Just starting out on August 10, 1998…

Dear Breakup Girl,

OK, here I go. I am ten years old. At my school, there is a rule “Keep your hands and feet to yourself.” Now, there is this boy who was in my class. He was my ex-boyfriend. His new girlfriend and him hold hands. At my school you aren’t supposed to. When him and I were together he didn’t hold my hand. Now, is ten years too young to hold hands? Does that mean puppy love?

— Desperate to Know

Dear Desperate,

Ten years may or may not be too young to hold hands, but it’s definitely not too young to feel jealous. I’m pretty sure this is what you really want to know: “HEY! How come he holds her hand but he didn’t hold mine???” Breakup Girl can’t really answer that — but she knows it must hurt. Still, at least you’ll be the one hanging out with your friends instead of staying after school for breaking the rules.

Love,
Breakup Girl