High school: the most exciting and nerve racking time. 

With clubs and sports and academics and mental health, it can be a lot.

Throughout the good times and the bad, many students, and people throughout the world, have questions.

I sent out a survey where people can anonymously ask any questions. While I can’t answer every question, I’ll try my best to give the best advice. 

QUESTION: How do I let go of someone I stopped being friends with months ago but I can’t seem to stop missing them? (Voorhees, NJ)

   First, it’s okay to not get over a friendship immediately. Most of the time, you guys were really close and knew almost everything about each other. I bet it’s not just me when I say this, but friendship breakups hurt so much more than a breakup with a significant other. Second, getting over someone leaving your life takes time so be patient. 

  The most you can do is try to cut them out of your life completely. I know it sounds harsh, but trust me. Block or unfollow them on social media. Seeing them with new friends can be hard when you haven’t fully moved on.

And I’m aware that blocking them is really hard, but after you do, you’ll feel so much better.  Also, you’re gonna wanna delete old messages and photos and videos. 

  One last thing, surround yourself with your friends. Eventually, you’ll start to see why the friendship ended and you won’t want them back. It takes a bit of time, but eventually they’ll just be an old memory. 

QUESTION: How do I balance friendships, a social life and school? (Voorhees, NJ)

   It’s so important to have friends and hobbies, but it’s also important to maintain your academic life. Something important is to schedule yourself. Make sure you have time for everything so you don’t overwork yourself.

Along with managing friends, academics and hobbies, you also need to make sure you’re managing your mental health and taking that into account. Especially in high school, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the thrill. We often bite off more than we can chew. When we realize this, we’re often “in too deep.”

   As far as friends, hangout with them at lunch, play the game Pigeon with them on messages or study with them, in person or online. Personally, I enjoy coffee shops with friends and doing homework. It’s a nice way to focus on school work while still enjoying the company of  friends. Most likely, you are friends because you share an interest, a common ground. Why not join a club together? It’s an easy way to keep each other grounded while also doing something you love.

QUESTION: How do I ask someone out? (Berlin, NJ)

 Asking someone out is scary. There are many needs to be taken into account. For example, you should probably find out if the person you like likes your gender. And if they are single. If they aren’t single and/or don’t like your gender, that’s okay. It hurts for a bit, but you’ll move on.

You’ll find someone who really likes you but if the person does like your gender then go for it. 

Find out what they like, do something cute. I think we all remember when Nick Jonas sang “Introducing Me in Camp Rock 2” to ask out a girl and just wanting that exact experience. Go on Pinterest and find some cute poster ideas or you could channel your inner Disney Channel and write a cheesy, but adorable, song.

,Or you could go really simple and just give them a phone call. Regardless of what you do, I wish you the best of luck. If they say no, you’ll have your friends and hopefully, family to fall back on until it doesn’t hurt anymore. 

QUESTION: He hurt me, but I can’t seem to get over him. (Berlin, NJ)

  So let’s just talk about the fact that you acknowledge the fact that he hurt you. Most people can’t even come to terms with the fact that they got hurt. I don’t know the full story or what he did, but I’m sure it wasn’t good.

My guess is you don’t miss him, though you’re telling yourself you do. You miss the good memories. 

 You miss the laughs and the cute moments. And that’s all you can think about. And you’re trying to forget what he did. That saying, if your friends haven’t forced you to already: block him! Block him on everything. Also, stop looking at those old pictures! And get rid of all those little things he got you, whether it was a hoodie or a stuffed animal, throw it out, you need it out of your life. 

  If you see him around school, make sure he absolutely knows you’re doing so much better without him.

One last thing that I cannot stress enough: be patient.

Getting over someone takes time and is very tedious, but you’ll be okay.

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