Dear Shirley:

As I read the first part of your post I felt how very stressful this week has been for you and was worried. Then I read about how you and your special friend ran and your hair got messy and he took a photo and said you looked like a free spirit. I imagined it and thought: good! Because the stress you had all week …and for so long, is just too much. But when you ran and looked like a carefree person, a free spirit, I too said to myself: you are okay! You will be okay!

I understand about you having been bullied and betrayed by the guy you had a crush on, the guy who ruined volleyball for you.

I like the things your special friend has been telling you all along. I understand the two of you being guarded.

Although you had that one good run and a good conversation with your special friend, i am still somewhat concerned: too much stress in your life. The H Physics teacher explaining even less … that distress as well as the ongoing criticism in school and the debate and grades… all this pressure concerns me.

Can you this weekend relax? Can you not work in the restaurant this weekend? Is there any way to let your parents know that they are not the only ones in distress (about the restaurant work) and that you are in serious pressure in school… that you need them to stop their part in your distress?

Do everything you can, within reason, to reduce your stress level. It is not good for you, as you know. Organize your weekend and your week to come in such a way as to minimize your distress, please!

anita