I’m starting to post my TikTok’s here as well

Okay, so navigating middle school is already a wild ride, right? Add an 8th-grade crush into the mix, and it feels like a whole new level of emotional roller coaster! I remember it so vividly – that fluttery feeling in my stomach every time she walked by, the way my heart would pound just hearing her laugh. It was this intense, all-consuming feeling that I couldn't quite put into words, especially because it was for another girl. Being in 8th grade, you're already trying to figure out who you are. Throw in realizing you might be queer, and suddenly, those typical crush jitters come with an extra layer of 'what does this mean?' and 'is this okay?' I spent so many hours journaling, trying to make sense of these new emotions. Was it just a really strong friendship? Or was it something more? The signs were definitely there – the way I’d analyze every text, every glance, every conversation. It felt different from the crushes my friends talked about for boys. One of the hardest parts was the secrecy. It felt like a huge weight to carry, especially because I wasn't sure if anyone else at school felt the same way, or if anyone would even understand. I was terrified of being judged or, even worse, of making things awkward with my crush. So, I kept it all bottled up, living inside my head with all these 'what if' scenarios. It was a tough lesson in learning to process feelings without a clear outlet. If you're in 8th grade and experiencing something similar, whether it's a crush on a boy, a girl, or anyone else, know that those feelings are valid. It's a completely normal part of growing up. For those of us with lesbian crushes, it can feel a bit more isolating, but you're definitely not alone. My biggest advice? Find a trusted friend, an older sibling, or even a school counselor to talk to. Just verbalizing those feelings, even if it's scary, can make a huge difference. I also learned to really lean into things that made me feel good about myself outside of the crush. Focusing on my hobbies, hanging out with friends who made me feel accepted, and doing well in school helped me feel more grounded. It’s easy for a crush to become your whole world, but remembering your own identity and worth is so important. These years are all about exploration and self-discovery, and your feelings are a big part of that journey. Looking back, my 8th grade crush taught me so much about myself, about love, and about resilience. It was messy, a little dramatic (as all middle school things are!), and incredibly formative. It was the beginning of understanding my own identity and realizing that love comes in all forms. So, embrace those butterflies, navigate the awkwardness, and remember that every feeling you have is a step on your journey to becoming who you're meant to be. And hey, maybe one day you'll look back and smile at your own 8th-grade crush story, just like I do. It’s okay if things don’t turn out how you imagine. Sometimes crushes are just about the experience of liking someone new, and that's perfectly fine. The real growth comes from how you handle those feelings and learn about yourself in the process. Just remember to be kind to yourself and others, and trust that everything unfolds as it should. You've got this!