DEAR ABBY: There's a boy in my class I have known since I was 2. He's a great athlete, but is a tad bit full of himself. He is always playing mean pranks on me and hitting me up for money, and if I don't give him money he hits me.
I ask him to stop, but he still does it. Abby, what do you think I should do? -- 11 AND FRUSTRATED
DEAR 11 AND FRUSTRATED: You may have known this boy since he was 2, but the person you have described is a bully and an extortionist. Please inform a teacher or the school principal about the fact that he's hitting you when you don't give him money. And also ask your parent(s) to find you a course in self-defense. It will make you less likely to be picked on in the future.