By JEWEL KATS and DAVE SILVERBERG, Young People's Press
Overprotective parents and a sticky summer-camp situation
Dear Dave:My parents want to send me to camp again this summer and I don't want to go. I'm 13 and I have been going to camp every summer for years.I would rather stay home and be with my friends, but my parents say it's good for me. How can I win this argument?-- CAMPED OUTDear CAMPED OUT:
He's still a virgin and not exactly thrilled about it
Dear Dave,Just about all of my friends tell me they have had sex.We are all 16 and 17. I haven't even got close to it. I would like to, but haven't had the opportunity. Is this normal?-- VIRGIN GUYDear VIRGIN GUY,
Feels awkward dating short guys
Hi, Jewel,Why do short guys keep asking me out?I am 18 and 5-feet-10 and I feel awkward dating guys shorter than that ... but they keep asking.I don't want to appear prejudiced, but the height thing is an issue for me.What should I say to shorter guys?-- LIKES THEM TALLDear L.T.T.,
With a crush, don't apply too much pressure
Dear Jewel,I'm in eighth grade. I like this girl a lot. The problem is I haven't told her my feelings. Even worse, I get real jealous when I see her talking to other guys. What should I do? -- Crushed OutDear C.O.,
Forget him, girlfriend ... Doesn't want to share room with brother
Hi Jewel,I am a girl who's been heartbroken over a guy since high school. I'm now a sophomore in college, and studying in the same program.
Farm girl suffers in city
Hi Jewel, I'm a farm girl who loves the country, animals and country music. Needless to say, I don't fit in too well at my city high school. Others tell me country music is corny and I should get a life. I think I have a pretty good life. I need some good comeback lines. Do you have any? COUNTRY GIRL Dear C.G.,
Wanting a car .... too tired to study
Hi Jewel, My friend just got a car and I think it's so cool. She will have it when she goes away to college in the fall. I have money in the bank for a down payment, but I also need the money for college in the fall. I would really like a car. Do you think I should wait until I have more money? My parents told me to forget it until I'm working full-time.
Dealing with problem classmates
Hi, Jewel,I'm the tallest person in my Grade 7 class and I already have big breasts.The guys make fun of me, but they're all a bunch of twerps. At what age do guys actually develop a brain? I can't wait.-- TALL GIRLDear T.G.,You're beautiful. Don't let ANYONE tell you otherwise.
Dealing with a curfew ... Missing his friends
Hi, Jewel,What is a reasonable curfew for a Grade 12 girl?My parents don't let me go out during the week and on Fridays and Saturdays I have to be home by 11:30. I don't think it's fair because my friends stay out later.How can I win this fight?-- EARLY BIRDDear E.B.,
Seek new goals ... Pals not big on serious talks
Hi, Jewel,My dad is really into time management, and he wants me to be also. He tells me I waste so much time watching TV and listening to music.The trouble is, I like watching TV and listening to music. My school marks are good and I'm not causing him any grief with drugs, relationships or anything else.

