So it begins.

Last summer, Cob had his first crush on a girl. We’ll call her Abby. Cob asked Abby out, but she said she wanted to be “just friends”. To their credit, they made it past the initial awkwardness and have stayed good pals ever since.

Such good pals, in fact, that Abby played a part in setting Cob up with his first girlfriend – her best friend, Kate.

Ya with me so far? I wouldn’t blame you if you weren’t – when it comes to teenage relationships, I think there should be a spreadsheet program for parents to help keep track.

Kate and Cob have been dating for several months now, and they get along great. I’m impressed with some things about Kate, including the fact that she doesn’t *appear* to have a problem with Cob continuing his friendship with her best friend. The three of them chat together online and on the phone almost constantly.

Recently, Cob asked if he could go to the movies with Abby. “What about Kate?” we asked. Her parents are taking her camping, so she can’t go.

We’ve tried to explain to our son why going to the movies alone with his girlfriend’s best friend is a really baaaaaaddddd idea. The fact that the friend in question was his first crush, and Kate knows that, makes it even worse. He’s arguing the point. Abby has had some deaths in the family recently, and she was rejected by a boy she likes, so she’s been depressed and was looking forward to going to the movies with Cob to cheer up.

WHOOP! WHOOP!! DANGER, DANGER, DANGER!!!!!

“But Abby phoned Kate and asked her if she’d mind, and Kate said it wouldn’t bother her.”

Ah, young son. So cocky. So confident. So much to learn.

I outlined the many reasons why he would be setting himself up for a world of trouble if he hangs out alone with Abby. I explained about females and the “What’s wrong? Nothing” foolishness that all girls do at some point, and many never outgrow. I’ve warned him before that he can’t trust his own body and self control at this age – he just can’t – but of course no teenager believes that about themselves. It ended with him disgustedly asking if I was saying ‘no, you can’t go’, or if I was just strongly advising him not to.

“Do I have to make it that I’m saying ‘no’? Can’t the fact that we’re telling you that you shouldn’t, be strong enough?”

I’ve urged him to talk to his father. He won’t, because he knows Doc agrees with me. I’ve suggested that he ask his older sister’s opinion, and even her boyfriend’s. I don’t know if he will or not, but I hope so – I’m confident that they’ll tell him similar to what I have. Meanwhile, he’s pretty pissed at me, and I understand why. I would’ve had the same reaction at his age. Not that he wants to hear that from me, either!

He’s a great kid overall, so he’ll abide by our decision, even though he doesn’t agree with it or like it. I can’t get a feel for if he’s drawn to be the rescuer (he does have a strong, protective streak), or if he’s heading toward a “grass is greener” scenario. He probably isn’t even aware enough to know that himself.

So is this what I can look forward to, being the mother of a dating boy?!?

Yikes….