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166 The Teen Survival Guide to Dating and Relating
My old best friend is acting like
she doesn’t like me anymore
Hey Terra,
My best friend has been like part of my family for eight years. Even our parents are good
friends. Two years ago, we moved to another state for my dad’s job. My friend and I wrote to
each other a lot, and she came here for two weeks last summer. I also visited her during
Christmas vacation. Now my family is moving back to my old town, though I’ll be going to a
new school. My friend will be at that school, too. But now, all of a sudden, she acts like she
doesn’t want me as her friend anymore. I don’t know anybody else at the school, so what
am I going to do?New KidDear New Kid,
Although you and your friend have continued communicating and seeing each other occa-
sionally, that’s not the same as going to the same school every day. Two years is a long time.
You’ve changed a lot during that time and so has she. This is just a guess, but maybe your
friend felt in competition with you and when you left, she didn’t have to deal with that any-
more. Now that you’re coming back, she might be experiencing some of that old rivalry you
never knew about. Or perhaps she’s made new friends in your absence, and she somehow
feels as if she can’t be friends with both you and them at the same time.
Of course, you won’t really know what’s going on with her until you’re settled in your
new home and you have a chance to talk to her about her feelings. For now, give your friend
the space she obviously wants. In a few weeks, invite her over to talk and listen to what she
has to say.
As for you, there’s lots to do to get ready for the move. While you’re packing, imagine
yourself in the new school, where you’ll have opportunities to meet new people and make
new friends. This is a chance for you to start fresh. Because you know how to be a true friend,
it should be easier. Good luck in your new school!In friendship,
Terra