DEAR ABBY: I'm a 13-year-old girl in eighth grade, wrestling with a problem I never thought I'd have -- a crush. I have liked "Garrison" for two years now. He's funny, sweet and cute, and he has stood up for me against bullies. We aren't in any classes this year, so I only see him in the halls.
I have no clue what to do, since I have never had a crush before and I'm not going to date yet. It hurts my heart. I know crushes are fleeting, but can you help me figure out what to do in the meantime? -- CRUSHED BY CRUSHING IN TENNESSEE
DEAR CRUSHED: Your crush seems to be a young man with character, courage and self-confidence -- because that's what it takes to stand up to bullies. Because he stood up for you, he already knows who you are. So when you see him in the hall, smile and say "Hi." That's not being pushy; it's being friendly. And if you're sitting around with an aching heart, I have a solution: Get up and get moving. Join a club, a sport, dance class or do some volunteering.