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Dear Breakup Girl,

Recently I've discovered an interest in my brother's friends. I swore I never would, but it surfaced out of the clear blue. My brother is 2 years older than me -- he's 17 and I'm 15. I know I could hook any guy if I wanted to, but my parents have now declared that I can't date unless a boy asks me. I can't ask him.

The only problem with getting one of my bro's buds is that they all see me as a little sister. I've known them ever since they all played on the freshman baseball team. It was always, "Hey, Little Silvershoes (Silvershoes is my brother's nickname)! How about some ice?" or "Yo, little one! You want to come punch in the scoreboard? I'm bored." It was all well and good when I was 12 and 13, but it's old, now.

Also, I hardly ever see the one I actually want in the hallway. The only times I see him is when he comes home with the sibling to do a project or playing at a baseball game (rarely).

I say hello every chance I get and I try to engage him in intelligent conversation from time to time, but he still pats my head (like a puppy) as we part! Even casual flirting isn't catching his heart.

I've done everything I can to get his attention. How can I get him to notice me for who I am instead of the little sister I am perceived to be?

-- SilverWoman

Dear SilverSister,

Um, "it" didn't surface out of the clear blue. I'd like to think, at least, that it surfaced out of the fact that the gap between 12/14, 13/15 is much, much bigger than 15/17.. Then, you were just stoked that they noticed you at all; now, you want them to Notice You're a Woman.

So what I'd do to get his attention is: stop doing everything you can to get his attention. 'Cause that's what kid sisters do.

Love,
Breakup Girl

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