Q - Dear Annabelle, I have a friend and we kinda recently found out that we both used to like each other but neither of us ever said anything about our feelings so we started going together and after about a week I had this sense that he was getting attached to me and that he really liked me but I didn't like him, and my heart just wasn't into the relationship. I thought it not fair to keep dating him, because the more I dated him the more attached he got and the further away I floated. So I broke it off in a nice, gentle way describing my feelings and I think he took it pretty bad. He left the house for about half an hour and then he was really pissed. I still want to be friends and he is trying to be my friend but every time we talk I can tell he's mad. Help what can or should I do? A - Dear Vickie, Well, it sounds as if you handled the situation just right. That HE is upset is HIS problem. You were very clear and kind and, yes, you can be friends if that works. His reaction is not unlike a person who, upon encountering someone who speaks a different language, will, believing that the person will understand him just begins speaker louder and LOUDER......your friend seems to be acting as if he just presses his ardor upon you, youāll Īget itā. That you already get it and have responded nicely, though in the negative, isn't registering with him. At this age, young people arenāt that far from not having girl/boyfriends at all, and so havenāt gotten entirely clear on the protocols of the process. (The appropriate protocolā for this would be for him to think..ādrat ...or words to that effect....THAT didnāt work, what can I learn from it and how soon can I move on to the next oneā??) Youāre all very young at this stage of development so everything sort of takes place in fits and starts. What you CAN do is just what youāve done. You might tell him what youāve told me.......your observations of how you feel about how you THINK heās responding in your presence is certainly occasion for further clarification of your stance. He has a choice to make, he can either allow you to have YOUR feelings and to respect them, or he can continue to discomfit you and chance the loss of our company. You sound like a very together, and very thoughtful young lady. - Annabelle Q - Dear Annabelle, Thank you so very much for all your advice it really reassured me of my decision. I also appreciated all the complements you made for me thank you. I would just like to say you have wonderful advice to give people, your response to my problem proves that, so continue with your work and always know that there's always one girl who will be thankful to you. And please, don't think this is the last of me with my dysfunctional life. I am sure you'll be hearing a lot more from me. Thank you again. A - Dear Vickie, Youāre quite welcome.....itās nice to know that a young lady of your age and living in the city that you do has their head screwed on straight! - Annabelle