Too-tall tales. (Life).

This girl in my class spreads rumors about me! I've asked her to stop, but she won't. Can you give me any advice?

Ignore her. Chances are she tells tales because she gets a reaction from you. All too often, girls who don't feel great about themselves put down others to make themselves look better--or so they think. If she knows it upsets you, she might feel pretty powerful. So, if you take that power away, she'll likely get bored and move on. Remember that you didn't bring this on, and it really has nothing to do with you in particular. This behavior, though it hurts you, is her problem! Soon enough, everyone will tire of her tall tales. Hang in there!

Dear Lucky,

My BFF just moved across the country. We keep in touch, but it's not the same. I want to visit her, but my parents are too paranoid to let me fly. What can I do?

It's hard when friends move, and you're right--things aren't the same. But you can still be BFFs. It just takes a little more effort! It's understandable that you want to visit her, but it's also understandable that your parents are worried. Can you come up with a compromise? Maybe your mom would be willing to travel with you. If Mom's not up for it, can your BFF visit you? Maybe her family is ready for a trip down Memory Lane! It will take planning, but the trick is to work something out that's agreeable to both families, Meantime, you guys can talk anytime you want! This isn't the Stone Age--you've got email, IM, the phone and, of course, good ol' snail mail! P.S. Keep in touch!

Dear Lucky,

I have a crush on this cutie, and he is well aware of it. So when my BGF (best guy friend) asked me to be his date for the homecoming dance, I told him I'd have to think about it. The next day, my crush invited me! Who should I go with?

An invite from a crush is often too much to resist. But protecting your friendship with your BGF is paramount. Friends come before guys, even when friends are guys. When new emotions enter the boy-girl friendship field, tread lightly. Does your BGF want a dance buddy or a date? Is he crushing on you? If there's a chance you could feel the same, accept his offer. If the feeling isn't mutual, be honest. Tell him your friendship is way more important than taking that risk, and suggest he invite someone else. Ideally, your BGF will be stoked for you that your crush asked you out! If this is all too much to process for now, do the polite thing and accept your BGF's offer. After all, he asked first. A. potential crush should respect your loyalty when you explain that you already agreed to go with a friend. Just set a date with that cutie for the next weekend!

Dear Lucky,

My BFF and I have been fighting. She picks the fights but tells her mom everything is my fault. Now, her mom treats me differently.

Sounds like something's going on with your BFF, and she's taking it out on you. You've become her emotional punching bag, and that stinks! Is she struggling in school? Is she jealous of your good grades or new BF? Is she threatened that you usually click with her mom? Maybe she doesn't know how to appropriately express her emotions. And if something's upsetting her on the home front, she might be trying to get her moms attention--even if it means dogging you. Most likely, she's not even conscious of what she's doing. Regardless of her motives, you can't be too surprised when her mom runs a little cold around you. It's only natural for a mom to side with her daughter. That said, you need a BFF-break! Don't place blame--just suggest some time apart until the storm blows over. Hopefully, your BFF will realize you're trying to set things straight for a long and lasting friendship.