There's something that has really been bugging me for a while. My ex-girlfriend ended up using me to get to my best friend. But now my best friend has a new girlfriend. Then the other day she calls me up and asks if I want to be friends with her again. She also gave me this long drawn out apology. I used to really like her but then she really hurt me and my ego. So I guess my question is: Should I be friends with her? And I also want to know if this is a subtle hint that she wants to go out with me again.

Does sex hurt you?

I've been seeing this guy for about a month and things have been getting pretty hot and heavy. We haven't gone all the way yet but we both want to. The only thing is that technically we're not going out and I am starting to question whether this would be such a good idea. One the other hand, we both know a lot about one another and he doesn't pressure me to do anything that I don't feel comfortable doing. And furthermore we both plan on using protection.

I'd like to know a guy's opinion and/or comments on a couple of things. When you're dating a girl, if she loses of gains weight, how much of a change would it take for you to notice and or comment on it? If you found out that your girlfriend was diagnosed with an eating disorder (like anorexia/bulimia), how would you feel about it? Would you keep your distance because you might think she has major problems, or would you stay close to her and try and help?

Hey Erin, I'm 13 and I've always been a little shy in approaching people. There is this guy who I really like a lot in the class next door to mine. We always make eye contact when the door is open. The problem is I'm sorta short for my age, like 4'11 probably 5'1'' with my shoes and he's like taller. I feel uncomfortable because he's much taller than me. Do you think he will realize it when I'm next to him and not like me anymore, or do you think he'll like me for my looks and my personality regardless of my height? Do guys judge by height and does it change their decision about a girl?

I have a slightly big problem. I have no friends. I do have a group of people I hang around but they're not really my friends I only hang around them. I've been trying to make a real friend since kindergarten and now I'm in grade eight and I've had no success! It makes me depressed sometimes especially when I never go to the movies or shopping with anyone let alone parties. I'm really lonely and I don't know what to do. Do you have any idea of what I should do?

Can you help me? I have a friend, well actually she's not really my friend that much anymore (my parents told me to stay away from her.) Anyway, I've known her for 3 years - since 7th grade. (She was such a sweet person in 7th grade -we're in 10th now). In eighth grade, she seemed to be really depressed (I think it was depression or so she said ). She would cry for no reason, or if she got a bad grade on a test she'd cry and sob for along time right there in class. And she started eating less and wearing more black (nail polish) and occasionally dressed in all black. She bangs her head into her bedroom wall real hard several times when she gets mad at her step-dad or something.

Hi, my problem may sound really superficial, but it is making me very unhappy. I go to a school where everyone is really snobby and rich. Nobody seems to care about anyone else, and they don't seem to know a thing about real friendship. I have known these girls who I thought were my friends, but when it came to dealing with other things besides gossip, they couldn't deal. One girl even said it was too much pressure to be friends with me, cause I actually tried to be true friends with her.

What are some ways to resolve conflicts without fighting?

I'm 14, and my parents won't let me date. I know that doesn't sound that unreasonable, but right now I have a boyfriend that is almost 16, and he can obviously date. I love him very much, and I trust him, its not like he's going to pressure me into anything I don't want to do. He's been my friend for a long time and now we're finally together, but my parents hate him. They've never even met him, and they won't make an effort to. They just don't like him because he's 15. I think that's unfair, and I can't see my boyfriend, even if there are 10 other people there. They won't let me and a bunch of friends go to one of his soccer games, and I can't go to his church, simply because he's there. PLEASE help!! My parents just don't understand!