O.K. Well there's this girl at school and she lives down the street from me. We used to be realy close when we were little, but now we don’t really talk anymore. She's more of a popular, athletic person and I'm more band geekish. Anyways, her parents are getting divorced because of some really, really complicated problems going on with her family that I think really embarrass her (I won’t say what they are), and a lot of people are finding out. I don’t know why I feel so bad for her, but now for some reason I want to hang out with her and just be there for her and be her friend! She moved to a new house with her mom and I don’t see her around the neighborhood, so I dont know when to talk to her. She looks kind of sad at school. Please help me!!!

-elmos_world_lalalala'

Hi elmos_world_lalala,
I think that it is totally, super sweet of you to want to help this girl. I admire the fact that you want to be her friend out of pure goodness of your heart. I'm sure that she would love to know that you care about her and would love to be your friend. I think you should try telling her exactly what you've said here. If you don't feel comfortable going up to her in person, send her an email, IM or a note at school. If there's no other way to contact her though, I would catch her at a quiet alone time and tell her how you feel. Let her know that you respect the situation that she's going through and that you don't need to know the details but if she wants to just hang out you'd be there for her. And, of course, if she does want to talk about things you'd be more than happy to lend an ear. She may not trust her secrets with you right off the bat, because she doesn't know you very well, but she may enjoy the company of someone who is not involved in all her family problems. Let her know that you've noticed she's been lookin a little down and out lately and that you're worried about her. Just the fact that you've even noticed and care about her should help her to open up. You're social differences shouldn't matter here. I think you'd be a great friend and even if she decides to reject your offer of friendship, there are a ton of girls who would consider themselves lucky to be your friend. I hope this helps!

Much Love,
Drea

3/14/2007 1:01:37 AM