Double date dilemma.

They both asked me to the first school dance of the year. Of course, I really want to go with my boyfriend--but I don't want to hurt my bud's feelings. What should I do?

DAVE: Seems pretty clear cut to me, which in relationship lingo translates to, "Danger! Potential for serious trouble." If your buddy is truly your buddy, then he should understand your desire to be with your beau on the big night. Explain that to him...delicately. Remember, like serving a nice meal, presentation means everything. Assure him this doesn't mean you two don't have a strong friendship. Why not hook him up with one of your friends for a double date? That way, you can all have a good time together. Warning: This plan will only work if he truly sees you as a bud. If he has more in mind, all bets are off.

BILL First off, your BF is a pretty cool guy if he's OK with you having a guy BFF. And you're pretty cool for thinking about your bud's feelings. Now, if your bud is cool (and he probably is), then he'll understand why your first priority would be your BF. I'm not saying you should always pick your BF over your friend. But this is one time when you need to acknowledge that your dance card is already full.

I met this guy at my BFF's party, and we hit it off right away. We even went to the movies the next night. We kissed, and he told me how pretty I am. It's been a week. He hasn't called. What should I do?

DAVE: There must be a good reason he's vaporized. Since you met the guy at a friend's party, someone must have the scoop. I think we can safely eliminate shyness. Could another girl be involved? Is it normal for him to behave like this? Maybe there's a logical explanation. Or maybe he's just not a very nice guy.

BILL: Here's a quick checklist of things you can do: 1) Wait. 2) Call him. 3) Get a voodoo doll. I think it was either Bob Dylan or Neitzche who said you can't lose what you don't have. A week ago, you didn't know this guy. Now, you barely know him. Don't dwell on stuff you can't control. Think about the things you liked about the guy. Then look elsewhere for those things. While you're looking, he just might call.

I'm totally crushing on the new guy at school. I always catch him looking at me when we pass in the halls. He smiles and sometimes waves. How can I tell if he likes me?

DAVE: This isn't an ironclad rule but, if a guy always looks at you when you pass in the hall, he likes you. If he doesn't, he probably doesn't like you. Let's review: looks at you = like; doesn't bother to crane his neck = doesn't like.

BILL: Here is one telltale sign: You catch him looking at you when you pass in the halls. He smiles and sometimes waves. Girlfriend...he likes you!

Whenever I go to parties with my parents, they always try to set me up with their friends' son--my childhood playmate. He's weird, and I have no interest in him. Just because we played house when we were 5, doesn't mean I have to like him.

DAVE: Your parents probably think it would be cute for you to have your childhood friend as a BF. But I'm sure if you nicely explain your feelings, your folks would agree with you that playing house as kids means little when it comes to having a real boyfriend.

BILL: This just shows why you should move every couple of years--so you don't have to hang with kids you knew when you were 5. And maybe stop partying with your parents. In any event, one person's weird guy is another's Tom Green. Thank the 'rents for the suggestion. Tell your weird friend you think he's nice. Then get out of Dodge!