Your dad is strict because he loves you, but strictness can be overbearing. Tell your dad you respect his rules and know he cares about you, but that it’d be nice if he loosened up a bit. Let him know an occasional kind word goes a long way. Also, maybe your mom could discuss this with your dad instead of your aunt.

 

It’s great to make new friends…but for the right reasons—not just because they’re popular. So assuming you genuinely dig these girls, here’s the scoop: Instead of approaching the whole crew at once, strike up one-on-one conversations—at your lockers, in the lunch line or in gym class. Initiate chit-chat about Professor Yawn’s sleep-inducing tirades on Civil War cannons, or something like, “Oh, super. Meatloaf on the cafeteria menu…again.” If she laughs or pipes in, consider the ice broken. And don’t forget to smile!

 

Just because your boyfriend thinks the new girl is pretty, it does not mean he’s going to dump you. It means he’s a normal guy, who notices girls and talks to his friends about it. It doesn’t mean he thinks she’s prettier than you or that he wants to go out with her. Don’t make more out of it than what it is. Be honest—don’t you notice when a new guy is cute? That doesn’t mean you like your BF less. However, if he obsesses over other girls or shamelessly flirts, you might want to consider dumping him!

 

First, ask your friend how she feels about it. If she is totally opposed to a relationship between you and her brother, respect that. After all, things could get pretty awkward if you and your friend’s brother were to break up—she’d be stuck in the middle, so it’s important to honor your friendship. But if your bud is fine with it, go ahead and let her brother know the feelings are mutual.