I am in Std XII, and am working on a monumental group project at my school. I don’t like to work under deadlines, yet my team members are forcing a deadline upon me. Along with my studies, this project is taking up all the time I had with my friends. Now my friends are complaining that I don’t socialise. On the other hand, my parents want me to prioritise my studies over this project. But I want to finish this project fast. What should I do?
Stressed and close to friendless
Dear Stressed and Close to Friendless, With this attitude you may find yourself with a new name: Stressed and Close to Jobless. For this is what the professional world is like. With deadlines, many of which will eat into your social life. The trick is to learn to enjoy your work. Make lists; break your big project into smaller tasks and work your way down. Alternately, marry rich.
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In the middle of my first year in a new school, a close friend from my old school joined. However, she has changed a lot and isn’t the same person I knew before. Being a good friend of her’s, it is kind of weird as people in my school come up to me to talk about her. How am I supposed to deal with all of this?
Stuck in the middle
Dear Stuck in the middle, If you say she is a good friend then you need to tell the others not to talk to you about her. There is simply no way around this. And if you feel your friend has changed for the worse, you need to tell her as well what you feel. Wear a helmet though. Calling a spade a spade can sometimes make the other person want to hit you with a spade.
