Dear Not-Awesome,

Sorry, just by messaging me you are automatically added to the top 10% of the most awesome people worldwide. It’s a very exclusive club.

Your membership sunglasses and leather jacket will be arriving by mail in 8-10 business days.

Welcome to the club,

Dear Future Chef,

I don’t know what you mean about owning my own show, I’m just in junior high but that would totally be fabulous!!!

I definitely agree that you should ask for their honest opinion. As much as compliments feel good, if you truly want to make cooking your career, sincerity is what will help. Just remember that they’re doing it out of love, so be open minded to their comments and not take them personally!

All the best, my darling, and I hope one day you’ll invite me on your cooking show! ♥

Love and hugs,

Dear Stress-Ridden,

I know how you feel. I worked many summers in my mother’s flower shop, and even as a pre-teen who cared as much about flowers as I did my shoe laces (probably even less) I was astounded by the stupidity of some people. I coped by writing it all in a journal… all the dumb questions and ridiculous people. It may have been stressful at the time, but looking back through that journal is hilarious. Kill them with kindness and then rant with pen and paper once they’re gone. It works, I swear!

Love,

Dear F,

Thanks man, means a lot!

Congrats! Learning an instrument is something to be proud of in itself, and the fact that you’ve got a band is a great place to be.

I totally hear you, man. I had a buddy who got kicked out of his band because the guy whose basement they practised in had a girlfriend who hit on my friend and the guy got jealous. 

I’d say put up with their… youngness at least until a better opportunity presents itself. If you’re not happy there, it’s not going to be a good scene. On the other hand, you don’t want to burn any bridges if these guys smarten up in the next couple years. Wait it out for awhile. Ask if they want to make the band a priority, and suggest they take it more seriously. Chances are they look up to you, and you hold the power there.

Rock on (not in a lame cheesy way, obviously),

Dear Redited this SO much,

That is so wonderful that you have those strengths! A good place to start is talking to someone who shares the same skills and interests as you, maybe  a team-mate in one of the sports you play! It may be uncomfortable at first but common interests are a great foundation in a friendship! :)

Good luck!! :)

From,

Dear LAAED,

Darn! I was going to suggest getting involved with the Digimon ‘fandom’ online, especially since tumblr has quite an active one.

Aside from that, if you’re truly looking for an “in-person” buddy to share your love of the show with, get merch! I will not disclose the show I did this with as Davis reads all these, but I made a good friend just by wearing a t-shirt with a character from a show on it! Some people will react out of nostalgia and you’d be surprised how excited people are to relive memories with someone who can remind them of what they don’t quite remember. AAAAND there’s no need to go on eBay and spend a small fortune on merch, simply changing your phone background or getting a plain t-shirt and silk screening an image on it is relatively cheap and awesomely customizable!

Have fun!

From,

Dear One Time Its Memorized,

I must say I am extremely envious of you! I know other people that have that same “technique” and while I would be absolutely terrified to try it myself, I know it works for some. 

If it works for you, definitely stick with it! That being said, my brother dated this girl who told me she never studied for a single test all throughout high school and managed a 3.9 GPA, but received an extremely rude awakening when she entered college. Even if you feel that studying isn’t necessary for you now, it is a good idea to still develop study skills so that you aren’t behind if you choose to further your education.

Best,

Dear Chronically Shy,

Many of my classmates thought I was shy, when really I’m just thinking all the time! I have always been accused of hiding behind my computer, so my suggestion to you is to come out from your metaphorical computer screen. I am least shy when I’m talking about my computer or theories I come up with… things I am passionate about. Try commenting on someone shirt or iPhone lock screen if it’s a picture of something you like (a TV show, band, or something) and get the conversation going! It’s a small start but it will make you feel more confident to be able to approach people.

Best regards,

Dear Shy Girl,

Awww, honey, I just want to give you a hug! You sound like such a sweetie and he will be lucky to have you! My advice is to start small, even if you have to go backwards first. Each day, make a small step forward by doing something you wouldn’t or didn’t do the day before. Start with a wave and a smile when you see him in the hall. The next day you can greet him, maybe build up to asking how his day was or even making a joke about a teacher you share or a class you’re both in. Take it slow and soon he’ll be used to your daily “ritual” and might start to seek you out to continue it! Pretty soon the awkwardness will be gone!

Good luck!!

Love,

Dear Guilty Conscious,

Sometimes it’s difficult to see the good things about yourself, especially when you feel you’ve wronged someone and regret your transgressions. Open a Word (or Pages) document and list the things you like about other people and think about whether or not you have those qualities. 

I found the best way to forgive myself was to realize those who I had wronged had forgiven me. It may take time, but I decided I had suffered enough. You aren’t your past or the decisions you made then, start over and be the you that you can be proud of. That’s what I’m doing.

From,