Why Doen't He Talk?

There is a new boy in my school and he is really mysterious. He's from somewhere in Europe but no one knows where. He's been sitting alone at lunch and I went over to him and he said "you are very sweet and pretty. But believe me, you don't want to know me". What does that mean? Was he in trouble in his last school? How can I prove to him that I DO want to get to know him? Should I ask somebody at the school (like a teacher)what his past was or is that too nosy? Help! Jamala, 15, Jamaica

"Hey, Jamala!" Well, it sounds to me like this guy does in fact have something he's hiding. But it's not always good to jump to conclusions. Personally, I don't think you should go up to a teacher or someone else to find out about his past at his old school, or try to find out whatever he is hiding, if he is hiding anything at all. If he wants to tell you he will and it's not up to someone else to tell you. If you want, what you could do is go up to him during lunch when he's all alone and just sit with him and chat. If he says "Believe me, you don't want to know me." then just reply by saying "Actually I do!" That may come to a shock for him because it's probably not something he wasn't expecting you to say. So just sit there and chat with him and slowly move up to the topic about his past. Don't pressure him into telling you anything, but just casually ask him why he thinks you won't want to get to know him. Maybe he's lonely or in need of a friend. If he does end up telling you what's on his mind, remember to be very supportive because if he tells you, it's probably because he feels comfortable around you. But remember don't pressure him into telling anything. He may not feel comfortable telling you. Either way, just try to become his friend. It's always hard being the new kid! Hope this helps.

 

Whitney, 15, Canada