Ahh, we’re so sorry your question hasn’t shown up yet — that must be super frustrating. If we’ve accidentally missed it this round, please feel free to send it again (sometimes things slip through the cracks — and that’s totally on us).
If it’s just been a delay, we’re really sorry — we are a small team and have been out and about at schools and it’s been a bit of a busy end to term. Every single question matters to us, and we want to give them the time and thought they deserve. Big thank you for your patience — we haven’t forgotten you. 💜
If you’re seeing signs of ADHD in yourself and don’t feel like you can bring it up at home right now — that’s really tough. Like, genuinely hard. But you’re not stuck. You still deserve support, and there are ways to get it.
ADHD — especially the inattentive type — gets missed all the time. Especially if you're not bouncing off the walls or getting in trouble. Stuff like zoning out, forgetting what you just read, feeling overwhelmed for no clear reason, or constantly thinking, “Wait… what was I doing again?” Yeah, that’s real. And honestly? It can be exhausting.
We’re not doctors — and sadly, the RespectMe team watching 47 seasons of Grey’s Anatomy still doesn’t qualify us. But it’s completely valid that you’re noticing these things and looking for answers. Even if it’s not ADHD, there could be something else going on, or different ways to manage what you’re experiencing. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.
If talking to your family doesn’t feel safe or possible right now, reach out to someone at school — a guidance officer, youth health nurse, or a teacher you trust. They can help you figure out what’s going on and support you through the next steps.
Trying to understand how your brain works is a big deal — and you should be proud of yourself for even starting this process. That takes guts.
And if you need to talk now and want zero judgement, hit up Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800 or webchat). They’re open 24/7, and they are great to chat to — even if you’re not sure how to explain what’s going on yet.
Such a good question — and straight up, the answer is no. Your rights don’t magically disappear just because you’re in a relationship. You still get to set boundaries, say yes, say no, change your mind, and feel safe in your own skin.
Being close with someone doesn’t mean they suddenly get full access to your body, your time, or your private life. You don’t owe anyone anything — not even if you really like them, not even if you’ve done stuff before.
If someone’s acting like the rules are different now that you're “together”? That’s a red flag. Real love (or even just a decent vibe) should feel like freedom — not pressure, not guilt, and definitely not like walking on eggshells.
Please check in with a trusted adult — and if that feels too close, call or message Kids Helpline or 1800RESPECT. They’re free, confidential, and actually listen without judgement.
Stereotypes hand out these dusty old scripts like, “Boys should be strong, in control, and never show emotion,” while “girls are supposed to be sweet, quiet, and basically revolve their whole life around a boyfriend.” These roles are super limiting — they crush communication, blur boundaries, and make real connection way harder.
When we’re stuck acting out these gender roles, we stop being ourselves.
The problem with stereotypes is that they can make us think we are *supposed* to act a certain way – which is totally not the case! Guys might feel like they have to not show their emotions or be strong and sensible when really they just wanna send goofy memes at 2am and share with their partner when they are feeling down. Girls might feel like they can’t speak up, set boundaries, or say what they actually want without being called “too dramatic.” And while this question asked about boys and girls — let’s not forget our non-binary mates, who often get forgotten from the convo. No matter the gender, everyone deserves to be able to be themselves in a relationship - with love, respect, and consensual snugs.
Honestly, in the end... relationships should be about being you, not some stereotype. Ditch the script. Be kind. Respect each other. That’s the vibe.
