Secret Valentine

Dear Harlan,

There's a guy I like, and he doesn't know that I like him. I want to get him something for Valentine's Day, but I don't want it to say anything like "I like you!" We're both 11 years old, and I don't have much money. Heck, I'm broke! I need to give him something homemade without my mom being suspicious! I need to get something that won't make everyone around me suspicious. Help me!

Secret Valentine

Dear Secret Valentine,

I love that you want to keep this a secret. I love that you want to take a risk. Not only am I going to give you the best Valentine's gift idea, I'm going to give you the best advice. If people find out about your feelings, there's NOTHING to be embarrassed about. During your lifetime, millions of boys will like you and share your feelings — millions will not. But know that liking someone and not being liked isn't shameful. If someone can't appreciate being liked by you, that's his problem — not yours. NEVER FORGET THIS. Give the world permission to not always love you, and still know you are lovable. As for a gift, how about a picture in a frame? Print out the picture on the computer and make a frame out of construction paper or Popsicle sticks.