Your '04 romance resolutions: a sweater set and some shower gel are fine holiday gifts. But wouldn't you rather have a new BF? - GL guys

Girls' Life, Dec, 2003 by Jodi Bryson

Ever feel you didn't do so hot romantically in 2003 because of your hair, hips, face or whole personality? It's sick how hard a girl is on herself. Even if you don't know it, in the game show of life, you're in the lead, lady. If you really want a boyfriend, it's easy to score a winner. Runners-up get a parting gift: shiny new self-confidence!

RESOLUTION #1: BE THAT GIRL

On makeover TV, these in-the-dumps peeps--who haven't had a haircut in like eight years and missed the part about regular dental checkups being important--get buckets of cash poured into their looks. They finally feel good about themselves, so they want to study Italian or master yoga and, definitely, flirt with the sweetest cutie on the scene. In short, they're happy because they feel great.

When you're happy, you wanna get out there and do something. And when you're the chick with a real life who's flashing her "I'm somebody!" smile, people notice. Boys notice. Get a haircut. Floss. Put on lip gloss, and go for a run. Be the next best version of you so you can feel fab. Then join a club you fancy, take a fun dance class and, definitely, flirt with the sweetest curie on the scene.

RESOLUTION #2: USE YOUR NEW JUICE

You've vowed to be the best you. Props. Now, put that "I'm fab" juice to good use. Confidence is your compass in the search for a happenin' BF. Yet, too many girls still slouch and giggle and quickly look away when a cute boy catches their eye--all neon signs of self-doubt. Remedy unsure-girl gestures: 1) Do you slouch? Bad posture is ... bad. Stand straight, shoulders back. 2) Do you look your crush in the eye? Remember, you're lab. Make eye contact! 3) Got a ease of giggles? Smiling is good; giggling is just silly. Bite inside your cheek until it hurts.

RESOLUTION #3: DISS JOE POPULAR

It's great to be a girl! Now it's time to choose a boy. The real bite is that lots of girls like the same guy--the popular, gorgeous guy who usually has a girlfriend ... or many girlfriends.

Tough as it sounds, ignore Mr. Goodlooks' cool, spiky hair and dreamy eyes. Even if he decided you were the shizzle-fizzle and you two hooked up, is being paranoid about other girls flirting with the for-sure future prom king what you really want? Please, learn this early: The hottest guy on campus isn't necessarily the coolest guy on campus.

RESOLUTION #4: LOOK AT THE DORKS

Some guys have all The WB good looks. But look past the cast to the plot. As every teen show has portrayed, the dork is the real babe. Your heart gets in cahoots with your brain, and a natural chemistry with some boy turns into crushability. It's a formula based on real life! One, he likes you back (sort of key when attempting to be a guy's girlfriend). Two, three, four and five: He's actually cute, smart, funny and genuine.

Do you worry about what "people" will say if you (gasp!) go out with a (horror!) "dork"? Excuse you, but they won't be belly-laughing at his witty banter and fielding his sweet compliments.

RESOLUTION #5: MAKE IT A DATE

You've zeroed in on your guy. Good. Not only is this undercover curie total crush material, but his tutorials could improve your geometry grade. So, how do you let him know you like him? Simply ask him to help you with that math homework (or whatever subject he rocks at).

If you can't come out and ask, shoot him an e-mail. Then, follow up with flattery--something like you know he's a whiz at so-and-so subject. When you get him alone in the library, you'll feel it if it's "on" between you. Before you know it, you'll not only be that girl. You'll be that girl with the awesome boyfriend!