Kate, 13, from Boston, asks:

There’s this girl who I’m sort of friends with, S, who likes the same guy as I do (we’ll call him R). A while ago, something bad happened between me and R. Eventually it was sorted out, but before then, I told all my friends (including S) that I was over R so they wouldn’t worry about me, even though I wasn’t over him at all. S talked about asking R out a bunch in the past, but everyone thought she was kidding until she actually did it yesterday, the last day of school. She asked him out and he said maybe and gave her his cell number. Since none of my friends knew I still liked R, everyone was really excited for S. Now it’s summer, no more school, and I’m totally crushed! How much of a chance is there that R will decide to not go out with S? How can I talk to him about this without making him uncomfortable? Since it’s summer, it would be really hard for to get in contact with him. What should I do?

VictorM's advice:

I hope you learn about being less than honest, although frankly, I don't blame you too much. You were just trying to spare yourself from all the pity.

He told S "maybe". "Maybe" is the guy word for "you have as much chance of going out with me as Paris Hilton has of winning a Nobel prize." He wants you and will come back determined to get you. How do I know? Because you've become a challenge and he wants to win you back.

So, have a great time during the Summer and when R comes back, stop fighting with the guy, will ya? Meanwhile enjoy knowing that S doesn't stand a chance with him (but don't tell that to anyone. Let's keep it our secret).