Q - Dear Annabelle, I've always been pretty shy, and because of it, I've never really had any guy friends. When the new school year started, I did become friends with a guy named Dustin. We had an English class together, and had a lot of fun talking to one another. We even started hanging out every so often. We car-pooled (him and I) to Cleveland for a class field trip a few months ago and spent the whole day together alone, and we've gotten together to work on school projects, and even play our guitars :o) Also a few months ago, my parents were almost going to get divorced. Dustin was there for me, and called me just to see if I was ok. Recently I've found myself thinking about him a lot, and I'm beginning to think that I like him as more than a friend. I was wondering if I only feel that way because he's one of the first guys that I've gotten a lot of attention from? Another problem is that he has a girlfriend. They've been going out for a few years now, but they don't seem to have a very good relationship. The girlfriend does things that make him mad for example, saying that every Friday night is "girl's night out" and that he couldn't come. He was fine with that until he found out that she was actually going out drinking with other guys. The other day, our English class ended, and now Dustin and I don't have any classes together. Because of my shyness, it's hard for me to pick up the phone and call people, but I feel like I need to get over that so I can keep my friendship(?) with him. I'm just really confused about this whole situation (whether or not he likes me, and if we'd have a chance at a relationship...and what to do about my shyness). Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated :o) A - Dear Nicole, If it were me, Iād pick up the phone and say, ćDustin, do you like chocolate chip cookies? Iām going to make some and itās really more fun eating them with a friend. Can you bring your guitar? You can play while they're baking.ä Iām sorry to hear he has a girlfriend who drinks....thatās in no oneās best interests, except yours, of course. When he sees that youāre a much higher quality person...well, this should work out for you. Have fun.......you HAVE learned to cook, havenāt you? The best Ībaitā for guys is a girl who can bake. ; -) (Have your mom help you if you havenāt....cookies are really easy)........and guys LOVE to lick the bowl. - Annabelle