My dad has done a lot of things for me. He taught me to drive. He bought me my first car. He changed the oil in said car. But of all the car-related things my dad has done for me, he has not once, in ALL the years I’ve known him, ever set fire to my ex-boyfriend’s garage. Not once.

Should I feel, I don’t know, somehow deprived? Like my dad wasn’t involved enough in my life?

Ten years on, I still don’t quite understand this letter from December 1, 1997…

Dear Breakup Girl,
I really like this guy. I haven’t met him yet, but we really like each other. The only problem is that my dad just took my phone privileges away. I’m so afraid that while I’m “gone” he’ll find some other girl. I don’t want to lose him. Help!
— Amanda

Dear Amanda,
Meet him, then write to me.
Love,
Breakup Girl