I have a hard time staying in relationships. Either I'll get too bored, or I'll find a small imperfection about the guy, and then I'll instantly dislike him. I know this is really unfair to guys because there is no such thing as a "perfect guy." How can I get over this? — Elizabeth, 15, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
There's nothing to get over, Elizabeth — stop beating yourself up. Despite what everyone else at school is doing, at this point in your life, I think it's a little unnatural to tie yourself down in a relationship. So whether you realize it or not, you're subconsciously finding reasons to get yourself out. Yes, guys are cute. They're fun. They're funny. They're great to hang out with. But that doesn't mean you need to have a boyfriend. When it comes to guys, you're better off just keeping your options open, meeting new people and taking it slow, like a turtle. After all, if you don't let yourself get to know lots of different kinds of guys now, how on earth are you going to figure out your type for later, when you do want to really settle down in a relationship? Ah, the beauty of dating!
My friends are Christian, and I'm Jewish, and I hate being that way! My parents won't let me eat nonkosher stuff like my friends do! I want to be Christian like them. How can I change that? — Neva, 15, Mamaroneck, N.Y.
When I was growing up, my Middle Eastern parents were much stricter than everyone else's. I wasn't allowed to do anything my friends could do, so I totally relate to how you just want to fit in. But at the same time, just because your friends don't share your culture doesn't mean that it's not rich in its own right. To make the decision to stop being kosher and even to change your religion based only on what your friends are doing seems shortsighted and disrespectful to your family. I don't recommend that. Neva, you're a smart girl, and you're going to want to make an informed decision — not one that's based on wanting to follow the crowd. For now, learn more about Judaism and Christianity. Then, once you're on your own, you can make your own decision. Just keep in mind that being Jewish or Christian is about a lot more than what you order at the food court.
Questions may be sent directly to Atoosa Rubenstein at: dearseventeen@hearst.com © King Features Syndicate Inc.