It is never a good idea to start a platonic relationship with members of the opposite gender. That is usually a recipe for disaster. There is a reason why we wait till kids are of dating and marriageable age. Until them, no matter how mature a child thinks they are, they really aren’t. The minds and emotions are just not capable of handling a relationship with the common sense and protection such a relationship requires.
Kids are too susceptible to reading into the relationships and fantasizing about what could be and when they discuss the other party with their friends it only makes it worse. Either their friends buy into the fantasy and support it which makes the emotional rejections worse in the end, or they yenta about it and get the kids into trouble. It is just not the right time of life to be involved with the opposite gender. Once one is ready to date, they are forced into reality and the responsibilities involved……if you choose this person……you will be married to this person for life…….you will be responsible for this person…………it is no longer about what you want and need there are two of you in the equation………..you will have to handle your own finances………..this is not for fun we are talking about real life here.
As far as relatives speaking to one and other, I believe relatives should always be connected and care for each other, and always be there to help and offer advice, check out prospects for you, be a sounding board, etc. Because they will always love you and care for you as family does.