RELATIONSHIP ON HOLD
A girl I was getting close to suddenly told me she couldn’t get close because she has family issues, despite actually really liking me. What do I do?
Gavin (16) Oldbury

You need to be thinking about her more than yourself right now. She is obviously going through a difficult time in her life right now, yet she has chosen to confide in you and tell you about it. I think you should give her some space relationship wise for the time being and try to be there for her as a friend. Backing off for now in terms of closeness is not a negative thing as she has already told you that she likes you, so be patient. Showing that you can be there as a friend will benefit you in the long run as, when she is ready for a relationship, she will have seen your many good qualities and how you were a good friend. After all, friendship is key to a successful relationship.

REVIVING OLD FRIENDSHIPS
I got into an argument with some of my old school friends about not spending any time together anymore. It feels like we are drifting apart due to college and I want to stop that. We used to be really close. What can I do?
Robert (18) West Bromwich

The fact that you are coming forward and admitting that there is a problem that needs to be acknowledged is a positive thing. However, it does take two hands to clap and so your friends also need to be as involved and willing to revive your friendships, as it doesn’t work if it is all one sided. The pressures of college and making new friends mean you have less opportunities to see other friends. But try talking to them about this situation to see where you all stand. If you were close before then they should listen and understand, and you will find that things will work themselves out.

I NEED MY OWN SPACE
My family don’t give me enough space, my parents always come into my room and seem to be snooping around. I think they should trust me more.
Simone (16) Rowley Regis

Considering your age I would say you are definitely entitled to your own privacy. But on the other hand they are your parents and whether you like it or not they are a part of your life. If trust is the issue, think what has occurred in order for them to be suspicious of you in the first place. Perhaps when you say your family don’t give you enough space this could also mean you don’t give them enough time. Spending time with your family could be the solution to your problem, whether it be chatting to them about your day or filling them in on the latest goings on in your life. They will appreciate you building the relationship with them and then they wouldn’t have to go looking in your room to find out what you have been up to.

STAGE FRIGHT 
I have been entered for my first solo violin performance which is coming up very soon, I have never performed in front of an audience before and I’m worried things won’t go right. Help!
Alicia (14) Smethwick

Right, take a deep breath and relax! The reason you have been entered by your music teacher is because they know that you are good enough and ready for this stage in your musical progression. The nerves before your performance is a good thing, your adrenaline will kick in. Playing under pressure as a general rule makes the musician perform better. This whole experience of performing to an audience highlights your maturity and will fill you with confidence. Besides, there is nothing better than seeing your proud relatives in the crowd and also the pride you will feel.

IRREGULAR PERIODS
My periods have recently got heavier and irregular, why is this? 
Michelle (16) Tipton

If a woman is experiencing periods that are interfering with her quality of life, then she should visit her doctor. If the problem is severe bleeding, this can be regulated by hormonal or non-hormonal tablet treatment. Hormonal treatments include the contraceptive pill. Progestogens make periods more regular but don’t reduce monthly flow. Non-hormonal treatments like Cyklokapron reduce blood loss by up to half. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce monthly loss by about a third. In younger women heavy periods are most often due to a temporary hormone imbalance, which eventually corrects itself.

FEELING LEFT OUT
All the lads spend time with their girlfriends. I think I’m about the only one that doesn’t have one, I’m feeling kind of left out.
Tom (17) Oldbury

To me it sounds a bit like you’re comparing a girl to an accessory, for example wanting the new Call of Duty game just because everyone else has it. Perhaps you are just feeling like you are slightly losing the bonds you had with your close mates and perhaps you just miss spending time with them. But if you are actually waiting or looking for love in a girlfriend then stop  trying so hard because it often finds you when you least expect it. Why don’t you tell your friends how you feel? They should be understanding and make time for and include you in their plans, and who knows, some day you could have your very own girlfriend who you can’t wait to spend time with, so chin up!

MAKING FRIENDS
I’ve just moved to Sandwell and I feel really nervous about starting a new high school because I’m not going to know anyone!
Kayleigh (13) West Bromwich

At some point everybody has been  in your position, feeling nerves on a first day of something important, but honestly you will be absolutely fine. Within the first day you will be shown and helped around your school by friendly faces. Think of it as an adventure rather than something to fear. The excitement of starting fresh and creating a new life for yourself. Sooner rather than later you will settle into your classes and make friends. High school should be fun, so make sure you enjoy yourself.

MONEY WORRIES
My friends always want to go out but I can’t always afford it. My parents don’t just hand me money like my friends’ parents. What can I do?
Steph (16) Tividale

Well first of all, it’s unfair for you or even your friends to expect money to just be handed out to you from your folks. You’re now at the age where you can be a little more independent and start to do things for yourself as well as learning the values of money and how it feels a lot more satisfying having earned it. My advice to you would be to simply apply for a part time job. There’s plenty out there if you look hard enough, and this will enable you to go out with your friends and save, spend, save and spend some more! As well it allows you to get a head start on saving for college trips and university in the very near future, so get handing out those CV’s!

I HAVE A CRUSH 
I think I’m falling for my best friend’s boyfriend. I like him so much I don’t know what to do, please help.
Sophie (15) Wednesbury

You don’t do anything! Think about it, if the boot was on the other foot and your best friend did the dirty on you with your boyfriend you would be furious! Cheating is basically unforgivable. You may have thought about it but it is up to you to show how much of a true friend you are by stopping yourself from pursuing any actions. Maybe it’s not her boyfriend you like, maybe it’s the connection they share that you think you’d like. Basically my advice is there are plenty of fish in the sea, so go and find yourself a nice guy on your own. There is no need for you to ruin somebody else’s relationship, let alone the one you have with your best friend.

CHOOSING COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY
Everybody has already started deciding what college they want to go to once we leave school and I’m a bit worried I still haven’t come to a decision.
Lauren (15) Tipton

Don’t worry, you still have just under another year to contemplate this decision. The best thing to do is get your parents to take you to the many open days that are on throughout the year. It’s the perfect chance to find out about the courses on offer and give you an idea of the surroundings. After all the best way to find out about a place is by visiting it yourself. Don’t go on some other person’s opinions, you are an individual and your learning needs will differ to that of your friends. When going to college you will still see your friends outside of your studies and make lots of new ones, so when you choose your college make sure that you’re not just following your friends. You need to pick somewhere that is perfect for you. 

l If you are 12-15 years old then check out www.teenlifecheck.co.uk, and for more information and support for all ages then visit www.ourguideto.co.uk