GL AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2019 47him for a long time, then lost touch
and she started to like him. Now we
all talk and text. She and I openly
talk to each other about liking him,
assuming he won’t like either of us
back—but now I am starting to worry
about what happens if he starts to
like one of us? If he liked her back, I’d
become closer friends with him, and
I’d honestly be OK with that. But if
he likes me back, I don’t know what
she’d do. We can’t just ask him who
he likes because it’s awkward and we
would lose him as a friend. Basically,
one, how do we find out who he likes?
And two, if he likes me, how do I keep
from ruining my friendship with her?of our births, don’t you think? As for reli-
gion, it’s ideal to learn from each other’s
beliefs and values and traditions but, in
the big picture and the long run, being on
the same page about such major matters
does make a difference, especially if you
intertwine your life with someone else’s.
The important question now is whether
this boy is noticing how special you are. If
he is, great. If not, yank out Cupid’s arrow
and you’ll see that there are plenty of
other guys out there.MY LIFE IS A CLICHÉ
One of my best friends and I like the
same guy. We’re 14 and he’s 15, and
we go to different schools. I likedmy heaviness as a 6. Right now, I
sleep in pads though it’s incredibly
uncomfortable. Should I start wear-
ing tampons? Or am I too young?Dear Tweenage Troubles,
I don’t think you’re too young for tam-
pons, but there’s also no rush. Tampons
come in light, regular and super absor-
bencies, and pads and liners also come in
thin and thicker sizes with and without
wings. Pads may feel bulky or unwieldy
at first, but keep trying different kinds
because they should not feel “incredibly
uncomfortable.” Even when you do switch
to tampons, it’s smart to have pads on
hand because your period will vary. It may
be lighter on one day, heavier the next.
You’ll figure this out—we all do!I LIKE A PLAYER
I need a little help from someone
more professional than my friends.
I am 15 and have fallen for a guy
whom people call a “player.” He is
perfect and, in my opinion, every-
thing about him seems so amazing
except for that “player” label (and
possibly the fact that he is a devout
Christian—not that I have any-
thing against it, it’s just that he isn’t
open to other religions). He’s actually
not very experienced, but flirts with
every girl he lays eyes on. I know
that’s bad news, but he really struck
some type of chord with me—and I
cannot seem to get him off my mind.
I looked into zodiac signs. Appar-
ently, our signs make amazing cou-
ples and long-lasting relationships!
Anyway, do you think it’s a good idea
to continue on this route? Or should I
be worried about his reputation?Dear I Like a Player,
Many reputations are based on pure
gossip, so that’s not my main concern.
And it’s normal and fun to have a crush,
so why not enjoy those feelings? But hold
onto your head and keep getting to know
him rather than imagining he’s perfect for
you now and forever. As for the zodiac, a
lot goes into who we are besides the dateJUDGY
One of my best friends is very judgmental. We always argue about
why I do certain things. I try not to argue back, but it doesn’t work,
and I end up annoyed. Then later, we will get along like nothing
happened. Otherwise, she’s amazing—and I don’t want to lose her.Dear Judgy,
Here’s what not to say: “You’re so judgmental, and I’m sick of it!” Here’s
what you can say: “I may be oversensitive, but sometimes I feel like you
criticize me a lot. I really value our friendship, and it makes me feel bad
when you make harsh comments about my choices.” Keep reaching out to
others, too. It’s important to have friends who cheer you on rather than
drag you down. You’ll find them.life
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