I have recently gotten braces, and I'm really self-conscious when it comes to my looks. Do guys find girls with braces attractive? — Lauren, 16, Memphis, Tenn.
Think of it this way — it's still you; you're just wearing . . . tooth jewelry! I know, I know — har, har. The answer is yes — guys find girls with braces attractive. Why? Someone finding you attractive is only a tiny bit related to whether or not he finds you physically stunning right off the bat. I know it's cliche to say that it's an inner thing — but it's true. Haven't you ever seen a girl you don't find physically attractive with a guy whom you think is hot, or vice versa? It's because when it comes to attracting each other, people make their decisions based on a lot more than the superficial. They take into account things like personality, confidence, interests. The only time a guy makes a decision purely based on physical stuff is if he's interested in hooking up and that's it. And, sister, who wants to be that girl? My point? Smile as proudly as you did before the braces. Oh, and be as "you" as possible. That's the real scent that the right boys will follow.
Mentally, I don't feel ready for sex, but my body tells me different. This is really bothering me, and I can't stop thinking about it. What should I do? — Sabrina, 14, Chester, N.J.
Ah . . . the age-old dilemma, Sabrina. Should you listen to your head? Or to your hormones? And you, my friend, are smart enough to ask for advice instead of just acting on impulse. Nice! Back to your question. Right now, you (and your body) are going through lots of new emotional (guys, the social stuff at school) and physical (your period) territory. I know that phrasing it like that sounds cheesy or whatever, but it's true. It can all get very confusing. That's why your body, emotions and mind are in conflict. So in situations like this, your best bet is to listen to your brain — that voice inside your head that sometimes says this might not be such a good idea — when you're about to make a big decision. If you listen, yes, you'll find that you'll make more conservative decisions. But there's nothing wrong with that — you'll also be much less likely to do stuff that you'll regret in the future.
For a long time, I've dreamed of what my prom would be like. But it seems that, in two weeks, those dreams are going to be crushed. What's a girl to do when she doesn't have a date, a dress, and all her friends have dates? I don't want to be the third wheel. Help! — Heather, 18, Niceville, Fla.
Heather — you and I are soul sisters, because I was in the exact same scenario. You know what I did? Instead of sitting around stressing, I snapped into action. I got a job at the local Carvel (which was in the next town over) that was notorious for having really hot guys working there, and I made sure I was working on prom night. The day of, I got myself a manicure after school, then went to work and hung out with my cute co-workers who had no idea that it was my prom that night. I'm not saying for you to do the exact same thing. But my point is that this night is just a speck of sand on the beach that is your life. Either go with your friends or do something totally different. You will survive. It's only a drama if you make it one.
Questions may be sent directly to Atoosa Rubenstein at: dearseventeen@hearst.com. Atoosa Rubenstein, the founding editor of CosmoGirl! magazine, is the editor in chief of Seventeen magazine. © King Features Syndicate Inc.
