By Katie, 14, from Wyoming:

I have such a huge problem. Well, two problems stemming from one thing (or rather, one boy).

FIRST: I have a very good guy friend. Here’s a little background: I have known him for about 5 years, since we were 9 years old. We knew each other in elementary school but did not go to the same school. Entering sixth grade, we both started going to the same school and we were good friends. In seventh grade (last year), we had no classes together, so we drifted apart. Last year he had a very serious girl whom he dated for more than 7 or 8 months until the relationship finally crashed and burned over the past summer. Now we have classes together again and we have become pretty close. We have a lot in common and he’s cute, so I fell for him fast. I was wondering if he might like me. He is a goofy guy, so whenever I enter and leave during the middle of class he waves to me from across the room. We chat constantly and he always tries to make me laugh. He’ll stop and wait for me to catch up if he sees me walking in the hall. He has a lot of girl friends, although I don’t really know how he acts around them because I’m not good friends with any of them, and he claims he’s not interested in another girlfriend. We’ve hung out in groups after school a few times (not paired up), and we email daily. Last night, he asked me for my phone number, which I’m a little confused about. So, 1.) what does it mean that he asked for my number? and 2.) is there any chance he likes me?

SECONDLY (concerning the same guy): how do you tell if you’re in love? I know I’m only 14, but although I’ve liked boys before, I’ve never liked anyone like I’ve liked this guy. I’ve never liked a boy I’ve known so well. I’ve thought that I might truly be in love, and I can see myself with him for the rest of my life. I’m only 14! What is this???

VictorM's advice:

What you are feeling is what we in the western world call "love". Some people might call it puppy-love, but make no mistake about it -- it is love nevertheless.

He waves at you, waits for you, emails you every day, tries to make you laugh, asked for your number... that boy is mad, crazy in love with you too. No question about it.

Word of caution: wait a week or two before you decide to marry. :)