Monday, April 17, 2006
Dear Annie: I am a 17-year-old high school senior, and I recently moved to a new school that I really like. I've made some new friends, mostly guys, although I've also gotten to know a few younger girls.
The senior prom is approaching quickly, and I really want to go. The problem is, I don't want to go with any of the guys who have already asked me. Please tell me how to turn down a guy without being rude and hurting his feelings. I feel bad and don't know what to say when this happens. New Girl in Texas
Dear New Girl: You turn down a guy nicely by saying, as sweetly as possible, "You're a really great guy and I'm flattered, but I'm going to say no. Sorry." You are fortunate to have all these potential dates, and we trust you understand the risk in saying "no." It's quite possible the guy you do want will ask someone else. We hope you are prepared to go alone, with friends, or show up with Dad.
Dear Annie: Did you know that an estimated 15.5 million youth participate in volunteer activities in the United States every year, and that by volunteering, these young people will perform better in school? According to a recent national study by the Corporation for National & amp; Community Service, the U.S. Census and Independent Sector, youth contribute more than 1.3 billion hours of community service each year.
To celebrate their ingenuity, idealism and passion, please remind your readers that the 18th Annual National & amp; Global Youth Service Day will take place April 21-23. More than 115 national partners will bring together millions of young people to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. Millions of youth from more than 150 countries will participate with their American peers.
For more information, your readers can visit www.YSA.org, or write to Youth Service America, 1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, D.C. 20005. They can also find volunteer opportunities in their communities today at www.SERVEnet.org. Sincerely, Steven A. Culbertson, President & amp; CEO, Youth Service America
Dear Steven Culbertson: Thank you for giving us the chance again to mention National & amp; Global Youth Service Day. We hope our readers will check out those Web sites today, and become involved in local volunteer projects.
Dear Annie: When I read the letter from "No Sex for Me," I had to chime in. I am asexual. I was certain something was wrong with me for not wanting to be intimate with my boyfriend, whom I loved. But my nonexistent reactions to his physical overtures led to a painful and messy breakup. That was two years ago.
Today I am happily celibate and feel liberated. Instead of obsessing about men, I'm free to spend that energy becoming a contented woman. The asexual community doesn't get much attention. The sexual society finds us puzzling. Often people will ask me if I've been sexually abused or have some sort of disorder that makes me so "afraid" of sex. The answer is: Nothing's wrong with me, nor do I fear sex. I am simply not interested.
Asexuals often have a long list of things they'd rather be doing while their friends are trolling the clubs looking for dates. People tell me I'll always be alone, but I am perfectly fine spending my life as a single woman. Should I be fortunate enough to chance upon a man who accepts me as an asexual, I will count myself blessed. "No Sex's" husband may be asexual, but I hope she can continue to love him for who he is. Prattville, Ala.
Dear Prattville: We're sure your letter made a lot of people feel better in their own skin. Thanks for writing.
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