Who nose?

I lie. There, I've said it. If I go to a couple of stores, I say I went to the mall. If I spend 10 minutes reviewing material, I tell a teacher it took 20. Why do I do it?

It sounds like you stretch the truth so things are the way you'd like them to be, not necessarily the way they are. It's not unusual to wish things were more exciting or important, but once you get in the habit of squeaking out half-truths, you've started down a slippery slope. You don't want to be known as the girl who lies, and you don't want to get caught in a whopper. Once people lose trust in you, it's hard to earn it back. So quit before this becomes major. Think about what you're going to say before you say it, even if you have to bite your lip before speaking. This way, you won't blurt things that are sorta true ... and sorta not. If you went to a couple of stores or didn't review the homework for so long, so be it. No need to exaggerate.

I want to be friends with boys, without them staring at me and wondering why I'm hanging out with them. How can I do that?

There are some rules for striking up a friendship with a guy. The first may be a no-brainer, but don't flirt: no complimenting his six-pack abs or rifling your fingers through his hair. The next rule--finding something in common--is true for all friendships, but it's easier if you both dig a certain band, love the same sport or are members of the debate team. The last rule is to be yourself but remember that guy friends don't necessarily care to discuss America's Next Top Model or spend three hours at the mall ... so save that for girl time.

I still sleep in my mom's bed. Since my dad died seven years ago, I get sad when I sleep alone. Should I just get over it?

There's no reason to be ashamed, but practice sleeping by yourself. Crash in your own room one night a week, keeping a light on or the bedroom doors open so you know your mom is just down the hall. Also, dealing with a loss like this is incredibly difficult, so make an appointment with a counselor. She can help you work through your sadness and offer support as you spend nights on your own.

My BFF always tries to make me jealous. What's up with that?

We all experience a taste of jealousy from time to time, that's perfectly normal--in moderation. But when a bud is deliberately gloating over grades, comparing clothing labels or bragging about her "perfect" boyfriend, she's crossing a line. And that line is what divides good friends and not-so-good friends. That said, it's possible your friend doesn't do this intentionally. If she's insecure, she might unwittingly try to make herself feel better by trying to get praise from you. Maybe she doesn't think she's as great, smart and popular as she pretends. Next time she says, "Don't you wish your hair were as bangin' as mine?" call her on her envy-inducing ways. Tell her that, yes, she's awesome but, with all her great qualities, you wonder why she has to broadcast it to the world.

THAT'S A TOUGHIE ...

My BF and I have kissed, but that's it. Lately, he's been working the topic of sex into our conversations. How do I tell him I'm not ready?

Respond to your boyfriend's hints in a straightforward manner so he knows you've made up your mind. Next time he brings it up, just say, "I'm definitely not ready for that." If he cares about you, he will let it go. If he still pressures you, he's so not worth your time.

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COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning