Teen Throbs. Ask Josie #4
Got a problem? Need some advice? Josie Davis from Charles In Charge is here to help you through the trials and tribulations of growing up in the ’90s!Dear Josie: Lately, I have been really depressed. I’ve been having family problems. My mom and dad have been fighting all the time. My brother is a pesky little brat. My sister is a teenager and you know that phase that teens go through? She’s going through that phase and I cannot get adjusted to it. And on top it all off, I’m having problems with my friends. Can you please tell me some advice to make me feel better? Signed, Depressed Dear Depressed: Usually when you’re depressed it’s because you haven’t been getting you own way. We’ll always be unhappy if we try to control the behavior of the people around us. Often, when you think everyone around you is turning into idiots, you’re the idiot. When I’m happy, it always seems that everyone around me is happy. Try smiling a lot. Maybe your family will catch the habit. Love, Josie
Dear Josie: My mother and father were declared “unfit” by the judge to be my parents, so I live with my grandfather, who is in a wheelchair when he’s not in bed. He doesn’t want me to have boys in my room. He thinks we’re scamming on each other. I told him I’d rather be living with my mother and father. They used to get drunk and fight a lot, but they gave me my freedom. How can I get my grandfather to stop treating me like a prisoner? Signed, Prisoner Dear Prisoner: I can’t act like a “television star” in my own house and do what I want to. My brother and I have to abide by the house rules. If my mom says I’m not allowed to bring boys into my bedroom, then that’s it. As long as you’re in your grandfather’s house (and by the way, that’s very nice of him to take you in), you’re obliged to respect his wishes. After all, it’s not like he’s forbidding you to have friends that are boys – he just wants you to entertain them somewhere else than in your own room. Love, Josie
Dear Josie: I went out with an 11-year-old boy named James and we broke up. Then another girl went with him, and they broke up. I still love him a lot and want to go with him. What should I do? Signed, Worse Girlfriend Dear Worse Girlfriend: Perhaps you’re attracted to the wrong person. When you plan a relationship (and it’s a good idea to think and plan ahead), check out your motives. If you’re attracted to someone simply because of their looks. you can make a very big mistake. It’s an old cliche, “You can’t judge a book by its cover,” but it’s true. It’s more important that someone’s a good person than just that they are physically attractive. Love, Josie
Dear Josie: I have this problem! I want this new phone but my mom won’t let me have one because I’m only 10 years old. But I think I’m capable of having one! Signed, Babyface Dear Babyface: When you’re 10 years old, your judgement is no where as good as your mother’s – so please, just listen to her! Love, Josie