Dear Reader,

Alice knows you don't want to hear this, but... there is no "fast way" to get rid of a hickey. In fact, there is no way to get rid of one other than by being patient (or impatient, but that just makes it seem longer). Just as you cannot make a bruise on your arm go away quickly, you cannot make one on your neck disappear.

Of course, you have a range of cover-up options, such as make-up, and creative uses of shirt collars, scarves, and turtlenecks. You may be able to disguise the hickey for a few days until it becomes less noticeable. Or, you can act like there's nothing wrong and be careful not to draw attention to the hickey. Maybe then your mom will not notice.

Chances are, however, that she will notice. You need to be prepared for the moment of truth. What makes you think your mom will "flip out?" Have you and she ever talked with each other about your dating? Does she even know that you have a girl- or boyfriend?

You are growing up and beginning to explore the sexual side of yourself. This is natural. Your mother went through the same thing. Alice would be willing to bet that your mother had a hickey or two in her day. She may even be able to offer advice, or a funny story about her mother.

At any rate, your mom is a mom. She will be concerned for your safety and perhaps fearful of losing her little boy or girl. She may express this through anger, or through caring and concern, or all three. You will have to deal with this stuff at some point in time. Why not now?

Alice likes the direct approach. You could even ask your mom about the hickey before she asks you. That way, she will not feel like you are keeping secrets from her, and that you want her to be involved in your life. Let her know that you'd like to talk about your dating, so you know where you both stand on the issue.

If all of this is too much for you to handle, why not have your mom read this answer as a way to approach the topic?

Alice

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