Feelin' stepped on. (Life: Ask Lucky).

I feel guilty about this but, lately, I wish my mom hadn't married my step-dad. I feel like he steals her from me. Around him, she's stricter-not like a friend. I don't want to tell her because, one day, I'll leave and won't want my mom to be all alone.

Incorporating step-parents into your life is an adjustment. It's perfectly natural to resent sharing your mom, but try not to think of it as a competition. After all, no matter how much time they spend together, your step-dad can never really steal your mom away-you're her daughter, and nothing changes that! As long as your step-dad's a good guy, be straight with Mom. Reassure her that you're glad she's happy, but explain (without whining) that you feel she treats you differently around your step-dad. Tell her you understand the discipline thing but that you miss hanging out with her. She ought to be impressed with your honesty and maturity!

I'm afraid my BF is losing interest in me. How can I be sure of his feelings?

Be sure of his feelings? Talk about Mission Impossible (kidding!). Before you jump to conclusions, maybe there s a logical explanation. Is he stressing over super-tough classes, spring try-outs or personal stuff? He might be so focused on getting his grades up that he doesn't realize he's skimping on time with you. Also, crushes usually start out super-exciting but tend to settle down as you get comfy with each other. So just because he's not all ga-ga doesn't necessarily mean he's lost interest. Perhaps he's worried you've lost interest. Could be a classic case of miscommunication. Why not ask if he wants to see a movie Friday night? If he's psyched, cool! But if he makes ridiculous excuses, that's a good sign that it's time to call it quits. After all, you deserve a BF who shows you some genuine interest!

My brother and sister are really popular and goad-looking, but I'm not. They've had tans of girlfriends and boyfriends, and I've only had one. I'm not shy or anything, but boys don't seem to like me. How do I become more popular like my sibs?

It's definitely frustrating when you feel like your siblings are more popular or even better-looking, but who says it's a contest? Do you really want a boyfriend, or do you just want to keep up with your brother and sister? While your sibs are probably really cool, you also have qualities you should be proud of. So concentrate on all that good stuff, and get to know more people around you. Start conversations with kids you haven't gotten a chance to know, and join clubs to meet people with similar interests. Having a group of for-real friends is what "popularity" is really about anyway.

My parents never say, "I love you." We're just not an affectionate family, but when I hear my friends say, "I love you, too," on the phone to their parents, it makes me sad.

All families are different. Just because your family isn't particularly affectionate doesn't mean your parents don't love you! They do love you-more than you know. But, it's understandable you're still sad. Everyone needs to be reminded they're loved--especially by parents. Likely, your parents were raised in homes where love wasn't verbalized so they're not used to saying, "I love you." But surely they show you they love you in other ways? After a bad day, will Mom whip up your favorite spaghetti-and-meatballs dinner just for you? When was the last time they missed one of your soccer games? Most everything they do, they do because they love you- even if they don't say it. But, unless you say something, it's unlikely they know how you feel. It's not too late for things to change. Say, "I love you," to your parents before going to bed, or hug your mom when you get home from school. They should be thrilled to reciprocate!

Got a question for Lucky? Send it to Ask Lucky, do Girls' Life, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214, or e-mail it to [e-mail].