It can feel really unfair when you’re trying to make your own choices, but the grown-ups in your life don’t agree. Wanting to choose your own friends is normal — especially when you’re just figuring out who feels right to be around.

Try having a calm chat with your mum about what you like in your friends, and how it makes you feel when she doesn’t support your choices. If that’s hard, a teacher or another trusted adult might help you talk it out.

Big feelings, hey? Having a crush can feel super exciting and kinda scary at the same time. You might find yourself overthinking everything — what to say, how to act, what if she doesn’t like you back? Totally normal. Most people go through this at some point. 

You don’t need to do anything huge or dramatic. Just start by being yourself around her. Say hey, ask a question, have a chat. You don’t need to pretend to love everything she likes, but if she mentions something she’s into, show a bit of interest. People like feeling seen and listened to — it means a lot. 

And if the vibe feels comfortable and friendly, you could let her know how you feel — as long as it’s respectful, kind, and you’re cool with whatever her answer is. She might not feel the same way, and yeah, that can sting. But that’s not rejection of you — it just means it’s not the right match. Being brave and honest? That’s always something to be proud of. 

Friend stuff like this can feel so confusing. You might be sitting there thinking, “Did I do something wrong?” or “Do they even care?” — and honestly? Fair questions. 

If someone is only your friend sometimes, or keeps leaving you out, it’s okay to start thinking of them as more of an in-between person. Not a bad person. Not an enemy. Just maybe not someone you can fully count on right now. 

You deserve friends who notice when you’re not around. Friends who make you feel important — not just with words, but with how they treat you. 

And if all this is making school feel off or messing with your confidence, it’s totally okay to talk to someone about it. That could be a guidance officer, the school nurse, or one of your trusted adults. You don’t have to figure it out alone. 

Ah, the crush spiral — overthinking every glance, every reply, every tiny moment like it’s a secret message. Yep, been there. Sometimes it’s obvious — they laugh at your bad jokes, sit near you whenever they can, or suddenly care a lot about who you’re hanging out with or what you’re into. 

But people can be tricky. Some are shy. Some don’t know how they feel yet. And sometimes, they just don’t feel the same — and as hard as that is, it’s okay too. If someone’s feelings are really hard to read, that’s usually a sign not to push. It’s better to give it space than to stress trying to guess what every little thing means. 

If you really want to know, you’ve got two options: wait and see how it plays out, or (if you’re feeling bold) ask them. Scary? Yep. But also? Kind of powerful. 

Crushes are messy and magical all at once — try not to be too hard on yourself. You deserve to feel clear and respected, not stuck in a loop of second-guessing. Go easy, friend. You’ve got this.