Dear Margaret,
All my life I have wanted to go to the prom my junior year. However, I lack a date to go with. Do you think it’s acceptable for a girl to go to the prom alone?
-Can’t Brag Cuz I’m Stag
Dear Can’t Brag Cuz You’re Stag,
You should brag because you’re stag! A woman should never depend on a man to feel adequate. It is absolutely acceptable to go to the prom by yourself. What other people think should not be of importance to you. Relax and have a good time, regardless of conflicting opinions.
-Margaret
Dear Margaret,
My boyfriend and I just recently broke up. Unfortunately, we have already paid our prom dues to attend the prom together. I cannot be civil long enough to spend the evening with him because he broke my heart, but he still wants to go with me. What should I do?
-Foo! No More Of You!
Dear Foo! No More Of You!,
You have to be the mature adult about this situation. If you don’t want to go with him, nicely explain your reasoning, and simply don’t go with him. If you can move ahead instead of focusing on the past, this evening could be an experiment as to whether or not you can still be friends. Look at the evening optimistically instead of pessimistically. You might find you’ll actually enjoy yourself.
-Margaret
Dear Margaret,
My boyfriend always beats me emotionally and is very abusive. I really love him and I just don’t know how to ask him to stop. What do I do?
-Beaten in the Heart
Dear Beaten in the Heart,
This relationship is very dangerous. I understand that you love him, but if he loved you, he would not beat you. You should talk to a guidance counselor or another trusted adult who will help you develop the strength to either leave him or confront him about the issue. There are also various programs available to help abusers. It would be wise to get him into one of these programs whether or not you decide to leave him. If he gets help now, he will be less likely to abuse others in the future.
-Margaret
Dear Margaret,
I am a senior and will be graduating soon. All of my friends seem to be really happy about it, but I am just scared. Every time I think about leaving high school and going out on my own, I nearly have a panic attack. How do I get over this fear and move on with my life?
-Nervous Nellie
Dear Nervous Nellie,
It is very understandable that you are afraid. Graduation signals the end of a very important time in your life. Once you leave high school, the comforts of everything you know are also gone. Unfortunately, this is just a fact of life. Try not to look at the future as leaving your past behind. View it as a new tomorrow. Whether you are going to college or entering the work force, this time of your life is there for you to make your own. Your future is up to you. Don’t think too far ahead though. Just try to enjoy the moment, because once it is over, it will never come again.
-Margaret
