I get teased A LOT in school! I am in seventh grade. People always find a way to be ridiculously rude to me! People say I'm ugly and call me mean names all the time. Some kid started a rumor that I had lice, and it's really just dandruff! It's still going around.

Hey hon, I wish there was a magic wand to wave and make all of your troubles be gone in a flash. Unfortunately, there’s no magic spell to stamp out teasing. Middle school can be a rough time (I know it was for me!) and kids your age can be especially rude.

When I was in middle school, boys in my class called me ugly all the time. One guy even called me “Krusty the Clown” because my lips were chapped one day. It was just plain awful and it definitely hurt. I wrote about it in my journal—it helped me feel better to get all my emotions out. Perhaps finding a creative outlet, such as writing, drawing, acting or even playing sports, can help you.

But you can’t let your classmates get the best of you. Instead of responding to their rudeness, ignore them. It’s not easy, but if you give into the rumors, it'll only make things worse. Most of the time, bullies are looking for a fight. Don’t waste your time and energy on them. If you keep it cool, they’ll get bored and leave you alone. If they won't let up don't be afraid to privately confront your profs and tell 'em that you're being teased. You're a great person and you deserve to be treated with respect!

You know the truth and so do your real friends. Honestly, that’s all that matters. People will always have something to say, but if you hold your head high and do your own thing, you’ll come across as the classy one. Think of Taylor Swift when Kanye rudely interrupted her VMA acceptance speech. She responded with grace and dignity, and so can you! Good luck, girl!

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12/3/2009 7:00:00 AM