DEAR ABBY: I am a 12-year-old boy and I'm having a girl problem. I'm in middle school, and there's a girl in my class, "Tara," who likes me. I like Tara as a friend. She has asked me out a few times and I have said, "No, I can't date until I'm 16."
In the meantime, I like a girl named "Amber" who goes to the same school. We're not really friends, but we have talked to each other. I have been told by my neighbor, who is on the same softball team as Amber, that she likes me. I'd like to ask Amber out when I can, but I don't want to hurt Tara's feelings. What do I do? -- TORN IN ALBANY, CALIF.
DEAR TORN: I respect the fact that you are a sensitive young man with a conscience. This predicament should have taught you that even a small lie can assume gigantic proportions and eventually bite you in the fanny. If you intend to ask Amber out any time soon, you should first have a chat with Tara and explain that you weren't entirely truthful with her regarding your parents' restriction on dating. Tell her that you like her as a friend -- and hope you will always be friends -- but you would not be comfortable dating her -- at least not right now. (Which leaves the door open for you to date her in the future, if you ever change your mind.)