TOPIC: I'VE GOT A MAJOR CRUSH - BUT HE'S GOT A GIRLFRIEND!

LEXY Writes...
Dear Betty, I have a crush on this popular guy in my school. He's so cute and funny. OK, so he gave me his phone number on the last day of school (he saw that a friend of mine wrote that I liked him). But the problem is that 1) I'm not really popular 2) He has a girlfriend 3) I never had classes with him, so he doesn't really know me and 4) I'm scared of calling him, I think he'll make fun of me or something. Please, can you help me? What should I do? ~Lexy~

Betty's Reply...
Dearest Lexy, there are a number of reasons you yourself list about the situation you find yourself in - but the most glaring issue I see is your number 2...did you say he has a girlfriend? As a preacher of karmic law, I'd suggest you step lightly here. Remember that there's another woman and if he's willing to leave her to pollinate your flower, he could easily do the same to you one day.

Your other reasons are just fears about being rejected and we all go through that. Don't trip on it (or him) and wait to see what develops with this guy and his current woman. Play it cool and if fate wants you two to hook up - it'll work its way into fruition. Oh, and please don't worry about anyone making fun of you... great things are in your future but remember that fear will only create more fear.

TOPIC: HELP! I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT MY COACH!

Helplessly Confused Writes...
Hey, I have a big problem, I have a huge crush on my coach and no matter what I do I can't seem to stop thinking about him. I thinks he might have feelings like this about me as well. I know it's wrong but I just don't know what to do to get over him HELP! What should I do??? -Helplessly Confused

Betty’s Reply…
Oh boy... This could be a major problem. Now, if you were in college I'd still have issues but if you're talking about a junior high or high school situation - please please please stay away my friend. Especially if it's the latter circumstance because your coach could get thrown in jail if something were to transpire.

And while it's fine to fantasize about this (believe me I still have some good ones floating around in my dreams!) realize that in reality, the power dynamics of this type of relationship rarely turn out well. He (or she) is much like a priest - and has been placed in a powerful adult role that involves a level of trust with many students. It is not a fair and equal relationship because of the very dynamics of these roles. So once again, fantasize what you will with full abandon and creativity, but if you want my advice, I'd say stay away from going any further with your coach. If it's real love it can wait until you're 18, out of school and out of the role of sensitive student.

TOPIC: HOW COME YOU DON'T HAVE ALL OF THE REVIEWS FOR ALL NEW FILMS IN THEATERS?

Matinee Mama Asks...
Betty, I was wondering why you don't list all of the new movies out in theaters. Sometimes if three big movies are opening up you only have two listed - what's up with that? -< Matinee Mama

Betty's Reply...
That's a great question! And I'll be honest with you -- despite what you may think, here at Ground Zero there are no offices packed with dedicated film critics, web designers or servants of any sort. All of this website - including the movie reviews come from my little brain. And since I'm trying to live to a ripe 100 or more I don't stress out about it. I do try to attend as many screenings (free preview movies for the press) as possible - but I also try to maintain a normal life. While I want to see everything that's out there, I know that I can never cover it all.

MONEY MAKES THE WORLD GO AROUND $$$$$
I also do this public service for FREE so this is by no means a profitable endeavor. Just the parking fees, popcorn and pillows for my bottom line can get ridiculously expensive. If this brings a tear to your eyes - never fear - you can always donate to the cause by sending your offerings (I'll even take a credit card!) thru PayPal.com ----- Just log on and SEND MONEY to BtBoxBty@aol.com - YES - it's that easy!!

TOPIC: IS YOUR CHAT ROOM DOWN BETTY?

Darcy Doo asks...
Betty, what happened to your chat room? For almost a year I'd drop by and chat with great people --- but I went to the chat room today and it was down. What's happening? - Thanks Darcy Doo

Betty’s Response…
Dear Darcy Doo - I apologize for your frustration but the company who hosts the chat room has claimed that they're having technical difficulties. This has been going on for over a long time now and if they don't fix it I'll start looking around for a new service to provide you a place to hang out with fellow Betty Buddies.