Hey Cherie!

I have a social problem at school; I don't know what to do about it without being a jerk. I was hoping you would have some ideas. I am a nice girl who is in 10th grade, and school just started a week ago.

I try to be nice to everyone and not judge people by their appearance or reputation. I have quite a few friends and even had a great boyfriend last year, even though we broke up before the summer started.

Anyway, here is my problem. There is a new girl at school this year named Kristi — she has completely latched onto me because I was nice to her the first day. But, truthfully, I don't like her very much and we have little in common.

For example, when I asked her what she liked to listen to she said "Josh Groban and anything I can dance to," which is really different from me; I like a lot of alternative bands. Plus, she is kind of a geek.

Cherie, I am sure that Kristi is probably a good person on the inside, but I already know after a week that I don't want to be her friend. Even though I have been decent to her, she still hasn't gotten the message. She is always around me and frankly it is becoming annoying.

What do you suggest I do? How can I be nice but still give Kristi the message that I don't want to hang out with her?

— Nice Girl

Hey, Nice!

"Yo! Kristi! Give Nice Some Space!" Oh well. I guess that didn't exactly work. And there's nothing like beginning the school year with one of those questions that makes your humble writer/columnist squirm in her seat with discomfort, as she tries to figure out the right answer for you.

Here is my answer. You have no obligation to be friends with Kristi. I think that eventually, unless she has some sort of social interaction condition that makes it tough for her to read interpersonal cues, she will get the message and drift away.

It's only been about a week into school. Give it four weeks before you write to me again. I believe if you are unerringly polite — and your friends are unerringly polite — but offer no warmth and leading-her-on, Kristi will understand the message.

Resist the urge to become nasty or mean, please, and be the nice girl you profess to be. It will take a little longer, but you'll feel a lot better about yourself.

Hey, Cherie!

Have you ever had something that tastes good when you eat it, but makes you want to hurl when you find out what it is afterward? I had that experience this weekend with a tongue sandwich; I had to stop the car and get out by the side of the road.

— Never Eating Tongue Again

Hey, Never!

I can't deal with that either. Add lamb to the list. Also put fish that is served with the head still attached, even though that's pretty benign.

Good thing it's a big supermarket out there.

To find out more about Cherie Bennett and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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