DEAR MISS REID:

I like the blunt advice you give to people. And I'd like you to give me the same.

You see Miss Reid, I am a young woman who is attracted to her mother's boyfriend.

My parents divorced when I was 12. My mother is in her 50s, but looks very good and has dated some pretty nice men over the years.

There is this one (her latest) who is younger than she is. This is the first time I have seen my mother dating a younger man. But the point is he is "hot".

I find myself thinking about him and when I know he'll be coming over to visit, I stick around so I could see him.

I even find myself taking extra care with what I have on and even flirting with him a little.

My mother thinks it's all innocent, but sometimes I am sure that I see him flirting back.

What do you think I should do? I am 21.

- TEMPTED.

Dear Tempted:

I think you need to find a man of your own. I'm a litte stumped at why you would want to go after your mother's boyfriend.

But since you asked for my advice, I wll give it. This is real life, this is not an episode of The Bold And The Beautiful, where families have no scruples or morals.

I don't know why you feel the need to compete with your mother, but let me remind you: she is your mother. When men come and go as this one most probably will, and the chips are down and you have nowhere else to turn, the only person you'll have to turn to will be your mother.

So don't blow that by creating unnecessary drama.

- Miss Reid