Q. I leave for college in 5 weeks and I’m not coming back. I know that sounds dramatic. Here’s 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? – 14-year-old Mary Jo’s Response: What an interesting question! I’m not surprised you’re curious about slang – it seems to change rapidly. Slang is a type of social code. It ...
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’s four now. He’s my only sibling. I really love him, not in a stereotypical ...
Q. I graduate next week! I can’t believe it. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but now that it’s over, I feel like the last four years flew. Will you please put this in your column? I know teens read it. I want to tell them that they need to enjoy high school. Stay away from drama and ...
Q. I have a question that you may not have an answer for, but my mom reads your column every week and she said maybe you could give me perspective. Evidently you taught her. I hope that doesn’t make you feel old! The problem is my gramma. She was my primary parent. My mom had addiction ...
Comment about last week’s column on seeking employment: I heard from a reader who is an alumnus. I think his words are worthy of repeating: “Network. Network. Network. Have a good work ethic, make sure you’re seen, and don’t burn bridges. Maintain those connections, because if the right ...
