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Dr. M is the author of five advice books for tweens and teens. Her latest is Where Should I Sit at Lunch? The Ultimate 24/7 Guide to Surviving the High School Years. She enjoys dancing, reading, working out and talking with young people about the issues that concern them. She holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology.
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Liz, a first-year college student, is the co-author of three books: Ask Dr. M and Liz; Getting to Know the Real You: 50 Fun Quizzes Just for Girls, and Girls: What's So Bad About Being Good? She loves to dance, paint, make collages, hang out with friends and, of course, give advice.
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Dear Dr. M & Liz,
My best friend has been acting really different lately. I don't know why. Every time I mention it, she gets real moody and acts like a jerk. I realize this time of year is difficult on everybody, between exams, graduating to high school, etc., but I still can't figure out why she's being so despicable. What's wrong?
—Grace, 14, Ohio
Dear Grace,
It IS hard to deal with a friend who suddenly seems like a different person. Maybe she thinks she has to act a particular way to be accepted at school or perhaps she's dealing with a personal problem she's not ready to share with you. She might not even be aware of how her behavior has changed—that happens sometimes. Continue to be a caring friend, but don't let her treat you poorly. No matter what's going on in your friend's life, you don't have to become her doormat.
—Dr. M
Dear Grace,
Instead of approaching your friend and asking her what's wrong, just tell your friend that if she's feeling stressed out or wants to talk about stuff, you're available to listen. If she has a problem, maybe she'll open up. She shouldn't get mad since you're not accusing her of doing anything wrong.
—Liz
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