TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I have two best friends of mine that I hang out with constantly (nearly every day). We like to have fun with each other, but I find myself being the most "unliked" in our group of three. I have been know to be slightly emotional, internally, but I do a good job of hiding, resisting, and overcoming those emotions. Neither of my friends have told me that they don't like me, and I am sure that they do not. However, I have noticed/suspected some things that my other two friends say about me behind my back. They constantly make up nicknames for people as a way to make fun of them, and I recently discovered they have made up a nickname for me. I can not stand people talking shit behind my back, especially my own friends, and more than that, I am pissed that they made up a nickname for me. My questions are: Do I confront my friends about this? Do I call them out on it if they call me this nickname? Do I tell them to stop calling me that; what do I say to them so that they know it makes me angry? In all this, how do I (re)gain respect from my friends? How can I confront them in a way that they take me seriously and so that it does not bring about more teasing?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi, thanks for emailing us. It's understandable as to why you're feeling frustrated about your friends. Dealing with relationships in general is difficult. Have you tried to approach your friends about how they're making you feel or asking about it? What about talking to other friends, or family members about how you've been feeling? It might help to talk to other people about things that are going on in your life. If you want you can call TEEN LINE at 310-855-4673, we're open from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to discuss different approaches to talk to your friends, or anything else that's on your mind.

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I really like this guy who is a year younger than me. Most of my friends think he is a good friend. He has been droping hints that there maybe something more than just our friendship. I am very shy, so I am not going to approch him on this topic, should I let him come to me? I have never had a boyfriend before and all I think about is him. Please help! Thanks.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey, thanks for contacting TEEN LINE.
It's understandable that you're feeling confused. Dealing with relationships can be confusing. Have you thought about talking to a close friend, or family member about what's going on ? I know you feel uncomfortable talking to him, but maybe he is uncomfortable too. If you want to talk more you can call TEEN LINE at 1-310-855-4673 from 6PM to 10PM PST. We'd be glad to talk !

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
My boyfriend, C_______, and I are in a long distance relationship and he is sweetheart and everything , but I am afraid of cheating issues. I have been with him for like 2 weeks and some odd days, but we have dated 2 times in the past. He says he is committed and I love him to death. Every time I hear his voice or hear his name I like melt... Should I trust him? and what should I do he has cheated on me once in the past, but I love him way to much to loose him?

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey,
sounds like you are feeling a bunch of different emotions and its great that you are opening up and talking about them. It is always hard to trust someone after they have done something to make you feel that they are un-trustworthy, but you mentioned that you have very strong feelings for him. It is good that you are listening to yourself... have you tried talking to him about how you feel? Have you talked to anyone close to you about what is on your mind? You asked if I think you should trust him, but that is something only you can decide. There are many different ways to go about long distance relationships, and i understand the difficulty of the situation. It is imporatnt to talk about the way you feel and what is on your mind, and im really glad you decided to contact us. We are open from 6-10 pm every day of the week, feel free to call us or e-mail us back whenever you want. We are always here for you! Our number is 1 310 855 4673. Hope to hear from you soon!

a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
alright so there are these two guys and they both like me..and i like both of them and i really don't know how to choose because they are both really great friends of mine and they are just stressing me out so much,ive even thought about drugs because it's hard to get through the day without thinking about all of this drama.so i think maybe drugs will help me not think about them..i just need some help on what to do. thanks.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hi,
It sounds like you're going through a lot right now, and that you're really stressed out. I'm so glad you contacted us for help, that was a mature thing to do. You mentioned you have a lot of "drama" in your life, and that you're considering taking drugs to deal with the stress. Using drugs is never a healthy way to deal with problems, is there someone like a trusted adult you could talk to about what you're going through? Maybe a favorite teacher, coach, or school counselor? Or do you have any older siblings or friends you could talk to about this instead? Maybe you could write in a journal, listen to music, or go for a walk to de-stress. It would be really great if you could give us a call so we can talk to you about this further, and talk about other things you could do instead of using drugs. You can give us a call any evening from 6 to 10 pm PST at 310-855-4673.

Thanks,
a TEEN LINE teen

TEEN QUESTION/PROBLEM:
I want to have better communication with my dad.

TEEN LINE WROTE:
Hey thanks for contacting TEEN LINE. I'm sorry to hear that you feel that you and your dad do not communicate well, that must be frustrating. Have you tried talking to him about how how you feel? I understand that might be difficult because you guys are having trouble communicating now but talking to him might show him that you want to have a better relationship with him. If you don't feel comfortable talking to him about how your feeling, you could also write him a letter or talk to another trusted adult and they could help you talk to him. If you want to talk more about what is going on or just follow up, you can call us at (800)852-8336. We are open 7 days a week from 6-10 pm PST.

a TEEN LINE teen