Yes, you read that right! Since surviving the horrors of senior fall (and producing Tatler’s special issue!), I’ve decided that I’m now rejuvenated enough to stage a comeback to my beloved advice columnist role for this issue. As my devoted Tatler readers may recall, I bid adieu to the advice column last June — but not without the caveat that “I might James-Bond in senior spring for another real 007-worthy goodbye to my advice column.” Well, I guess as a senior now, this February Valentine’s advice could be my “real 007-worthy goodbye,” whatever that means.
I have a big crush on the advice columnist!! What do I do!!! How can I get her number!!!
Aww, I’m assuming you’re talking about Emma S. ’28, my wonderful successor. She’ll be back for the next advice column (and an upcoming Instagram collab with me!), so I’ll have her take this question then herself. But low-key maybe ask her in-person instead of through the Tatler poll?
How far should you go on a date in high school
I mean, usually I’d say stick close to where you live for convenience. But then I thought, wait, wouldn’t it be cute to go on a ferry date to Whidbey Island or something? So let’s just say you shouldn’t go further than a 50-mile radius around Lakeside. To answer your actual question, you just need to make sure you two are comfortable with the pace of the relationship. There’s no one set formula, but you should definitely have a candid conversation where you set your own boundaries and understand each other’s needs.
does he like me back
Hell yeah! Of course he likes you back. Don’t doubt yourself … who wouldn’t like you?
when does a relationship move past the friend zone
Well, it’s not a natural or guaranteed progression that your friendship will become romantic. I have plenty of guy friends who are firmly in the friend zone. But if this is not the case for you, then you’ll know once the relationship is no longer platonic. When the regular conversations turn into flirty banter, and you find yourself daydreaming about them, have an open and honest conversation with them about these new feelings. Just please don’t do that weird TikTok trend where you kiss your best friend of [insert number] years to the song “Electric Love” by Børns. #consentisimportant
How to talk to women
Oh my gosh. Why is this literally a question I get in every single advice column? I’m actually starting to get a little bit concerned. I swear, we’re quite approachable. Be confident enough to talk to us normally, and we’ll respond to you, trust.
What do I do if the person I’ve been talking to has been sending me clearly mixed signals? I really like them, but I can’t tell if I should make a move.
This is a complicated question, and I’ve seen different takes on a response. Personally, I think it’s worth a shot to clock them on their mixed signals. If you do like them, it’s probably annoying to play the “do they like me back?” game after every single interaction. Make the first move, call their bluff (or truth), and see what happens.
what’s your best advice on making a relationship last
I just want to preface this by saying that it’s more than okay if your high school relationship doesn’t last. But, if you are looking to maintain a long-term relationship, I do have some advice for you beyond the vague “be a decent person.” First of all, I truly believe in random acts of kindness as the biggest green flags in a partner. Bring them chocolates, give them a hug, buy them pretty flowers on a random Thursday. You two also have to make time for each other. Remember to show up for what matters, whether that’s a spontaneous cafe study date or a major performance that took months of practice. Most importantly, as Emma pointed out, “COMMUNICATION!!!”
as a freshman, how can i score a senior???
NO! You cannot (and should not). Don’t even try.
How do I find love at this school when EVERYONE and yes I mean everyone is kind of a bum?
Haha, I’m really not sure if I can endorse this statement in my advice column, seeing as it calls out every single Lakesider. But I feel like there’s an easy solution to your problem: look for love outside of the school. Everyone complains about how there aren’t enough acceptable fish in the sea, but no one’s even seen the whole sea yet! Go swim farther than the little inlet of Lakeside … chat up some fish in your extracurriculars or pursue your out-of-school connections.
Kindest way to reject someone?
I know it’s hard to say no, but you kind of just have to bite the bullet. Don’t ghost them or ignore the problem. Be honest with them and explain your thinking. Whether it’s a simple “I want to focus on school right now” or a more complicated “I’m interested in someone else,” let them know why you’re not going to pursue a relationship with them. Once you’ve given them clarity, give them time to process the decision. Yes, they’re probably going to be upset, but don’t blame yourself; they’ll get over it. Maybe even send them over to Timothy’s “how to deal with rejection” article once you hit them with the hard truth.
how to be joyful and single
These two conditions are NOT mutually exclusive! People need to stop correlating happiness with being in a relationship. It’s totally okay to be single. Need a reminder? Over three-quarters of Tatler poll respondents said they’re single, and I can assure you that many of them are joyful. Try your best to find satisfaction in what you do have right now. Hang out with your friends and family, engage in your favorite hobbies, and take care of yourself. Or, you know what, just come to LakeMUN on May 2, 2026 for an entire day full of joy! (I’m sorry, I had to include at least one plug).
