Hey girl, I’m sorry you feel so unhappy right now.  You can try talking to your parents first, but it sounds like moving might not be the best option for your family because of the job issue. Instead of just picking up and moving, let’s try to fix the situation at hand so you can (happily!) stay put where you are.

It’s tough to live in a place that makes you feel uncomfortable or sad, and even tougher when the rest of your family is living somewhere else.  On top of that, having a group of friends that you’re not too fond of doesn’t help the situation either, but there are some ways that you can cheer up without having to call a moving truck.

Every town has its good and bad qualities. Even though you’ve been noticing the bad more than the good lately, try to turn your mind to all of the positives. Does your town show late-night movies in the park? Is there a really good ice cream place down the block? Try to pick out all of your favorite activities in town, and do them often.  You can even visit the local community center or search the web for fun events in your area, which will remind you of how enjoyable your hometown can actually be.

Make new friends

It’s time to improve your mood by making some new amigos. Befriend acquaintances from school, camp, volunteering or your part-time job. Making just one new friend that you love hanging out with can make a bad sitch totally bearable. And once you’re introduced to your new bud’s social circle, just think of all the possibilities! See? Life’s not so dull, after all.

Visit more often

Just ‘cause you’re living in one town doesn’t mean you have to be stuck there 24/7.  Since you had such a great time with your other family members, see if your parents will let you visit them more often. Perhaps you can stay a week over the holidays or spring break. Calling or visiting them more often might get rid of your hometown blues and make you realize that they’re not as far away as you may think.

Talk to the ‘rents

If you’ve tried everything else and are still feeling down, have a serious talk with your parents, but come prepared.  Make a list of all the reasons why you’d want to move, and how that move will make your life—and theirs—better. Leaving your hometown is a big deal, so you have to remember that it not only affects you, but the rest of your family too.  You can also work with your parents to figure out exactly what it is you don’t like about the town, and see if there’s anything they can do to change that and make your life more enjoyable.

Good luck, chica!

by GL | 2/1/2016