Dear Libby,

There’s a really pretty girl in my class and I really like her, but she doesn’t know I exist. I’ve never been good with talking to girls. I don’t know what to say. How can I get her to notice me?

–A Sad Boy

Dear “A Sad Boy,”

Have you tried just talking to her? I know it seems hard to believe, especially at that age, but girls really aren’t that different from boys. When I was in school, I used to love to do the same kinds of things the boys would do, but for some reason, they never asked me to go exploring through the woods or swimming in the creek.

Instead, they just asked me to go to the movies or to dinner, and then up to Freemont Point for…well, you’ll find out soon enough, I’m sure. The leaves in Blackwood Forest always look quite pretty this time of year. I bet if you asked her to take a walk in the woods and see the leaves changing color, she’d finally notice you. Just don’t get lost. The last thing you want is to lose your crush amongst the labyrinth of gnarled old trees and shadowy beasts hounding your every step.

If you feel them nipping at your heels, don’t look back. Just run. Run as fast as you can. Try to keep hold of your crush’s hand, but if she stumbles, let go and leave her behind. She’s already gone. There’s no need for you to succumb to the forest, too. Of course, it’s always great to bring a beautiful bouquet of flowers when you go to pick her up. Girls usually enjoy a little bit of romance, after all!

–Lovingly, Libby