DEAR ABBY: I have been teased by my classmates since third grade. In the sixth grade, I tried to act like I could read palms -- and I also wore strong perfume. The teasing got worse.
I will be in seventh grade in the fall, and I'm wondering if I should still try to be an "actor," or be myself. One person likes me the way I am. His name is "Nate," and he is my boyfriend. Nate says it doesn't matter to him whether I put on an act -- or if I'm just myself. (I think he would prefer me to act more natural.) What do you think I should do? -- UNPOPULAR -- BUT LOVED
DEAR UNPOPULAR: Your friend Nate is wise beyond his years. Be yourself. It's a lot less work than pretending to be a fortune teller or someone you're not.
P.S.: If you enjoy acting, try out for the school plays and musicals. It doesn't take a crystal ball to predict you'll be sensational.