Dear Shirley:

It was very clear to me as I read your last two threads, how indeed important it is for you to have friends (Sebastian, shawn, Andrew, cj, Dave, Steve win-win friends who encourage you. So very important. I wouldn’t give up any of them even though your special friend feels left out. That is too bad that he feels that way, but you didn’t cause his feelings and are not responsible for them. I know you care about him and are empathetic to him, but please do take care of your own self: this IS your responsibility, your own well being first.

Before I read: “i feel more alive within myself and more at peace with life. these days” I already sensed this in your writing. Relationships are so very important to you! You do cherish each and every person that gives you positive attention, encouragement of any kind, in any area, sports, science, any class. You even appreciate the teacher that is empathetic to her students. Empathy, encouragement, positive attention is oxygen to you.

Congrats on making/ contributing to bringing about the self defense class this April. And for those tough physical exercises you mentioned… and getting over 100 in pre calc as well as the other good grades.

As far as your special friend’s interest in being your boyfriend, well.. you are doing so well as is, I don’t think it is a good idea to complicate things at this point. Running with him after school, like you did before, can be fun… talking, but not at the expense of your science and math pursuit and not at the expense of positively communicating with your other friends!

You still do have a lot on your plate and for as long as this is so, I would do anything to simplify my life and not to complicate it with such a heavy duty challenge as a romantic/ physical relationship!

Till your next post, take good care of yourself!

anita