I think my boyfriend likes my dog more than he likes me. What should I do? 

— Doggy Daisy 

Sharon: Dear Doggy Daisy, This is actually fairly likely. I often like animals more than humans. Just try to hang around your dog a lot to draw his attention to you. 

Karen: Dear Doggy Daisy, Dogs are man’s best friend, so don’t be hurt by it. Your boyfriend probably has a special place in his heart for your dog, but I assure you he has an even bigger place in his heart for you, even if he doesn’t always show it.  

Carol: Dear Doggy Daisy, I’m sure your boyfriend likes you more or equally as much as your dog. If this is really a major concern, you can try to talk to him about it. 

Sometimes my body will just start itching like a LOT and I don’t know why. Like my head (and its not lice) and my legs do it a lot and then I scratch them and they get all red and everyone looks at me and thinks I’m weird but I can’t stop because its itchy!! Please help! What is it??? 

— Itchy Irene  

Sharon: Dear Itchy Irene, This sounds like a question for a doctor, not high school advice columnists. 

Karen: Dear Itchy Irene, Invest in lotion. 

Carol: Dear Itchy Irene, Have you tried different lotions and moisturizers? If that hasn’t worked it could also be an allergic reaction to something. I would recommend visiting a dermatologist or allergist to get a professional opinion.  

How do I get people in my class to stop being disruptive? My teacher is too nice to say anything and when I ask nicely, they won’t stop. 

— Mad Mary  

Sharon: Dear Mad Mary, Bring duct tape to class. Use as needed. 

Karen: Dear Mad Mary, I know this can be an awkward situation, and you don’t want to be too confrontational about it. I would suggest talking to your guidance counselor first to figure out the best way to go about it. 

Carol: Dear Mad Mary, Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do if you’ve already asked nicely as you don’t want to be rude or start any conflict. If there are a few main “disruptors” in the class, you could talk to some other people in the class about not reacting when they start to get off topic. Try to tell them that you want to be respectful to the teacher and get work done in class so you don’t have to do it for homework. If you can get more people to stay on task and focus, then more will likely follow. 

How do you get a boyfriend?!?!

— Crazy Cathy  

Sharon: Dear Crazy Cathy, Potato chips, video games, and a net. Interpret this as you will. 

Karen: Dear Crazy Cathy, Boyfriends are overrated. Focus on yourself for now, and that special someone will come along when you’re least expecting it.  

Carol: Dear Crazy Cathy, If I knew I wouldn’t be spending my Friday nights giving advice anonymously. In all seriousness, your best bet is just be yourself and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there to meet new people. Don’t stress too much. You have plenty of time!