The Problem is Me!

I have a problemo! I always have like stuffed animals for a bunch of reasons (soft, cute, cuddly) but I’m 12 going on 13 REALLY soon! Wahoo! I think I need to move on from stuffed animals…or at least stop buying them! I have my bunny toy, which has been mine since I was a baby. I cannot sleep without it and I’m fine with that, but whenever I see a very cute teddy I can’t stop myself from going “Aww, so cute!” and wanting to buy it. I mean it’s not as bad as it sounds but I feel less mature when I see something like that. How can I stop myself from falling in luv with everything soft and cuddly and well stuffed-animally?
I have another problem too! Thanks 4 bearing with me! I can never REALLY be myself. Like in school I feel so shy and stuff…and I’m NOT shy at all! I can’t find anything to say either. I don’t know. My friends are like totally random so I could basically say ANYTHING…from talking about boys to touching your tongue to your nose. Haha! But I can NEVER think of anything to say! How can I find stuff to say and be myself more in school? Thanks!
- tatertot
Hey Tater Tot,
Whoever said stuffed animals are just for babies is completely wrong! I’m 20 years old and I absolutely LOVE stuffed animals. I have a collection of more than 50 at home! In fact, I have a little stuffed lamb I sleep with every night appropriately named Lamb Lamb (creative huh?). Your love for all things soft and cuddly is not a problem and is definitely not something to be ashamed about.
But I can totally understand wanting to seem more mature. Maybe you could only buy stuffed animals you really, really want and have your parents give you stuffed animals as a present on holidays. Everyone has something quirky about them—it just so happens we love stuffed animals.
It can be difficult to be yourself in middle school, but there is only one person you can be—yourself! Since you’re not shy, I’m sure you have tons of great things to say, you just need to open up a little! Next time your friends are talking about something you find interesting, feel free to jump in and tell a story or share a funny moment. If they’re your real friends, they won’t judge you and they’ll accept you exactly as you are. Best of luck!
- Ciao bella,
L’Oreal
BY ANDREA T. ON 5/12/2008 8:24:00 AM 110 COMMENTS

I've got a problem. I get worked up over the smallest things, like really small. Like once I accidentally dialed the wrong number and a stranger picked up, I couldn’t stop feeling embarrassed. And today in class I saw my friend had her homework out that we were going to correct in about 10 minutes. And I thought we weren’t allowed to change our answers in class so I leant over to see if I was sure it was the home work (I didn’t want to get in trouble if I did change my answers last minute) well I was right, so I got mine out and changed an answered because I saw a spelling mistake. She told the teacher I copied her and a couple of my friends and I still feel embarrassed about it when I wasn’t even copying. The people who do know about it didn’t mention it or anything, they probably don’t remember but I still feel embarrassed. How do I stop overreacting in things like this and get rid of this feeling when I don’t need to feel it? Please, please help. Thanks.
-strawberryapple
Hey Strawberry apple,
As the old saying goes, “There’s no use in crying over spilled milk.” Basically, there’s no point in getting yourself all worked up about the little things—they’re not worth your time and effort. If you let the little things bother you, then you’re always going to be upset.
There are more important things to go crazy over—an embarrassing moment is not the end of the world even though it may feel like it at the time. Blush Much moments happen to everyone all the time. I’ve heard that laughter is often the best medicine and I think it’s true. Whenever you find yourself in an embarrassing moment, instead of going crazy, laugh about it.
Being able to laugh at yourself shows you’re comfortable with yourself and you’re confident. It also shows you’ve got a chill attitude because you’re not worried about what other people are thinking. Before you get worked up about something really small again, ask yourself if it’s really worth it and if it’s not, then just shrug it off.
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
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BY ANDREA T. ON 5/5/2008 8:38:00 AM 172 COMMENTS

I am on the computer 24/7! I want to cutback, but I can’t help it. How can I resist cyber temptation?
-LoveToDance
Hey there girl,
You’re not the only one with this problem. Once upon a time, computers didn’t exist and we didn’t have the Internet. But now, thanks to advances in modern technology, some people can’t stand the thought of living without their laptops, iPods, PDAs, etc. So how did people live before there were computers?
Back in the day, way back when my parents were little kids, they played outside everyday! Great idea, right? Not only do you get to make new friends or hang out with new friends, you’re also being active and getting way more exercise than you would if you were sitting behind your computer.
Some of my fave non-computer activities: reading a magazine, catching up on a good book, trying out new recipes with my friends, shopping with my sister, working out, etc. The possibilities are endless, you just have to make the first step! So shut down your PC and slowly back away! Get out there and have some fun!
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
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BY JIAE K. ON 4/28/2008 12:00:00 AM 157 COMMENTS

I know it’s a little dumb to admit it, but I am scared to go on planes. For spring break we are going across the country on a 7-hour plane ride! I’m so scared. Can u give me a little advice to pass time?
-Hubba
Hey there hon,
A fear of flying is completely normal. Probably the best way to keep your mind off of your fear is to forget about it. Seven hours is ideal for a nice, long nap. Slip in your headphones, pump up the volume and enjoy your nap!
When I have a long flight ahead of me, I pack a couple of magazines and some good books to get me through it. If you get really into your book, you’ll be landing before you know it! The most important thing is to remain calm and relaxed. You’re in good hands—the pilot is a professional. If you need anything else to make you feel comfortable, such as a pillow or a blanket, feel free to ask a flight attendant.
Lots of love,
L’Oreal
BY JIAE K. ON 4/21/2008 12:00:00 AM 172 COMMENTS