There is so much cheating at my school, and none of the teachers seem to care. I've even heard people bragging about how they cheated on the state's test. I feel like I'm losing opportunities because of these cheaters. Is there anything I can do? —Jodie, 17, Fort Worth, Texas
You can do one of two things: (1) Mind your own business, or (2) talk with your principal, so he can crack down on the cheating. But if you do that, he's going to expect you to name names, and even if he promises to keep your identity confidential, there's a good chance you'll be exposed. (Um, social Siberia, anyone?)
As you can tell, I don't think this is the best option. Here's why: I've encountered this situation in my life (P.S.: Cheating doesn't happen only at school — it happens at work too), and instead of focusing on the cheater, I just focused that much harder on my own game. With that approach, you're not hated by half the student population, and you can feel proud about the grades you're getting because you earned them the old-fashioned way — by actually studying hard. Karma will catch up with the cheaters — you'll see.
It feels like every time I enter into some sort of romantic relationship, I run away. I don't know what's wrong — I feel like I'm ready for a boyfriend, but when it comes down to it, I always end up pushing him away. Could I have commitment problems? —Mack, 16, Toronto, Ohio
Don't ignore your gut: It's there to signal you when something's wrong. Maybe the idea of a boyfriend is appealing, but the reality isn't. Or maybe you just haven't met the right guy yet. Whatever the reason, I'd recommend you honor it. It's not like you're running away at the altar!
My advice: Instead of concentrating on the boyfriend thing, just get to know several guys on a more casual, hanging-out level. Try group dating (grab your girl and guy friends, and all go out together) so you can still be with the guy you're interested in without the seriousness of being alone.
Once you really get to know one particular guy and start to feel comfortable around him, then see how you feel about commitment. But until then, be mellow and just have fun. That's the beauty of being 16 — you're not really supposed to settle down yet!
My mom is in so much debt that I don't think anything can help her. Our basement has been destroyed, and our roof is so bad that it costs $2,000 to fix. How can I help her get out of this mess? —Katie, 16, Winnipeg, Canada
Believe me when I tell you I've been there. What you should do: Stay out of the details of your mom's financial problems — taking care of them is her job. You can sit there and pull your hair out over every dollar that she owes, but it won't make a difference. It will only stress you out to no end.
Trust me: After my dad died, my mom was just slammed with debt. In the end she figured things out one way or another. But by knowing all the details, I lived in a state of constant fear and worry. You should focus on your own future — that was what helped me. I worked really hard to be successful so that I would never have to live through that kind of stress again. And today I support my mom in a way I feel great about. If you stay on the right path as well, you can make things easier for you and your family — in time.
Questions may be sent directly to Atoosa Rubenstein at: dearseventeen@hearst.com. Atoosa Rubenstein, the founding editor of CosmoGirl! magazine, is the editor in chief of Seventeen magazine. © Hearst Communications, Inc. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.