Annie Fox for Teens... Hey, Terra!

Annie (AKA Hey Terra!) has been around long enough to have experienced a lot of what Life can dish out. But, it hasn’t been so long that she's forgotten what it's like to be your age. Check out some of the thousands of email questions teens from around the world have sent to Terra. You may learn something useful from her answers:

“He's acting like he doesn't even want me around.”
(Continued)

Hey Terra,

Thank you for the advice. I will try to stay strong and know that I deserve something better. It won't be easy because he is like an addiction. And my mother said you give very good advice. Thanks again.

Sad Girl

Dear Sad Girl,

A healthy relationship (which is the only kind worth having) is based on two-way respect, trust, honesty, and open communication. That's not what's going on with you and this guy, and I'm proud of you for realizing that you deserve better. When a relationship is like an "addiction" that's another red flag signal that something is not right. When someone is "addicted" to a drug or a behavior, things have gotten out of control. In this case, you need to recognize those needy feelings that come up for you right before you start feeling like you want a "fix" (a contact with your ex). When you can recognize the warning signs and tell a support person (like your mom) what you're feeling, she can help you stay strong and stay away from him. By becoming more "in control" of the choices you make, you'll start feeling better about yourself and your ability to make healthy choices without that extra support.

Good luck!

In friendship,

Terra


Need some advice? Write to Terra. She'll give you a straight answer you can trust without any lectures.


What's New?
''The Girls Q&A Book on Friendship: 50 Ways to Fix a Friendship Without the DRAMA'' by Annie Fox, M.Ed., illustrated by Erica De Chavez Books & Apps for Teens
''Middle School Confidential 3: What's Up With My Family?'' iOS app ''Middle School Confidential 2: Real Friends vs. the Other Kind'' iOS app ''Middle School Confidential 1: Be Confident in Who You Are'' iOS app ''The Teen Survival Guide to Dating & Relating: Real-World Advice on Guys, Girls, Growing Up, and Getting Along'' by Annie Fox M.Ed.
''Middle School Confidential, Book 3: What's Up with My Family?'' by Annie Fox, Illustrated by Matt Kindt
''Middle School Confidential, Book 2: Real Friends vs. The Other Kind'' by Annie Fox M.Ed., Illustrated by Matt Kindt
''Middle School Confidential, Book 1: Be Confident in Who You Are'' by Annie Fox, Illustrated by Matt Kindt
''Too Stressed to Think? A Teen Guide to Staying Sane When Life Makes You CRAZY'' by Annie Fox, M.Ed. and Ruth Kirschner