The Guidance Guy Advice Column

Dear Guidance Guy,

I'm in the 7th grade at a Catholic school. There's this girl at my school who I think is really pretty. The problem is, I don't know her at all (not even her personality) because she's in the 6th grade and I'm in 7th. I really want to get to know her, but I'm too shy to just go up to her and talk to her, plus that would be kinda awkward. I think I'd be able to go up and talk to her once I knew her. What should I do?

Nervous and Shy

*** *** ***

Dear N & S,

You may not even have to start with a conversation. Sometimes just smiling at someone is enough. If she smiles back at you, it's a good sign - at least it's a start. If she doesn't, she may be just as nervous as you are. Many sixth grade girls are very nervous around boys, so don't be disappointed if she doesn't respond.

Is there any reason you can think of to ask her a question? Maybe you dropped a paper near her. Maybe you want to know about a club she's in.
If there are any clubs, sports or other activities she's in, you can consider joining some of those. Again, you may wind up in some club you're not the least bit interested in. That seems kind of a high price to pay to get to talk with someone, but it's your choice.

Those are the ideas that jump out at me at the moment. If any readers out there have any other thoughts, please send them over!

Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy