Problems Talking To Parents

My parents say I don’t listen to them. Well, the thing is, they don’t listen to me. When I try to talk to them, I have to yell 100 times to get their attention.

It gets annoying! They just zone me out, interrupt me or get mad for no reason.

Dear Annoyed,

I’d bet your yelling gets on their nerves, too! Next time you’re about to lose it, take a sec, pretend you’re talking to your BFF’s parents and phrase things in a calmer way. The more respectful you act with them, the more respectful they’ll be with you.

So if you are about to whine, “For the millionth time, ‘When is dinner?’” try, “I have a question: What time are we eating? I want to be home in time.” How you say it counts as much as what you say.

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/19/2010 7:00:00 AM 41 COMMENTS

Starting Convos With Guys

Guys never really want to talk to me, and I don’t know why.

I don’t talk much to guys either, though.

They don’t hate you—they don’t know you! From now on, be friendly with guys. Make it a new resolution to smile and say a cheerful, “How was your weekend?” at the bus stop Monday morning. In school, say, “That test was hard, wasn’t it?” or “Great game, don’tcha think?” Making conversation gets easier with practice, so just do it!

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/12/2010 7:00:00 AM 127 COMMENTS

Hate Hanging With My Parents in Public

I feel uncomfortable when I go out in public with my parents. 

I feel like a loser who has nothing better to do. I’m always on the lookout for someone I know, so I can avoid them.

Lots of girls feel similarly self-conscious about being out with their parents but, fact is, all of your classmates live with caring adults, too, and they all sometimes venture out together to run errands or go out to dinner.

You’re not the only girl going public with a parental figure, so stop worrying. Instead of looking to avoid running into friends, focus on enjoying the time you have with your folks.

BY CAITLIN R. ON 3/5/2010 7:00:00 AM 102 COMMENTS

BF Breakup Drama

I recently broke up with my boyfriend. I couldn’t do it myself because I had to be home by curfew. My friend volunteered to do it for me, so I let her. The next day, she told me he was upset but that he already has a new girlfriend.

Now, I found out his new GF is my friend! Should I tell her I feel betrayed?

I’m sorry you feel hurt, but I hope you will never again send someone else to do your dirty work. If you want to break up with someone, do it yourself. Say to the boy, preferably in person, “I like you, but I think we’re better as friends. I’m sorry.…” That’s common courtesy and, besides, the message can get mangled if you send someone else to deliver it.

You should speak directly to your friend, too. Say, for instance, “I realize now that I shouldn’t have asked you to break up with him for me, but it also wasn’t thoughtful of you to hook up with him so soon.”

BY CAITLIN R. ON 2/19/2010 7:00:00 AM 169 COMMENTS