DEAR ABBY: I met this boy, "Austen," through a friend. He has decided he "likes" me. I made it clear that I didn't feel the same way, but agreed that we could be friends.
My problem is Austen calls constantly and keeps me on the phone for hours. I try to get him to leave me alone, but then I feel sorry for him because he doesn't have many friends. I have tried to tell him to call less often. It worked for a while, then he started up again. Austen is obnoxious and annoying, and I want him to leave me alone. How can I tell him this without hurting his feelings? -- HAD IT IN NEW MEXICO
DEAR HAD IT: Be direct. Tell Austen that his calls are no longer welcome and you want them stopped NOW. If he persists, repeat the message and get off the phone. He may be lonely, or he may be stalking you. If he refuses to "get the message" and continues to barrage you with calls, your parents may have to involve the police to put a stop to it.