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Dear Breakup Girl,

I am 13 years old and I have never had a boyfriend. Lots of older guys hit on me, because I look older. I am not tall or anything but I have curves if you know what I mean. But I don't want to go out with the older guys because I have nothing in common with them.

My friends say I'm crazy for turning down hot older guys, but I'm scared to go out with them because, you know, they drive and stuff. All the guys in my grade (who are 13 and 14 years old) only like stick figure girls who are flat.

How can I attract a boy of my own age? Thank you!

-- Rebecca

Dear Rebecca,

You may have heard this in health class, but girls tend to hit their growth spurts (in all directions) before boys do. Result: some 13 and 14-year-old boys must wind up feeling lost, alone, small, and terrified in a world of steep, dangerous curves. That is, of girls who look older no matter what their age. Betcha that's why some of them go for the girls who still look more like...them.

Meanwhile, good for you for trusting your own ample instincts. Hey, if you're scared, you're scared. (Breakup Mom won't get into the car when I'm driving -- just imagine with some boy you don't even know!) And as far as what to look for in a guy, something "in common" is right on track. Do the stuff you enjoy in school and after (like walking and biking?!), flirt with the ones you like, and curves or no curves, the uncommonly cool ones will come straight to you.

Love,
Breakup Girl

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