Teen wonders how to stop offensive friends
See if you can pick up some jobs or chores to make money to put toward a dress and your ticket.
My own choice when I'm looking for "formal wear" is to scour consignment shops or the Goodwill or Salvation Army store for previously owned vintage dresses. You'd be surprised what bargains you can find -- and vintage is cool right now. There are also "gown exchanges" available in some locations. (For my own high school prom, I wore my older sister's homemade hand-me-down dress and still managed to have a good time. You can, too -- and I hope you will.) (April, 2009)
Dear Amy: I am a freshman in high school. I am a smart, friendly, nice girl, and until recently, had high self-esteem. Recently, a lot of my friends have been flaunting boyfriends, and I am very jealous. No boy has told me he likes me. I think I am very attractive, and I try to be nice to everyone. What am I doing wrong and why has no one liked me yet? How can I raise my self-esteem?
-- Anonymous
Dear Anonymous: People are ready for relationships at different ages -- and everyone has a unique way of trying to get what he or she wants. You aren't doing anything wrong. If you want to go to a dance with someone, then ask him to go in a group with friends. Commit yourself to activities that make you feel good; music, drama, art and sports all present opportunities for you to get to know other fantastic teens, like you. (Dec., 2009)
Dear Readers: Are you curious about my background and life outside of the confines of this space? Read my two memoirs: "The Mighty Queens of Freeville" and "Strangers Tend to Tell Me Things," available wherever books are sold or borrowed.
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(You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: ASKAMY@amydickinson.com. Readers may send postal mail to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or "like" her on Facebook.)
