Problem
All my friends get to stay out late, but my mum and dad insist I'm
back in the house really early, even on weekends.
What can I do?
Clarissa's reply
Parental units love making rules - that and forcing us to eat over-cooked
vegetables are like the only fringe benefits of raising kids. First, don't
try telling them that all your friends get to stay out late, unless you
feel like hearing (for the gazillionth time!) "If all your friends jumped
off a bridge..." (you know the rest!)
You could try reasoning with them, but they are parents so accept the
limitations that come with that. If nothing else works just invite those
friends with the most pierced body parts to spend the evening at home with
you and mum and dad. I think your curfew just got later!
Problem
I hate my little brother. He borrows my things and never gives them back.
And he always wants to tag along when I go out. What's the best way to
exterminate him?
Clarissa's reply
When it comes to dealing with creepazoid, mutant, amoeba-brained little
brothers, you've come to the master! You might want to complain to your
parents but - WARNING! WARNING! - this will usually just make them feel
sorry for the little nerd-ball, and he'll wind you up with a new Nintendo
Cartridge or CD player. Not a pretty picture. Unfortunately, the major
difference between little brothers and insects is that if you ignore the
insect it usually goes away. If you can't convince your parents to return
your little brother from wherever they got him, or auction him off to the
highest bidder, sometimes you just gotta go with the flow. Throw him a
crumb or two - let him hang out with you once in a while, or borrow some
junk you know you don't want any more anyway, and then you can probably
get him to leave you alone when you need it the most!
Works for me!
Problem
I really fancy this girl at school and all her friends say she likes me as
well. But whenever I go near her, she ignores me. Does this girl really
want to go out with me or not?
Clarissa's reply
Sure she does. Or maybe she doesn't. The point is, you'll never know unless
you take a chance and talk to her. After all, what's the worst that can
happen? Most people are pretty sensitive to other people's feelings.
Well, except for Brandee Frugglehoff, who sticks her finger down her throat
and pretends to throw every time a real geeky guy asks her for her phone
number. But chances are, even if this girl doesn't fancy you, you could
still become friends.
Remember - life is taking chances. It's also a bowl of cherries.
It's also not fair. It's also what you make it. Stop me when you can't take
another cliche, okay?