Anonymous: I USED to like this guy that goes to my school. I liked him a long time ago, around 3-4 years back when he was still nice. Now, he's a jerk who's totally popular and has a girlfriend. He knows that I used to like him, and he knows I don't like him now, but for some reason, he tells everyone that I still like him and since he's popular, word gets around quickly. I don't know how to tell everyone that I DON'T LIKE HIM. Help?

Friend: Dear Anonymous,

Clearly this guy needs to get a reality check. Not every guy is like this but you’ve come across one whose ego has gotten just a tad bit too big. He thinks he’s a hot shot because he’s popular and thinks that two girls like him (one being you and the other his girlfriend).

One way to help the rumors to die down is to simply brush them off. Next time someone asks you, “Hey I heard you like ______.” Whatever you do don’t flip out and be like, “E-eh?! Where’d you hear that?! I DON’T!!” By acting all flustered and embarrassed, the other party will only assume that you’re trying to hide it and it’ll only add fuel to the flame. Don’t act mad because, let’s face it, once a rumor starts everyone wants to be the first one to know about it. And if you show your anger, they’ll assume even more rumors. To reply to their question, simply act like it’s no big deal and state firmly that, “no,” you don’t like the boy. It’ll be a little hard at first to get people off your back but after time, you’ll notice the difference.

Sometimes guys can be complete jerks and simply brag about their latest hookups or flings, but it’s all just attention seeking. Like you said so yourself, he's a jerk. He’s probably announcing it to the school that you still like him because 1.) He’s trying to make his girlfriend jealous, 2.) He’s making a mountain out of a mole hill and bragging how he’s such a big catch because he can “land” two girls, or 3.) He might be mad that you don’t like him anymore (men are strange creatures LOL I kid I kid xD). I say the last one because I don’t know how your past has been with him. But if you were both on the verge of starting something, and you ended it, chances are he’s pretty peeved off about it and wants to make you jealous. Although, I’m pretty sure he won’t admit the last part if that’s the case.

If things get out of hand, go ahead and confront him. Ask him why he continues to push the rumor around that you like him when the two of you know that it’s not true.

The best thing to do in a situation like this is to ignore it. I bet you that half of the people who are digging their noses into your business don’t even know who you are as a person. If you see it as a rumor and that it’s no big deal, people will soon follow. It’s sometimes hard to overcome the rumor a popular kid started, but the ones that are mature will soon realize that it’s just a silly rumor and move on with their lives.

If anything go ahead and knee him in his pee-wee. (Again, I’m JUST KIDDING. Please don’t knee the boy and tell him an advice column told you to do so! >_<)

I hope everything goes well and the rumor dies down(:

~(Chingu) 친구