Matt, James and Charlie answer your questions about the weird world of boys

Q. I really fancy a lad in my class but I don't know if he likes me. Is there any way I can tell?
Kelly, Swindon
A. Matt: When I was younger, I would always try and act exceptionally cool around a girl that I fancied. If he's doing that, then it's a bit of a giveaway. Or if he does stupid, random stuff around you for no reason, that could mean he's nervous.
Charlie: I reckon if he starts showing off to his friends when you're around, like having play fights or just generally acting over the top, then he likes you too.

Q: A boy has told my friends that he fancies me but I don't like him. How should I let him know without hurting him?
Helen, Oxford
A: Matt: Pretend like no one's told you. That's what I'd do.
Charlie: Ask your friends to tell him that you like someone else - that should put him off for a bit.
James: Basically, it's not that difficult. Just don't be rude or set out to hurt him. You don't have to go up to someone and say something like, 'Look, I don't fancy you because you're ugly.' Instead try, 'You're really nice but you're not my type.' That's all you ever need to say.

Q: All my mates think that the lad I like is gross. Should I pretend I don't like him as well?
Paula, Lincoln
A: James: Maybe your mates are just jealous and saying this because they don't stand a chance with this guy.
Charlie: I'd ask why it is they don't like him and listen to what they've got to say. But if it's stuff like, 'We don't like the way he looks', ignore them. Cos it really doesn't matter what they think.
Matt: I know how you feel. I used to fancy someone and everyone asked, 'Why do you fancy her?' And I was like, 'Because I think she's cool!'
Charlie: Kelly Osbourne?
Matt: No! I'm NOT talking about Kelly Osbourne!

Q: The boy I sit next to in class is really nice to me when we're on our own but if our friends are around, he's horrible. What does this mean and what do you think I should do about it?
Karen, Glasgow
A: James: It could mean that he's just a bit insecure.
Matt: It means he's a prat.
Charlie: I hate people like that. Just ignore him forever. He's obviously not worth your time.
James: To be honest, if I were you, I would try my hardest to think of a good way to make him feel really, really stupid.

Q: I have a crush on this boy at school but I'm so shy whenever I'm near him. How can I let him know that I really like him?
Catherine, Swansea
A: Matt: First of all, don't send him a note that says, 'Do you fancy me? If so, tick this box.' I used to hate that. To any girl who gave me a 'tick the box' note, I just went, 'I fancied you till you asked me to tick a box!'
James: My advice is that you should laugh at everything he says.
Matt: Yeah, if a girl laughs at something James says, it'll keep him there for the whole day long.
Charlie: But try to avoid looking like you are a crazy person!

Q: Someone told me boys don't like girls who are too clever. Do you think this is true?
Sylvia, Leamington Spa
Matt: No. Not for me anyway. I quite like clever girls.
Charlie: Intelligence is attractive but I could never fancy a real brainiac - someone who knows everything about everything and is always studying and hasn't got time for anything else. You need a balance in your life.
James: I was once with this girl who never ever got anything less than an 'A*'. And although she was really nice, in the end, her braininess put me right off because she'd use long words that I couldn't understand!