Advice Column

Ask the L

Dear L

     I am facing a serious dilemma. I love having the company of my cousin but every time she comes over a few items of mine come up missing. I want to confront her but I don’t want to hurt her feelings but this has to stop. How can I approach her? Do I stop her from coming to my house or do I demand that she return my items and yell at her?  I need help!

~Losing Possessions

Dear Possession less:

    If you are certain that your cousin is the person stealing your belongings, then you need to confront her immediately, before she takes something of great value. If she admits it and returns the items, then you can decide if you want her to continue coming around. If she denies that she is the thief, then don’t invite her over anymore. If she values your relationship, she will try to fix the situation. In any case, she bears watching
Dear L:

How do you ask for respect from adults without coming off rude or disrespectful?

~Wanting Respect

Dear Wanting Respect:

    Everyone wants to be respected; young people included. If you feel you are not being respected, ask for it. The key here is you attitude and your tone. If you are giving respect, you have a right to ask for it.

Dear L:

When is the right time to start trusting someone with your heart?

~Heart in a Pickle

Dear Questionable Heart: Trusting your heart to another always involves some risk. Time usually reveals the truth of what we seek if we are patient enough to wait it out. Observe what that person does vs what he/she says. Is he/she kind, honest, respectful; faithful? As a general rule, we cherish and protect what we love. A relationship is the same way. How does yours size up? If you observe these attributes, you’ll know when it is time to trust your heart to another.

Dear L:

I am really hating school right now. As a senior, I already wish it was graduation time. I hate getting up in the morning; going to school, atteding class and doing assignments. How can I keep from loosing my mind?

Dear You Need to Grow Up: The advice I have for you is simple…grow up now or life will soon get your attention!