Best of Friends

I have found something very rare at this school that I did not know I needed. I have found an honest-to-God best friend. At my old school I had friends, sure. I talked to them -- even though they annoyed me every now and then. But, I was never truly close to them. When I first arrived here, I knew only a few people. I followed those people around like a puppy for the first couple weeks.

Then I met Carly. She called me tall. I called her short. Instant friendship. I eventually met the rest of Carly's friends. The final one I met was Barbara. At first I understood her. She was fun and didn't have a care in the world. I liked her attitude.

After awhile I have to admit I became slightly annoyed. It wasn't until I heard her story that I gained absolute and utmost respect for her. I understood why she is the way she is. We are now absolute best friends. I love having the smallest conversations with her because I feel like her mind is always in the same place as mine.

Whenever something exciting happens, I go and tell her. I can talk to her about boys, family problems, school problems, whatever. Whenever something horrible happens, I swore to myself I will never tell anyone. I go and tell her that, too. I can't understand how people live without a true best friend in their life that is constantly there because now after I know what I have been missing, I won't want to go on without it. Best friends should be a term taken seriously. We are like peas and carrots . :) She is my true bffe!

Stress

Tough day?....Feeling stressed-out? I know, we all have our tough moments, days, weeks, and sometimes even months. The fact is, in your adolescent years, teenagers are the most stressed. The reason for this is because it is the biggest change you will ever have to go through in your life. You are trying to discover who you want to be.

75% of the population experiences some stress every 2 weeks but how do we deal with this? Some people can't take it and they break out in hives or have panic attacks. You can actually increase your stress tolerance. Every stress you feel is actually caused by how you perceive the situation--not the event itself. Sports are an effective way to get your mind off things. Meditation can also be helpful. What I like to do is make lists. If I have many things due Friday. I make a list, title it "Things Due Friday," and prioritize 1 through 10 etc.

Venting helps too but be sure you vent to someone you can trust. Vent to a best friend who will listen well. Avoid people who interrupt you or barge in with their own stories or add more to your plate.

All in all, STAY IN THERE! There's always someone out there who is going through a similar situation. We can all make it through tough situations together.