Marley and her boyfriend are going on dates, but they’re in a bit of a rut… some imagination could liven things up for them. Marley could plan a picnic, a bike ride, a day at the ice rink or swimming pool, even a film night at her place with DVDs and popcorn! The two could have a ‘posh’ dinner at the local greasy spoon diner, hire a rowing boat on the river, feed the ducks, go to the zoo, go to a museum or art gallery… even fly a kite! Doing cool/crazy things together gives you lots of great memories to look back on… and it’s fun!

They could even take inspiration from some of my books…

• Go horse-riding, like Scarlett and Kian in Scarlett…
• Look at the stars or watch a firework display like Cat & Mouse in Lucky Star…
• Picnic in the park like Anya and Dan in Angel Cake (but not after midnight, OK?!!!)
• Take a bike ride to the beach and send a message in a bottle like Paul and Hannah in Driftwood…
• Go to a mini music festival like Dizzy and Finn in Dizzy… or set up your own mini gig!

Love Hurts

Help!

One of the coolest boys in my year has asked me out. I said yes, but I’m really nervous because I’ve never had a boyfriend or kissed anyone before. What if I make a mess of it? What if our teeth crash together or I can’t work out how to breathe or something? Help!

Tilda, age 13

Dear Cathy

A boy from the year above me chatted me up at a party last week. We ended up kissing and he wanted to go a bit further, but I said no. Now he’s telling everyone I’m a baby who can’t even kiss… I’m so upset!

Gina, age 14

Tilda’s worry is one many girls share. That first kiss can seem scary, but the key is to relax and enjoy it. Everyone has to go through that first kiss sometime… it’s nothing to feel shy about! If a kiss is coming at you, part your lips slightly, tilt your head and close your eyes… then do what comes naturally! Slow, gentle movements are best, and the more you practise the better you’ll be. Tilda’s boyfriend won’t mind if she’s not an expert – in fact, he’ll be happy to help with the practice!

Gina has had a very bad experience. The boy she kissed was a loser, and when he didn’t get his own way he lashed out at her by spreading nasty gossip. Luckily, most people who hear the gossip will realize things weren’t quite the way they sound. Gossip like this has a way of backfiring on those who spread it.

Gina knows she did the right thing here… you should never, ever let anyone push you into doing anything you are not happy with or ready for. Gina should hold her head high and blank the nasty comments. Like most gossip, it will soon be forgotten.