Law School Acceptance Makes Friend Jealous
DEAR HARRIETTE: I told my friend that I got into law school, and immediately I could see a shift in energy -- she was jealous of me. We have both been applying to law schools, and she didn't get into any of her top choices. I was already hesitant to tell her, but I felt weird trying to keep it a secret from her. When I shared the news, I expected her to be happy for me because we have supported each other throughout this entire application process. We spent months talking about entrance exams, personal statements, interviews and our dreams for the future.
Instead of congratulating me, my friend became distant and seemed uninterested in what I had to say. She changed the subject and made a few comments that felt dismissive of my accomplishment. Since then, she has barely responded to my texts and has not brought up my acceptance once. I didn't picture this friend as the jealous type, so it hurts that she is acting this way toward me. I don't want to come across as insensitive to her situation, but I also don't think it's fair that I have to downplay my success to make someone else feel better. How can I repair the relationship? -- Jealous
DEAR JEALOUS: Give your friend time. While she did not handle this situation well at all, what's happening is that she is disappointed in herself and most likely embarrassed that you got in and, thus far, she has not. Do your best not to take her behavior personally; honestly, it has nothing to do with you. She is feeling vulnerable, isolated and panicked.
You don't have to downplay your accomplishment, but you cannot look to her for affirmation. Turn to your larger world for that. As far as your friend is concerned, let her know you love her, and give her space.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My crush is moving soon, and I'm considering asking him for his number before he goes. I've been interested in him for more than a year now, but I've been far too shy to express romantic interest. Instead, we've seen each other at parties and interacted mostly as friends of friends. Although that's not my ultimate goal with him, it gave me a chance to see if my crush was someone I should try to pursue. Now that he's leaving, I think it's time to be more direct. Our mutual friend let me know that my crush has been waiting for me to say something all year and would be surprised by how long I waited to say something. Would asking for his number now be worth it, or has the ship sailed? -- Say Something
DEAR SAY SOMETHING: If your crush knew you were interested and didn't speak up while you also didn't say anything, it seems that both of you must be shy. Don't let this moment pass. Reach out to him and express your interest. Ask for his number and, more important, ask for a date before he leaves.
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(Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)
Copyright 2026, Harriette Cole
COPYRIGHT 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. This feature may not be reproduced or distributed electronically, in print or otherwise without the written permission of Andrews McMeel Syndication.
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