DEAR ABBY: My 15-year-old granddaughter has always been shy and quiet. Boys at school sometimes approach her to "date." She likes one really sweet boy who is kind of shy like she is. He held her hand for the first time recently (she was wearing gloves) and she freaked out! Now she walks around with her hands in her pockets when she's around him.
Why is she so afraid? She can't relax and just like him. Please tell my daughter and me how to handle this. Does my granddaughter need to see a doctor? -- GRANDMA PEGGY
DEAR GRANDMA PEGGY: The person you should ask about the reason for her extreme reaction after that boy held her hand is your granddaughter. She is either not ready to have a relationship with a boy -- not all teens mature at the same rate -- or she may not be as into the young man as you think she is.
If she's comfortable the way she is, don't push her. If she indicates to you that she's unhappy, THAT's the time to enlist the help of a doctor or licensed mental health professional.