Q. I leave for college in 5 weeks and I鈥檓 not coming back. I know that sounds dramatic. Here鈥檚 the truth. My parents are toxic. I live with adults who are mean and unkind to each other and to me. My two older siblings left home for college and never returned; they only connect with me. I ...
Q. I feel so dumb. Everyone I know seems to know slang and I have no idea. How can I keep up with slang? 鈥� 14-year-old Mary Jo鈥檚 Response: What an interesting question! I鈥檓 not surprised you鈥檙e curious about slang 鈥� it seems to change rapidly. Slang is a type of social code. It ...
Q. How can I find inspiration to go get my permit? I鈥檝e been putting it off for over a year. What do I even do? Thank you. 鈥� 17-year-old Mary Jo鈥檚 Response: When we delay a decision, we may be unaware of why we hesitate. It sounds as if that may be the case with you. I鈥檝e seen this ...
Q. I think I made a mistake. I start college in August. I鈥檓 pleased with my school choice. I made it into Penn State鈥檚 main campus. That鈥檚 not a mistake. My possible mistake is that I鈥檓 going into nursing and I鈥檓 not sure that鈥檚 the path for me. What happened is every adult in my ...
Q.Would you please answer my question in your column so I can show it to my dad? So, my mom and dad divorced when I was 9. He remarried when I was 10 and moved away. Then he and his wife had a little boy. He鈥檚 four now. He鈥檚 my only sibling. I really love him, not in a stereotypical ...
Q. Why is so hard to be kind to some people? 鈥� 14-year-old Mary Jo鈥檚 Response: Your question shows maturity and reflection. I鈥檓 proud of you. Kindness is complicated. Many parents raise their children to be kind. Some families perceive kindness as weakness. ...
