Dear Carol

NOT INTERESTED – What do you do if you’re not interested in a guy and he likes you?

- By Carol Weston

Dear Not Interested,

What do you do when someone offers you a hamburger and you’re not hungry? Or if there’s a pool nearby but you don’t feel like swimming? Or if there’s a best-selling novel but you just like reading this magazine? OK, OK, I get that crushes are more complicated, but just because a guy likes you does not mean you have to do anything at all—let alone like him back. For now, be kind: Don’t send mixed messages or talk endlessly about this with friends. Chances are he’ll size up the situation and take his affections elsewhere.

PERIODS

How do you get a pad to the bathroom without a boy noticing?

Dear Periods,

Carry your pad inside your pocket or purse or cellphone case or wherever you carry money or a key or phone. You can even slip it inside your boot.

TROUBLED

Last Friday I met someone new and I think I might like him. I don’t have anyone to talk to about him though. I am not allowed to date until I am 16, but I am allowed to like guys. When I talk to my mom about a guy, she says things that make me feel like I shouldn’t like him. This guy is so sweet and loves to help kids just like I do. How can I get my mom to understand I want to be able to tell her everything I like about a guy and not have her make me feel bad?

Dear Troubled,