Q - Dear Annabelle, Hi, I have been friends with this guy for going on 3 years, the first year we were REALLY good friends, we told each other everything, but only in one class, otherwise we barely talked. Then last year we didn't have classes together but we would say Îheyâ, and give each other the occasional hug. This year (we've been in school for about a month now) we walk each other to class, sit next to each other every chance we get, (at lunch, before school, and during one of our classes which we have at the same time, but w/ different teachers sometimes we combine classes and we sit together), we always touch and punch and poke and flirt and joke around. I'm not sure if that's just how he acts with his good friends who are girls or if he likes me. I've never really seen him act like this with anyone else. And I've been asked quite a few times if we're Îgoing outâ. I have no idea how to find out if he's interested without telling him, or any of his friends and possibly ruining the !friendship we've built up. (We tried to do something together this past Friday, but we got our signals crossed and when I tried to get a hold of him he had left to do something else). A - Dear Confused And Bewildered, At 16 things CAN be awkward, I know. Most adults STILL cringe at the thought of those years. Just keep in mind that if you CAN say to your friend that ,ÎI like you.....lotsâ and then be prepared for NO answer,....(I told you this was an awkward time), that you either will...or wonât know more about what you want to know. Sigh...... Youâre right, thereâs no Îone wayâ to handle this. At 16, about the best you can do is just to be YOUR best self, (whatever THAT means), and remain friendly, open, and smile....lots. If you donât Îpushâ him, then the stress heâs feeling will be easier for him to take too. Iâve always thought it was unfair that, just at the time our hormones are raging that our social skill seem so awkward. Since this is probably NOT the fellow youâre going to marry, TRY....(oh, right!), not to take the whole process too too seriously. Take, if you can, the perspective of a much older you.....say 40? (oh, gross! ; ) ) and, upon Îlooking back upon Î now, what advice would the Îgrownup youâ give to you! Good luck, the journey through adolescence is never easy....thatâs why there are so MANY movies and books written about the experience! - Annabelle