Jake, 14 from Texas asks:

I really like this girl at my school but I'm new and I don't know her. I wouldn't do anything but when I see her half of the times she either looks at me or is looking at me. I have asked my friends to introduce us but to be honest I would like to get to know her myself. I like her after sitting with her one time at lunch and she's really pretty and nice. How can I get her to want to talk to me and tips to help my chances of her liking me?

Emilie’s Advice:

Jake, you sound like a very sweet young lad! When I was 14 I liked a boy at school, but I was too shy to talk to him. I tried to let him know that I was interested by smiling at him and looking at him when he was around. I just *prayed* that he would come over and talk to me. Sound familiar? So how do you get her to want to talk to you? EASY! Walk over to her, smile and say, “Hi!” Chances are (based on the signals she’s already giving you) that she probably really wants to talk to you anyway. How do you get her to like you? You can’t force anyone to like you, but you can definitely increase your chances by being yourself (unless you are a total psycho, then you should try to be like someone else). Make her feel special. Don’t go overboard with flowers or anything cheesy, just tell her she looks nice, that her shirt brings out her eyes, etc…as long as it’s truthful and sincere. If she likes you, you’ll know it soon enough!Good luck!