Forming friendships and being in romantic relationships are different dynamics that involve distinct sets of skills and emotional connections. It's not uncommon for someone to excel in one area and face challenges in another. There could be several reasons why you find it easier to form friendships with boys but struggle with romantic relationships:
Comfort and Familiarity: You might feel more comfortable and at ease around boys in a platonic context because you have been socializing with them as friends for a longer time. Entering a romantic relationship can introduce new dynamics, expectations, and pressures that might be less familiar or comfortable.
Fear of Change or Losing the Friendship: If you've established strong friendships with boys, you might fear that entering a romantic relationship could jeopardize or change those connections. This fear can lead to hesitation or subconscious avoidance of deeper romantic involvement.
Communication and Boundaries: Building a romantic relationship requires open and vulnerable communication, as well as setting healthy boundaries. These aspects might be more challenging in a romantic context, especially if you're used to a more casual and non-intimate interaction within friendships.
Mismatched Expectations: In friendships, the expectations and levels of emotional investment are often different than in romantic relationships. Navigating the shift from friends to romantic partners can be complicated if both parties have different expectations or feelings about the transition.
Self-esteem and Insecurity: Teen years are a time of self-discovery, and it's common to have insecurities and doubts about oneself. These feelings can influence how you perceive yourself and how you think others perceive you, making it difficult to open up to a romantic relationship.
Lack of Experience: If you haven't had many romantic relationships, you might still be learning about yourself, your preferences, and what you want in a partner. Lack of experience can contribute to uncertainty and hesitancy in pursuing romantic relationships.
Social Pressure and Stereotypes: Societal expectations and stereotypes about gender roles can influence how we perceive and interact with others. These pressures may impact how you approach romantic relationships differently than friendships.
Remember that these reasons are not exhaustive, and everyone's experiences are unique. It's essential to give yourself time to explore your feelings, preferences, and boundaries. If you find it challenging to navigate romantic relationships, don't be too hard on yourself. It's a learning process, and as you grow and gain more experience, you'll likely find it easier to form meaningful and fulfilling romantic connections as well. If you feel overwhelmed or struggle significantly, don't hesitate to talk to a trusted adult or counselor who can offer support and guidance.