DEAR ABBY: I'm a boy in sixth grade. Recently, my best friend has been hitting me. I try to get her to stop. I've done everything I can think of, but she keeps doing it.
Today in math class, she pinched me or something -- I can't remember -- so I did it back. Afterward she beat on me with a ruler. I could really use some of your advice. -- TIRED OF IT
DEAR TIRED OF IT: The person you call your best friend isn't acting like one. She may do it to get attention because she has a crush on you, or because she's a bully. Tell her to stop touching you because you don't like it, but do not retaliate by hitting her back. If she persists, tell your teacher what she has been doing because it's creating a distraction when you need to be concentrating in class.