What Would Nina Do?

Dear Nina,
My new boyf has been dropping hints that he’s ready to pop the “L” word. And I’m into him, I mean, he’s doing English honors and everything. But, like, I’m just not sure it’s love. For God’s sake, we haven’t even done it yet. Should I say it back if he goes for it, or be honest at all costs?
–In “Like”

Dear Liker,
You may be in quite a moral pickle here. Let me tell you a story: the summer after I graduated from high school, my then boyfriend definitely told me he loved me, and was definitely trying really hard to get laid. This was a guy whose one and only line was, “wow, it’s hot in here, I think I’ll take off my pants!” literally every time he came over.
I was glad I didn’t lie and say it back. What I said was: “How do you know?” which was mean, but his response was very telling. There was something about how he loved the way I smelled…not very convincing. No one got laid.
Once you say it, you might have to say it constantly, so I think it’s good to hold off on the love stuff till you’re sure. If he does make the move, you could always try the ever-popular ambiguity angle, like, “I know how you feel” or, “I’ve thought about that too.”
Mainly, I would try to steer him away from saying it and save both him and yourself a potentially painful experience. You’ll know when you really mean it.
–Nina

Dear Nina,
My best friend is always trying to persuade me that my concept should be her concept — that is, strictly seventies waif. She thinks we’d get more attention if we dressed as a team. I don’t know if I’m ready to commit.
–Alexandra Rea

Dear Alex,
That’s a ridiculous question. Firstly, admitting that this is what’s on your mind as finals approach is embarrassing, and secondly, dressing as a team is obviously amazing.
–Nina

PS: Your concept should not be seventies waif, which sucks, but something like matching miniskirts and chunky strappy sandals would be really cool, as would just about anything that gives the impression you and your friend might at any moment break into a choreographed dance routine.
Lots of people around here commit to a decade or scene to an impressive (but limiting) degree. My advice is to have a daily or weekly concept, but make it good, especially if you’re going to call up your friend every morning to coordinate.
Here’s the golden rule: (I’ve never thought about this before) the effect of your concept — good or bad — will be multiplied by coordinating with others. In other words, if you look stupid alone, it can be overlooked, but if you look stupid and your stupid friend also looks stupid in the same way, you’ll look stupid times two. Zing!