Summer Special
I have a big problem! My sister and I have been fighting a lot this summer. And it’s not like your regular fight. We slap, punch, kick and practically kill each other. We lose a lot of privileges because we fight. And once she said I should go crawl in a hole and die, and I was never sure if she actually meant it or not. I want to find out without starting something. Please help me with that and with ways to stay out of fighting.
-Hannah needs help!
There’s nothing like sisterly love, right? I can’t even begin to tell you how many times my sister and I have fought over the years. When we were younger, we definitely had our fair share of fights and it wasn’t pretty. So what’s the good news? Don’t worry, it gets better.
Try to think about why you’re fighting in the first place. Did she borrow your favorite flip-flops without asking? Did you read her diary? In the real world, this may not be a big deal. But in sister world, this is serious business. If you can find out the reason for your fights, you may be able to stop them before they start.
Next time you feel the urge to hit your sister, stop, take a deep breath and count to 10. Feel better? If not, walk away. Then, when you’re feeling a little better, try talking to your sister about what’s bothering you. You could say, “Hey, I understand you like to borrow my clothes sometimes, but I’d really appreciate it if you’d respect my property and ask me first. It would really mean a lot, thanks sis.”
And trust me, your sister didn’t mean it when she said for you to crawl in a hole. Every sister says something she doesn’t mean every now and then (believe me, I’ve done it, too!) But you should totally let her know it hurts your feelings. Maybe you girls can start a special Sister Day where you watch your favorite movies and eat your favorite foods. It may seem a little rough now, but the older you get, the closer you two will become. And who knows, one day you may even be best friends!
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
BY ANDREA T. ON 8/7/2008 3:17:00 PM 99 COMMENTS
This summer I went to an overnight camp and I met this boy. There was this camp dance and we danced together. At the end of camp we exchanged phone numbers and have been texting each other a lot. He told me that we should go out, but the only problem is that he lives in a different state!!!! I don't think long distance relationships are such a good idea but I really really like him. What should I do?
-Anonymous
Hey girl!
Camp crushes are so fun, but you're right, this is the part that sucks. At your age it can be difficult to be in a long distance relationship, especially since you don't have a license. It takes tons of effort, trust, and communication. Ask yourself a couple questions first. Will you get to see him at least once a month? Are you the jealous type? Is he? Do you have a consistent way of talking to each other, like email, IM, or phone?
If you are dead-set on dating this guy long distance, be prepared. Know that it will take tons of trust on your part AND his part. Don't do anything you wouldn't want him to be doing, it's only fair.
Good luck!
Jaime
SCORCHING SUMMER DRAMA GOT YOU HOT UNDER THE COLLAR? CLICK HERE to submit your own summer woe to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY ANDREA T. ON 7/31/2008 12:38:00 PM 80 COMMENTS
Hi ok I have a major problem! I have been going out with this guy for about 2 months now, but I never see him because its summer. He never calls me, which makes it worse. I had to call him one time to actually try to talk to him and we didn’t even talk that long! ): Anyways since I haven’t been able to see my boyfriend I am kinda crushing on my neighbor who I see and hang out with ALOT! (: But idk what to do should I stay with my boyfriend (who I never see) or go for my neighbor! Help me plz!
-Confused
The key to any relationship is communication and it sounds like that is exactly what's missing here. Call your boyfriend and arrange a time to meet up. If that's not possible, then just have the conversation over the phone. Let him know what it is you need in a boyfriend (ahem, some one who actually talks to you) and that aren't really happy in your relationship. If he seems like he's not willing to change, or you think you no longer want to be in that relationship, then maybe it's time to end it. There's no point in being in a relationship with someone you never see or talk to. Explain that to him. As for the neighbor, if you end things with your boyfriend, there's no reason not to go for the boy next door.
-Alli
SCORCHING SUMMER DRAMA GOT YOU HOT UNDER THE COLLAR? CLICK HERE to submit your own summer woe to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY ANDREA T. ON 7/24/2008 6:07:00 PM 73 COMMENTS
My older sister just ran away to London about a month ago. She was never really nice to me or anything but when she left it hurt me a lot. It probably hurt my mom about 10 times more. I have to basically force my mom to eat. My dad doesn't really care and he isn't helping my mom much at all. So I feel like everything has basically fallen on me to take care of. It was really hard having to be in school, and it's even harder being home alone during the summer. My sister still hasn't talked to my family except to say
that she's safe. How can I handle this? And how can I handle my mom? Help please!
-Anonymous
Wow! She ran away… to a completely different continent!? That’s pretty major. I can definitely understand that your parents are upset about it (though they may show it in different ways) and that may put a lot of pressure on you. But don’t take it upon yourself to clean up your sister’s messes. You shouldn’t have to worry about taking care of your mom – just try to help her cope. Cheer her up whenever you can, but don’t become her mom. It’s understandable that she’s upset, but she still has to take responsibility for herself and her remaining family. Just do your best to be there for her and give her moral support because I’m sure she’s extremely worried about your sister.
And try not to take it personally, either. Your sister didn’t leave because of you. She most likely left because of her own personal problems and desire to be independent. Just hope that she does ok for herself and learn from her mistakes – learn how to handle a situation like hers in a better way that doesn’t hurt so many people.
<3 Jessie M.
SCORCHING SUMMER DRAMA GOT YOU HOT UNDER THE COLLAR? CLICK HERE to submit your own summer woe to be answered on Girl Talk!
BY ANDREA T. ON 7/17/2008 10:29:00 AM 137 COMMENTS