Mom’s Rule About Boys

Question:

I would just like to let you know that I am your biggest fan. Just  1 month ago, I friend of mine introduced me to The Alice Books, and since then I have read almost all of them! I am 12 years old, and have been facing many issues in my family, and life. I would like to thank you for providing young readers like me with such amazing books! Oh, and in case you were wondering, my favorite book so far is Alice in Lace. My teacher just recently had us do almost the exact same project. Ok, so I do have a question. Are ya’ll planing on making any more movies based on the books? I have already seen Alice upside down, and really enjoyed it! Ok, so I know that you aren’t like a counselor or anything, but I was wondering if I could get your advice on a little ‘issue’ I am having. So here’s the deal… My mom has this rule that I’m not even allowed to think about guys till I’m20. Well.. Last year there was this guy in my class who I really liked… Long story short… He’s in my class again, and he’s 15. (this class is for kids 5th-12th grade) Do you have any advice as to what I should do? I think he likes me, ’cause when I called him the “Anti-Britt”, as usual, (long story by the way,) he called me British Lover. HE’S 50% BRITISH! I haven’t told my mom yet. You are about the only person I can trust with this ‘problem’, and I don’t really even know you. I really appreciate you taking the time to read and reply to my email.

I can’t wait to hear back from you,

Phyllis replied:

As far as I know, there are no new Alice movies planned at present.  Regarding your problem, if my mom said I couldn’t even think about boys till I was 20, I’d be thinking about them 24/7.    There is a big age difference between a 12 year old girl and a 15 year old guy.  The older people get, the less it matters.  But right now, that’s probably a lot.  I think he enjoys flirting with you and vice versa.  I’m not sure what your problem is, because you’re not even talking about going out with him.  But nobody can keep you from thinking about someone, and personally, I think you should enjoy your fantasies and have fun teasing each other in class.  Having friends is not a crime.  Thinking about love is not a crime.  Thinking about friends loving each other, even when they’re three years apart in age, is not a crime.   And ask your mom at what age she had her first boyfriend.