Dear Pam:

   Everytime I start to like a girl it seems as if she is the "living end". But just as soon as she starts to like me I start finding fault with her, and pretty soon I don't like her at all. Is there something wrong with me?

Confused

Dear Confused:

   You seem primarily interested in the sport of hunting, and not much interested in the "catch". This isn't too serious when the catch is fish or rabbits, but when you encourage a human being and then turn them down you are bound to hurt feelings. No one has the right to hurt another's feelings. One of these days a girl with your same personality trait will take you over the hurdles. Be a big boy when it happens and don't cry!

Dear Pam:

   I am in the ninth grade and go with a boy who calls and comes over a lot on school nights. As a result, I never get my homework done and all of my grades are suffering.

   How can I tell him my homework comes before my social life without him breaking up with me?

Grade Loser

Dear Grade Loser:

   The grades you are making in school now may well influence your whole educational future, while there is a good chance that you will have a hard time remembering this boy's name in a few years. Have the strength of character to tell this boy exactly how you feel. If he's the right kind of fellow you'll gain his respect. Better still, you'll find your own self respect.

   Incidentally, your parents should help you with this decision by putting down a "work before play" rule.

Dear Pam:

   I sit behind a certain boy in one of my classes who is constantly talking and getting me into trouble. How can I get the teacher to move me?

Stuck

Dear Stuck:

   Tell the teacher the circumstances, and I'm sure she will oblige by isolating the character with the flapping jowls. Some times teachers try to surround behavior problems with more reliable students in the hope that the delinquent will learn by example. But no student should allow their ability to learn to be jeopardized by a talkative Timmie.

Dear Pam:

   The first six weeks my grades were way above average. This six weeks I'll be happy if I get by. I have studies just as hard, if not harder this time, but it doesn't seem to help. What can I do?

Disappointed

Dear Disappointed:

   The first six weeks is a trial period in many respects, both for the teacher and student. In some classes it is a review of last years' work and not too much new material introduced. This might account for your good grades without too much work.

   Also, each year in school the material and the work required becomes a little tougher. If you are a serious student, you should plan to exert more effort and plan your working time more efficiently.

Dear Pam:

   In one of my classes I just don't understand the material, but when I ask questions the teacher treats me as if I am stupid or insolent. My grades have been so low in this class that I am afraid I will fail. What shall I do?

Lost Laura

Dear Lost Laura:

   Are you the only one lost in your class? If you are, you probably were day dreaming when the teacher explained. If there are others lost with you the teacher may not have thoroughly covered the material.

   Ask to have a conference with your teacher after school, tell the teacher your problem, and ask for extra work to help you catch up. Watch the manner in which you approach the teacher. Lots of times when we are insecure we act snippity to cover up. Be sincere and friendly. You'll get the help you need.