Dear Every Catholic Teen Guy,
Hello darling, I have noticed you noticing me. The awkward passings in the hall have got to stop. I wanted to capture my thoughts in this letter because the flow of words on paper is easier, and because there is no autocorrect in life.
There is no better time than traveling with the parents to write this letter, to see a true example of love and to help me escape “adult conversation”. Still it is cute the way mom makes sure dad’s travel mug is within his reach, and the way dad points out all the scenic points of interest, in their journey through life together, even cuter when mom corrects him days later.
Their trip has been full of twists and turns. If only they had a GPS for their relationship. Then it hit me, this is my road map for you, for us, and for our friends.
Ding Right turn in 2 miles:
Not all of us girls want an expensive date, rather we love creativity in the plans that you make. If you’re already friends with the girl you’re crushing on, you’ll know what things she’s into. Movies are a timeless tradition; they are also shared with many people, loud, distracting, and sometimes a moral pothole. Don’t get me wrong, I like movies with groups and after we know each other, but it’s not the way to make that first and lasting connection.
The $20 you’ll spend on tickets and popcorn for two hours, can make a great picnic in the park or an adventurous outing (science and art centers, museums, and mini-golf can help create that personal connection, just search for things she likes in your area). If you’re a little timid, make it a group event! We want to get to know you and your personality. Don’t be afraid to make us laugh or wow us with your knowledge. These are the things we find attractive, not how much money you’re willing to spend.
Ding in a ½ mile merge left:
Want to know a secret? When a girl is into you, she’ll still make time for you. She won’t make excuses; she won’t be washing her hair or practicing for the school play. However, don’t expect her to swoon like a Belieber every time you offer to take her out. If you’re reading things correctly, you will know the yield sign from the stop sign. Still a little uncertain? Here is another hint.
You can also tell by how she reacts when you pass by and she’s walking by with her friends. Girls tell each other everything, so if she’s told her friends about you they will start nudging her or whispering to her when you are around. Sometimes life IS like an after-school television show, girls also like courage and confidence, so make it a point to say hi!
Ding In 500 Ft. make a U-turn
Catholic girls absolutely adore a guy who isn’t afraid to show or speak about his faith. In a world filled with torment for those who bear and carry His cross, it is the most refreshing thing to see a man so proud of the gift of truth he has been given. Wearing a shining suit of armor for God also shimmers in her eyes. Guard her and be a protector of her purity. Remind her that true beauty comes from Christ within her.
I am not asking you to turn water into wine. However when you start dating a girl, in your heart the main goal should be marriage (with time, of course!). Those discerning the priesthood should avoid leading on any girl. Heartbreak is bound to happen, we are teens, it’s what we do. We cry, we hurt, we heal, but we move on. Yet, no one should be left blaming the Church and the calling of the Lord.
If you feel called, that is the greatest gift the Lord can give. Letting her know up front is a gift you can give back. Saint John Chrysostom said “The husband and wife should be similar to the hand and the eye. When the hand hurts, the eye should be crying. And when the eyes cry, the hand should wipe away the tears.”
Ding keep right then keep right
Some girls love guys with talents (sports, art, music, even if you can eat more mini burgers than them). Some girls love guys that are more than ordinary, others love guys that are mysterious- as long as they are puzzles we can solve. This is why it is so important to not be afraid of who you are. Remember, girls like everything from the phantom (from The Phantom of the Opera) to Ford Prefect (from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy). We like the things that make you you and that’s why we’ve chosen to give you our time instead of any other guy out there.
Just like a good book in which the further in you get, the more you can’t put it down, interest her with a chapter at a time. It doesn’t mean keep all your important secrets inside, but slowly reveal these things. Let her believe she knows what’s on the next page, and then provide the big plot twist. Send her flowers from her admirer, leave her a trail of notes in her locker, or write your own story leaving the ending for us to write together. It will always be 42.
Ding your destination is on the right.
Take things slow; it isn’t a race to get a girl’s heart. If you rush it, she will feel pressured. Remember there is only fast food along the highway. If you want a five star meal, one that is warm and soothing, and will last (like a great love) you’ll take the side roads, the paths least traveled. Yet, be confident enough to avoid falling into the friend zone.
Finally, never forget the power of faith and its ability to bring destined relationships together. If both of you are constantly growing closer to God through prayer, valuing your purity and getting to the Sacraments, you will also grow closer together. True love takes trust in God and the willingness to let Him lead you, just like my parents who start the morning off with prayer together and end it with scripture. Try offering a Skype call to pray the rosary every week or if she wants to go to weekly Mass with you(after you’ve known her long enough) go for it.
With a little bit of advice (you need to find a person filled with wisdom to talk to about relationships, not just your friends), the understanding of Saint Joseph, the caring of Mother Mary, and the intercession of the Holy Spirit you can be my extraordinary Catholic Teen Boy.
Love,
Your Catholic Teen Girl
- 5 Things The People Who Knew Blessed Carlo Acutis Said About Him
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn When people talk about Blessed Carlo Acutis today, it’s often with headlines about sneakers and memes about a modern saint who played video games and built websites. But those who truly knew him, like his mother, his teacher, and even his doctor, remember something deeper. In the documentary The Boy… Read more: 5 Things The People Who Knew Blessed Carlo Acutis Said About Him - The Analogy That Helped Me Understand Why God Wants Us To Worship Him
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn I’ve always wondered why in the world God wants us to worship Him. It never quite made sense to me that a loving God would possess an ego so big that He’d ask His kids to fall down at his feet. But then, one day, I heard an analogy that… Read more: The Analogy That Helped Me Understand Why God Wants Us To Worship Him - How I Made It Back To The Catholic Church | A Revert’s Story
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn When our son Nathan was in the second year at his Lutheran preschool, my wife and I decided that the large classes and busy hallways of public schools weren’t right for him. Nathan was the quiet kid. He’d sit in the corner and play by himself, anxious to learn but… Read more: How I Made It Back To The Catholic Church | A Revert’s Story - The Legacy Of Pope Francis: Ten Enduring Marks Of His Papacy
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn Every man elected to the office of the papacy hopes to leave behind a lasting legacy, a testament of love and dedication to the Catholic Church and the world. Jorge Mario Bergoglio began his pontificate in 2013 as Pope Francis. By the time of his passing on April 21, 2025,… Read more: The Legacy Of Pope Francis: Ten Enduring Marks Of His Papacy - What To Read On Good Friday For Adults And Kids
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Gmail LinkedIn How do you spend Good Friday? Catholic-Link created a list of 25 suggestions for what to do on Good Friday—but here’s one more to consider. Spend time in silent reflection by reading a spiritual book, an inspiring article, or the Bible. This simple yet powerful practice will help you center… Read more: What To Read On Good Friday For Adults And Kids
