Teen columnist offers up some great advice on dating

February 10, 2000

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Molly: What do you care about or look for in a girl?

David Hankla: I look for a girl who can make me laugh, and actually listen when I have something to talk about, like a problem, or even something simple like homework. Someone who can help me understand.

Veronica: Do you have any advice for long distance relationships?

David Hankla: It really depends on how long-distance but for a normal long-distance relationship, from what I know, just keep in touch. There's nothing more painful than silence.

JR: How long have you been an advice columnist?

David Hankla: Well, I wrote this article back in about November, so I guess since then.

JR: What kind of girl do you like personally?

David Hankla: I like a girl who can make me laugh. And is really fun to be around.

Molly: On the first kiss is it usually easier to let the girl make the move or the boy?

David Hankla: For the girl, it's easier for the guy, and for the guy, it's easier for the girl! It really just depends on the situation. You have to follow your instincts.

Georgeguy: Is it acceptable to go Dutch treat on a date?

David Hankla: If you mean for the girl to pay for herself or for both, then in my opinion, I'd say no, because it's natural tradition for the guy to pay for things. Actually, though, it kind of depends on the girl, if she wants to--really wants to--it might be OK, because that's her way of being. But if it's not her direct intention to, then it's the guy's role.

Lancez: I've been seeing this guy and I haven't heard from him in 3 weeks; should I give up on him or what?

David Hankla: You should contact him. If you can't get through to him, wait a little longer, and then give up. But try as hard as you can if you really like him.

Cuttie: Why are guys always so shy when it comes to asking a girl out?

David Hankla: Because we're afraid that you'll say no. Basically, it's as simple as that. We don't like rejection, and we're afraid of embarrassment.

GregIn: What would you do if a girl you loved said that she didn't want to be friends because she was falling in love with you an she has a boyfriend?

David Hankla: If the guy was a friend of mine, then I'd ask the girl to think it over before she made any decisions. But even if she decided that she did love you, and not the boyfriend, it would still be uncomfortable for the friend, at least for a while.

Im A Fembot 2: If you like a guy and he likes you but he also likes someone else too should you still go for him or forget him?

David Hankla: It depends on how much you like him. If you like him, and he likes you, then go for it. If you only like him a little, and he feels the same way, then you need to think about it, and decide if he's really worth it.

GIJane113: Do you recommend computer dating or going out through the computer?

David Hankla: No. It may be the new wave, for the new millennium, but I still prefer the old fashioned way, take the girl on a normal date. I don't see anything wrong with you meeting through the computer, if you're connected through friends, but it's still dangerous. If you don't know the person through another source it can be really dangerous, because people sometimes aren't what they say.

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