Hey, Cherie!

I am dreading the start of school. I will be a 10th grader and am probably the world's biggest procrastinator. I never do my school assignments on time, and I am usually late with my reading too. This summer I have two books to read: "The Kite Runner" and either "Jane Eyre" or "The Golden Compass." Right now I have "The Kite Runner" on my desk, but I haven't even read the first page. I did see the movie and there are summaries — maybe I can get away without reading it.

But my procrastination isn't just limited to reading. It has to do with almost anything that I don't like to do. Do you postpone things? Is there a way to cure it?

I look at my friends and they are all reading a lot this summer. Five of them bought "Breaking Dawn" and have already finished it. I don't hate books; I will even read some books on my own. But when someone tells me that I have to do something by a certain date or be somewhere at a specific time, it's like an alarm goes off in me that says, "No!"

I've had the lectures about this bad habit, but I still can't break it. Do you have any ideas at all?

— Putting It Off

Hey, Putting!

You're not alone. In fact, I'd like to put off some things, like dying, as long as possible. And I don't think there's anyone out there who doesn't procrastinate when it comes to certain items. Changing cat litter comes to mind.

There are ways to address this issue that you can do yourself, and then some methods that will take professional help. I've heard from champion procrastinators that they act with the "as if" attitude, meaning they start a task even when their heart isn't in it. Others say that when they go easier on themselves, which means reducing the number of projects they think they "have" to do, they can accomplish the remaining items. And some admit professional psychotherapy was the only helpful technique.

Since it's the summer, I am almost ready to suggest the latter. I don't think it will hurt you; it might really help.

"The Kite Runner" is a great book. I think if you start it, you'll be hooked. Whatever you do to address your procrastination, self-understanding is where it begins — and you've already started on that.

Hey, Cherie!

I need a great idea for a first date. I'm a guy in 11th grade, and this girl who goes out all the time just agreed to go on a date with me. The problem is that I don't know where to take her. No movies! What is your best idea?

— Happy But Nervous

Hey, Happy!

You can shoot pool or play disc golf. Take her to a restaurant that's a little offbeat: Korean? Ethiopian? Thai?

My first date with Jeff was to a Mexican restaurant in a dicey neighborhood of Manhattan, and it rocked. You're right — movies might seem a little familiar.

And guess what? I know at least two couples that met in church or synagogue. I'm just saying ... have fun.

Cherie Bennett is a best-selling author of books for teens and young adults. Visit her website at www.cheriebennett.com. 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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