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ago, and that was in the early days of online dating. Now there are thousands of potential guys. Mom says that at least half of the couples in her marriage prep courses meet that way.”
    “Maybe I should try it, too.” The word rebound flashes in my mind with neon lights.
    “Don’t you dare. You’re too young. And there’s no need. When you’re in high school and college, there are loads of opportunities to meet guys. It’s afterward that things dry up.”
    “Don’t worry, Trace. I’m not going to look for a guy online. But you’re right that it’s worth a shot for you. Let me do a little research before you go on any dates, okay?”
    “Yay! But hurry—I’ve already started chatting with a couple of guys, and it’s only a matter of time before we go out.”
    Talk about a fire under my butt!
    Over the next couple of days, I plunge into the world of online dating. I spend hours surfing the internet for articles, and I check out a bunch of dating websites.
    In the end, I come up with:
     

    The Dos and Don’ts of Online Dating
    The Dos:
 Do put up a realistic photo. Sure, replacing your picture with a supermodel will get a guy’s attention, but do you really want to see the disappointment in his eyes when he sees the real you?
 Do look good—but don’t go over the top. If you dress up too fancy or wear too much makeup, he may wonder why you’re putting so much effort in.
 Do trust your instincts. If you get a bad vibe from him, then don’t spend much time with him and don’t tell him many details about your life.
    The Don’ts:
 Don’t give out your phone number or call him until after you’ve met him, unless you have a block up so he can’t see your phone number.
 Don’t meet on a Friday or Saturday night. Those nights are prized, and people generally stay out later, which makes it awkward if it’s a bad date and you want to go home early.
 Don’t give him your full name until after he’s met your approval. Create a separate email account for guys you meet online.
 Don’t let your date see where you live.
 Don’t get into his car.

    There must be more, but that’s all I can put together for now. I hope it’s enough to save Tracey from potential predators. I email her the blog and post it on my website, and none too soon. It turns out Tracey intends to go on a coffee date on Saturday afternoon with a guy who calls himself “Iced Mocha.” I am beside myself with anticipation. I offer to go to the café and keep an eye on things, but she says no, that would make her more nervous.
    Too bad, because I’d love to put on a hat and sunglasses and play the spy. On second thought, maybe Mom and Erland were right; I need to get out more.

four
    11 Days into Rebound Equation
    Wednesday-morning pep rally. I’m sitting with my friends at the back of the gym. Sports teams are strutting in front of us while silly mascots are jumping and clapping, as if we care. We would totally sneak out if the teachers weren’t watching the doors. It’s not that I hate my school, but I don’t feel a major allegiance to it. Which I suppose isn’t good, considering I’m on student council.
    “You wouldn’t believe what my mom did,” I say. “It’s totally heinous.”
    “She read your diary!” Sharese says.
    “I don’t have a diary.”
    “She caught you sexting!” Amy declares.
    “I don’t sext. That’s your thing.”
    My friends are poised for the news. When I say the words exchange student, they shake their heads in disgust.
    “I hope you guys will help me entertain him. You will, right?”
    “Him?” Amy’s eyebrows go up. “Your mom is awesome.”The wave comes our way and we fling our arms upward. “She’s obviously hoping to get you some action.”
    “Yeah, right! That is so not my mom.”
    “That is so your mom. She knows you need a man. We all know it.”
    “Well, I did find it odd that she’s letting him sleep in my room.” I watch their eyes widen. “I’m kidding!”
    “My