Hoop dreams. (GL Guys).

I just out my crush and I are going to the same baksetball camp this summer. How can I get to know him better without distracting him from basketball?

BILL: I think the idea is to distract him. You've got a lot going for you already. First, you're into basketball, which is way cool. Second, you're thinking about him, which is even cooler. You already have stuff to talk about because you share some interests, and that's half the battle. If he gets a little distracted by you, that's probably a good sign. So wow him with your skills--give him a head fake and go in for a layup.

DAVE: Surely, there will be lunch time and other activities perfect for chatting him up. He'll appreciate that you don't want to detract from his free throws, but knowing you're watching might help him improve his jump shot. You know, that whole show-off, athletic stud thing. He'll pick up on your appreciation of his three-pointer, for sure.

I really like this guy, and I've called his house. But when someone answers, I get all scared and say, "Sorry, wrong number," or just hang up. I really want to tell him I like him, but not over e-mail or in a note. Help!

DAVE: The phone is obviously not your best mode of communication (ever hear of *69 and Caller ID?). Let's see...can't use the phone, don't want to write a note or e-mail. Unless you want to send a telegram (and I'm a sucker for such retro touches, so don't dismiss it) you might have to confront the guy face to face. You're over the tough part because you already know exactly what you want to say. It takes a lot of guts, but it's easier than learning Morse Code.

BILL: Dave's right about the phone techno. If he didn't have Caller ID before, he's sure to get it after your flood of hang-up calls. "There's that wacko again," he's probably thinking. Could be kinda weird if he ever phones you to ask you out or something ("Hmmm.. where have I seen this number before?"). By then, you might have to convince your parents to change your digits just to escape major embarrassment. To avoid all this hoopla, why not level with him? Tell him straight-up that you like him. So you get a little flustered when you hear his voice? He might think that's pretty cute.

My parents are making me go to summer school for an advanced science class. If my crush or friends find out, they'll make fun of me and call me a nerd. What should I do?

DAVE: [SYMBOLS STANDS AS CODES ARE NOT REPRODUCIBLE IN ASCII]. That's Morse Code for "absolutely nothing!" What's so shameful about excelling in science or sports or art or whatever? Do the science thing no matter what anyone else thinks. If your so-called friends make fun of you for it, they are the nerds.

BILL: Marie Curie's friends were the same way. But then she discovered radium and became the most popular girl in the neighborhood! Why do you feel the need to hide the fact that you're smart? The main thing is not to brag or act like you're their intellectual superior. Just go about your biz, and keep it low-key.

I found out my BF recently learned how to French kiss--only not by me! I still really like him, but I'm also really hurt. I'm angry one minute, but I want to see him the next. What should I do?

DAVE: Kiss and make out, er, up? Maybe it's just something he picked up on his own, perhaps surfing some "How to French Kiss" sites on the Web. OK, probably not. Do you like him enough to forgive his indiscretion? If not, stick your tongue out at him and move on.

BILL: He's not French, right? So he must have learned the skill from another girl. Which is more important to you-a great kisser or a loyal guy? Your call.

Got a question? Just send it to Bill and Dave c/o Girls' Life, 4517 Harfard Road, Baltimore, MD 21214, or e-mail it to [e-mail]