So, you're a teen. A confused teen looking for answers to your questions. The why's, the what's, the if's and buts. Yet you can never find the proper answers to any questions. You'll just get awkward parents changing the subject or the teacher who explains the wrong thing. So you continue your journey. Well, hopefully with this column I'll be able to answer!
"My parents always treat me like a baby, can't they just notice I'm no longer a child?"
From your parents point of view, they see you as their baby. I know that it's hard to cope with, but when you have a child of your own you'll understand. Even when you're an old person, your parent will see you as their baby. Time goes by fast, so does growing up, and plenty of parents miss when they would pick out little dresses with big bows, or shopping for tiny little shoes. On the outside, you're a teen. But on the inside, you're the child you always were. Remember, growing old is mandatory. Growing up is an option.
"My friends have been trying to pressure me into smoking weed and drinking, but I really don't want to. What should I do?"This both depends on you and your friends ideas. Talk to them about it. If they're truly your friends, they should understand and respect your wishes. But, if you know that there will be drinking and smoking when you're with your friends, why are you hanging out with them? I'm not saying you should stop being their friend, but at the current time when they're getting drunk or getting high, that is when they should be avoided. But, again, talk to your friends. Explain to them you don't want it ruining your friendship. You feel uncomfortable, maybe even a little scared. But never give into it. It can lead to addiction, anger, stress, fights, etc. If your friends ever tell you it's "relaxing" and "is an escape from your problems," don't give in. It may be an escape for an hour or two, but eventually you'll have to get your head out of the clouds and deal with the consequence. Remember, make good choices!
"I'm gay, and I don't know how to tell my friends or parents."
This is something that many teens these days struggle with. You may feel guilty, angry or scared. Most people are. Nowadays, being homosexual is accepted. (well, in most places, not all) If you live in an area where you know people are accepting, do not be afraid. Tell a close friend, and then continuously build onto the people you tell. Always be sure to talk to your close friends first though. They're the ones who, although may be a little confused, should understand this the best and be there for you. Don't post it on Facebook for everyone to see, because then everyone the next day will crowd around you, and you'll hear the same question over again, "is it true? Are you really gay!?" Telling your parents is where it's really difficult, because you never know if they're accepting to it or not. If you're scared, it's okay to beat around the bush a little bit. Ask questions from time to time to see how they react. Just wait a bit before telling them, coming out
abruptly can create an awkward situation.
"My friends keep telling me to stop liking someone because I don't have a chance. What do I do?"
Having a crush on someone that is way out of your league happens a lot. Your heart can't help what it goes for, and your friends shouldn't be telling you that it would be impossible to be with them. Anything is possible. If you really care for the person, you should tell your friends that. They need to listen to your feelings instead of telling you what you should feel. Try talking to the person you like, and overtime, tell them how much you really like them. You never know, maybe they could return the feelings. The point is, everybody has a chance. You just have to be strong and go for them. You never know, it could end up being great. If things are to end up not going well, just remember that there are other fish in the sea. It will take time to find somebody who cares for you just as much as you care for them. You have your whole life ahead of you to worry about relationships, don't allow your adolescence to be ruined by one boy or girl.
"My grades are slowly slinking and becoming incredibly worst. What do I do?"
Plenty of students have problems in school. If you feel you are having problems, a good thing to do is talk to your teacher. They will try their best to help you. Bring home extra sheets to work/study off of, or have a friend who excels in that certain subject help you. Just don't give up and let your grades decrease and become worse and worse; it will affect you majorly in the long run. Don't be lazy. Pay close attention in class. Slacking off will make you even more confused and overall will just make everything harder. Everyone is smart, but apathy can decline almost anything. Just remember to get help from a teacher or friend! It isn't embarassing if you find something hard.
