| Ask the Chief |
| The Metacomet Advice Column |
Dear Chief,
My friend and I obsess over the same boy and we don’t know what to do to stop the obsessing.
Always,
Girls with Infatuations
P.S. It tends to interfere with our studies.
Dear Girls with Infatuations,
I think that the best way to stop the obsessing is to just get your minds on something else. Go to the mall, the movies, or read a book. Just remind yourselves that, he is only a boy, and by the time you are out of high school you probably won’t even remember who he is. Also, the fact that you both like him could cause a problem. Sometimes it may seem like a boy is more important than a friendship, but that is not the case. After reading your letter it does not seem like the boy is causing a rift in your friendship, however, if he does start to, remember that the friendship you two have is better than any relationship with a guy. This is another reason to stop obsessing, if you stop liking him now, you can avoid fights in your friendship later. Also, if he is causing you to neglect your schoolwork, you really need to try to get him off your mind, you don’t want a boy to be the reason why you fail a test! So just remember, school is more important than he is, and if you still feel like obsessing, just do it after all your homework is done! So, all in all, obsessing over a boy really isn’t a big deal, it happens to everyone once in their lives, so just keep in mind that your friendship, and school work are more important than this boy.
Dear Chief,
My friend “Hilda” likes to party. Hilda’s partying habits have led her to participate in risky behavior that I do not think is safe. This behavior also worries Hilda, because she does not want to deal with the consequences of her acts. I want her to be safe, but I don’t want to tell her parents. What should I do?
Sincerely,
A Concerned Friend
Dear Concerned Friend,
First of all I would like to say that “Hilda” is very lucky to have you as a friend, because you seem to care a lot about her well being. I feel that the best thing to do to help Hilda is talk to her first, and tell her how concerned you are. If she knows that someone cares about her, she may be less likely to participate in this risky behavior. If your concern for her does not stop this behavior, you really should get an adult involved. A teacher you trust, or guidance counselor can help, since you want to avoid her parents. However, one of the best ways to get your friend to stop this behavior is to tell her parents. I am almost positive they would want to know what is going on with their daughter. And Hilda may get upset with you, but wouldn’t you rather have her mad at you than know she is putting her health and safety at risk every time she parties? So, although going to her parents may seem like a huge no, it may be the best way to help your troubled friend.
Sincerely,
The Chief
Write to the CHIEF! Drop a letter into the “Ask the Chief” box in Room 101 (Mrs. Martin).
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