Dump Him or Keep Him?

Okay, say you have a boyfriend, and in public he acts like you and him are just friends, but in private, he's all "Lovey-dovey" with you; what is up with this guy? Should I dump him or keep him? - Scarlet, 13, Alabama

"Hey, Scarlet!'" First of all, I think this guy does like you. From what you've said, there's never a time when he treats you like anything less then a friend. A great friendship is the best start for a relationship, though, I'm sure it hurts being just a "friend" in front of everyone else.

So, what could be causing this guy to do this, you ask? Here's what I think is going on: Sometimes guys feel like their friends will make fun of them if they show how they feel about a girl. As we all know, guys do tease each other about this sort of thing. That's probably what's happening here. He just may not be comfortable enough showing how he feels about you in front of everyone else. This is normal for guys our age.

Still, he shouldn't be embarrassed of you. I think you need to talk to him. We all know how clueless some guys can be. How's he going to know how you feel if you never speak up? Tell him exactly how you feel when he doesn't act like you're together when you're in front of other people. If he agrees to do better, then that's great. You may need to help out a little, though. He'll probably be shy about making your relationship public for the first time. If he doesn't feel he's doing anything wrong, you may want to think about how much this relationship means to both of you. Sometimes guys just aren't ready.

As always, the final decision you make should be up to you. Trust your feelings. Just do what will make you the happiest. Don't think that you have to make it work. Too many girls think it's their job to keep it going. A relationship is a two way deal. If he can't do his part, how can he expect you to do yours? I wish you the best of luck!