I don't have a girlfriend

I don't have a girlfriend and I think I'm damn boring. Like my fellow students, I want to be cool and popular with girls. I am called padaku because of my high scores and bespectacled face. I don't want this image to persist anymore. I'm tired of being treated as a teacher's pet. I must be sounding childish here but do let me know what do girls see in a guy and then fall for?
- Banna

Illustration/ Satish Acharya

Dear Banna,
May be you are not carrying yourself well in front of them. You may be giving signals that you have confidence issues. But be just who you are and don't act foolishly or pretentious, and in due time, you will find someone. Also remember there is no race that you should have a girlfriend. It will happen in due course of time. At your age, it is better to be focussed on your studies. Being cool does not always spell having a girl. It is all about your attitude. I am sure in due course you will shed your image. Don't expect miracles overnight.u00a0