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Teenage boys have stolen my best friends away from me. They monopolize my friends' time, thoughts, dreams; I never see them anymore. I don't know what to do. I wouldn't begrudge my friends their happiness, but I don't want to give up my all-girl sleepovers and girl chats, either.

I suppose I should just go along and accept their boyfriends as necessary evils, but it's difficult. I find myself thinking about this more than I probably should.

OK, so I'm single. Let's just say I'm waiting a while until I find a guy worthy of my attention. High school boys are pretty to look at, but for the most part they're too immature to become a part of my life. That means a lot coming from a girl who's not afraid scream "I love cheese!" at the top of her lungs in a crowded cafeteria.

My friends do deserve to be treated as goddesses. More power to them! They found boyfriends; they go out to movies, they get hugs between classes at their locker, blocking kids who would like to get to their own next period class. Chocolate and a dozen red roses that will die quickly should be given to them on Valentine's Day; they are worthy of the frivolous attention. Maybe I'm not so happy after all. Maybe it's that I feel like I've lost my best friend.

I feel like I've known her, well, forever. I suppose she can't help if she is drop-dead gorgeous, but does she always have to gaze at the world, and the boys in it, with lovesick puppy-dog eyes?

Ideally, we would spend a few hours together every week, share some jokes, and have a genuinely good time. In reality, I have to invite myself over to her house, or to the mall, or to the movies-- sporadically. The worst part? She brings her boyfriend.

I guess he's a nice guy. He'd probably be a nicer guy if I saw less of him. They hold hands, hug, kiss, and ungraciously remind me that my best friend is no longer mine. Let's just say that she doesn't grasp the concept of "girl time."

Another problem is that she has changed to be more like him. Even her tastes in movies are different--Mimic instead of Legally Blonde. I can't stand that he's changed her. I want my friend back!

But I've got a plan...

First of all, I claim the right to not be further traumatized while I am eating, so here are my lunchtime tips for high school couples:

1. Sitting on his lap does not make the digestion process any easier.
2. He's perfectly capable of feeding himself.
3. Most importantly, never, ever allow your man to insult you or your friends.

Now, a few words to those stuck in my situation: If your friend is dating an egocentric self-centered pig, you have two options. Either you can wait for the light bulb to shine on above her pretty blonde head that she should get out of this relationship ASAP, or you can nudge her in the right direction by giving her some friendly advice.

If you choose option one, you'll have to wait until she comes to her senses. This may take months. Choose option two immediately. However, saying flat out, "Your boyfriend is an egocentric pig" may not produce the desired results. Instead, cite a few swine-like behaviors and you might just convince her to dump him, STAT!

If neither of these options work, it may be painfully necessary to try and find some good in their relationship. This will be a saintly feat, or a graceful lie. Be strong. Friends are forever, right?

Sometimes I wish that my friends and I were still in kindergarten, back when boys had cooties and life was simpler. But I guess we're all destined to grow and change. Hmm. I guess that means I can look forward to a day when my friends remember that there's a world outside of their relationship and they have time for me again... or for a double date. Only time will tell!