Keep Your Agreement

DR. WALLACE: I'm 13 and so is my best friend. Our problem is that we both like the same boy. We asked him which one of us he likes better, and he said he likes us both the same. She and I talked it over and decided that one of us would have to find another boy to like.

First, we were going to flip a coin to see who would be his girlfriend, but then she suggested that whoever got the highest grade on our next spelling test would be the winner. Both of us studied really hard. She only missed one word and got an A. Because I was nervous, I missed two words and received an A-.

Now that I think about it, she has always been the better speller, and I think she conned me into competing with her on the spelling test. Yesterday she told me she has let the boy know that she's now his girlfriend. But I don't want to look for another boy. I like this one. I also think he really likes me more than he likes her. I have a huge dilemma. What should I do? —Nameless, Knoxville, Tenn.

NAMELESS: You made an agreement with your friend, and now you must honor it. Don't interfere with her and the boy. Too many times, one party agrees to something and will later try to back out. Professional athletes are a good example. They sign a contract for millions of dollars and then decide midway through that they want to renegotiate for more money because some other player signed a better contract.

You gave your word. Now keep it! Besides, boys are fickle! Don't be surprised if he decides he likes you a little more than he likes your friend.