How Do I Get The Exchange Student?

Dear Advice Girl,

This is a hard question: There is a new, really cute foreign exchange student. I really like him, but I never talk to him that much. Another problem is that he's a couple grades ahead of me, so a lot of people like him. What should I do?

Signed,
   Elaine

Dear Elaine,

Oh, this is a perennial. Exchange students -- as long as they're halfway decent-looking -- are always huge sources of crushes. Why? Partly because they're exotic and speak a cool language and all that, but mainly because they're also new. No one knows anything bad about them yet, which is more than you can say for that point guard on the basketball team who everyone saw with his fly open at the awards assembly two years ago.

So, how do you stand out from the crowd? By trying to get to know him a little without overwhelming him. Just be his friend: Ask him about himself, and find out what kind of stuff he's into. After all, the dude's new in town -- he's looking for friendly faces and cool stuff to do.

But since he's only in town for a while, don't expect a whole lot from him. Then again: Hey, there's nothing wrong with being his friend (or maybe a little more than friend) for a couple months.