How do I get a boyfriend this year?

Dear Advice Girl,

School is starting in a couple of weeks and I am absolutely determined to get a boyfriend this year. How should I do it?

Signed,
   Kara

Dear Kara,

Well, I must say I admire your gumption. (Do people even say “gumption” anymore? After 1876?) But you really can’t plan the time and date you’re gonna get a boyfriend. You just have to get yourself in the most confident state of mind...and then make sure that the boys are watching.

So how do you improve your odds of scoring a boyfriend – or at least of scoring a few looks in your direction? Here’s a back-to-school list that’s way more fun than the one your mom’s carting around Staples:

1. Get confident. It’s true what they say: if you know you’re awesome, then other people will start to see it, too. So how do you get there? Lots of ways – like by participating in stuff that you love, and by strengthening your relationships with your friends and family. A confidence-boosting makeover can’t hurt, either.

2. Get active. You won’t find any guys by hanging out on YouTube. Join some after-school activities (coed sports teams and the drama club are especially flirty), get a part-time job or volunteering gig, schedule nights out with friends. Too busy with schoolwork to do any of that stuff? Well, you must get pretty good grades, then. Maybe you could form a study group with some of your (cuter) classmates.

3. Don’t be afraid to be bold. Hey, it’s only high school. Step outside of your comfort zone a little. Raise your hand more, volunteer to be the group leader, say “hi” in the hallways to people you’re not even that good of friends with. Little by little, this stuff will make you more comfortable around people, even cute guys. You’ll naturally start flirting with your crushes – and who knows, maybe one (or all) of them will start crushing back on you.