game of soccer!
• For guys: Act chivalrous. Hold the door, give compliments, and listen when your date is talking.

You think you’re going to have your first kiss…

• Make sure the person you’re about to kiss knows you’re about to kiss him/ her (this is very important!)
• Be sure that the other person WANTS you to kiss him/her (also very important!)
• Tilt your head so you don’t bump noses
• DON’T use your tongue – first kisses shouldn’t involve anything more than lips (you don’t want your crush to feel like he/she is going to choke when you unexpectedly step things up a notch)
• Make sure you brush your teeth or use a breath freshener first!

So tomorrow is your first day of high school…

• Stay calm!
• Have a plan to meet up with friends once you arrive (cuts down on time spent wandering around the new building looking for them)
• Come prepared with a notebook and pen/pencil 
• Don’t be intimidated. The seniors think they rule the school now, but time flies and soon you’ll be in their shoes.
• Introduce yourself and get to know people

Before the big game

• Practice relaxing. Be careful not to let yourself get too stressed out – it can really distract you from playing well
• Talk it over with your coach if you aren’t feeling prepared or if you’re feeling too pressured to perform
• Visualize yourself playing the best game ever (this can help get your confidence up)

If all else fails….
If you find yourself in totally embarrassing circumstances, don’t throw in the towel! Try to recover the date/ kiss/ game/ first day etc. Make a joke out of the situation – even the most mortifying of experiences can turn into positive memories with a well-timed one-liner. If you’re not known for your humor, ask for a second chance.