Southern Comfort

Dear Claire,

I’m only 12 and I need some help with something.

My whole life I’ve always thought boys were put on earth to give girls some entertainment on how stupid they were.  Now there’s a boy in my school whom I see everyday, and I’m not sure if I like him in that way or not.  He’s not like every other guy with sex on his mind.  He’s fun to be around, cares about me a lot, he is always truthful and doesn’t care what anyone thinks about him.

I’ve never liked anyone or had my first crush, although I’ve had my first kiss.  I don’t want to tell “Josh” that I like him unless I’m positive I do, and unless I know he likes me too.  So what should I do?

Crush in the Gulf Shore

Dear Crush,

Right now you don’t need to do anything.  Give it time and let the friendship grow.  If you develop deeper feelings for each other, the subject will come up, no need to worry about it.

You are so right to avoid boys with only sex on their minds.  A lot of girls (and even grown-up women) forget that just because a guy kisses and touches them, it doesn’t mean he has any feelings for them.  It’s like a game boys play just because it feels good.  Because girls forget this, lots of chicks end up heartbroken and feeling used.

Be a good friend to him and see where it takes you.  You have all the time in the world.

Read on for Crush's follow-on letter with yet another problem...

Double-Faced Little Man

Dear Claire,

I’m taking your advice with “the boy thing,” thank you so much.  So far we have been great friends; he knows I like him and I found he likes me too.  I’m not gonna rush anything, I’ll let time take its course.

I have another problem.  During last year a guy that liked me sort of stalked me when I thought we were just friends.  Now my best friend in the whole world has “fallen in love” with the guy.  They’re going out and I was happy for her, but the other day he told me he liked me and not “Bridget.”

I’m not sure if I should tell her that he likes me and not her.  I don’t want anybody to get hurt.  What should I do?

Confused Girl in Alabama

Dear Confused,

I would make sure to tell this guy that you have NO interest in him whatsoever, but I would not say anything to Bridget.

All of us get our heats broken millions of times before we find Zee One.  Fortunately, the younger we are, the faster we heal.  Eventually Bridget will find out by herself what her prince charming is really like, and you’ll be there to support her when she needs you.

It’s because of stuff like that that I told you not to rush it with ANY guy.