My brother and I used to get along really well, but lately he's changed for the worse. He's even started drinking and smoking. I love him and want him to stop. How do I bring it up? —Roxy, 16, Newark, N.J.

Your brother is getting into things that you don't necessarily like, and we understand that can be tough — especially when you look up to him. What do you hate about his habits? Is he mean to you when he drinks? Do you feel gross when he smokes around you? Talk to him and tell him where you're coming from. If you were once really close, it should be easy to be open with him now. Ask him why he's gotten into drinking and smoking. Many people start because they feel subconsciously pressured by their friends. Try bringing up the topic casually, in a way that won't put him on the defensive. (Say something like, "What made you want to drink and smoke in the first place?") He might realize that there really was no good reason for him to start. Also, try focusing on your relationship instead of his bad habits. Tell him you'd like to hang out more and get your friendship back to where it used to be. Spending more time around good influences (you!) will help him understand that his bad habits aren't so cool.

I love to write and want to be an author, but English is my worst class. I still have an A, but it's a very low one. I've even entered writing contests, but lost all but one. The one I did win, only three people entered, including me. Should I continue writing, or just give up and try to find another interest? —Mandy, 16, Tempe, Ariz.

This answer is not about whether you should change your career goals — it's about having more confidence in yourself. Start by realizing that any A, even an A-, is still an A! And even though you won a contest with only three people in it, you still won! Both these accomplishments are proof that you have what it takes to be a writer; now you just need to believe in yourself and your talents. Also, if you love writing, Mandy, you can get better at it, so ask your English teacher for suggestions on improving your work. You should consider seeking out local creative-writing groups for teens too — they can provide a safe and comfortable environment for you to write freely and get input on your stuff. In the end, the people who practice every day and work hard are the ones who make real progress and achieve their goals. So keep entering those contests! When you see better results, you'll feel better about your skills.


Questions may be sent directly to Seventeen magazine at: dearseventeen@hearst.com. Seventeen is today's best-selling magazine for young women, reaching more than 13 million readers every month.


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Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.

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