Dear Panel,

I'm an 18-year-old college student and I've NEVER had a boyfriend. I've been asked out several times in the past but I have always said no because I didn't think I was ready for a relationship yet.

Then last year, I started hanging out with this really nice guy. One of his friends told me that he liked me and was going to ask me out. That really freaked me out because I've never had a boyfriend before which also means that I've never kissed anyone before and I don't have experience when it comes to guys at all. I eventually lost communication with the guy because of this and we don't talk anymore.

I really don't know what to do. I'm really lonely and I DO want a boyfriend but everyone my age is experienced when it comes to that kind of stuff. I don't want to make a fool of myself. How do I explain to a guy that I've never had a boyfriend before?

– Confused

Female, age 18, New York