Professor Love

Dear Professor,

The friend that I spend most of my time with is the whole package. She's funny, beautiful, gets good grades, and she's awesome at soccer. Most of the time I am really happy when something goes well for her, but every once in a while I find myself getting jealous. Then I feel like a bad friend. How can I be her friend without feeling like I am constantly in her shadow.

Jealously is a tricky emotion. It has a way of seeping in and taking over before you even know how it got there. Don't beat yourself up over it, but do pay attention to the things that you are feeling jealous of. Chances are those are things that you need to work on building in yourself. Try to celebrate your friend's success while also trying to grow yourself. For all you know, your friend sees you as the shining star!

Professor Love

Other Questions

Dear Professor,

My parents are celebrating their 20th wedding anniversary and I really want to do something special. The problem is, I don’t have a lot of extra money.

You can TOTALLY do this! The best gifts are often the ones that have had time and care put into them, not necessarily the ones that cost the most. Maybe you could think of a list of 25 things that you have learned from your parents and their marriage. Write those brilliant thoughts on a beautiful piece of paper that you find, or one you decorate yourself, and then find or make a cool frame. What a treasure!

Professor Love

Dear Professor,

My school is about to have its first dance and I don't feel like I am ready to "date". I really want to go since it's the first chance I have to go to a dance, but also don't want the pressure of having to go with a guy.

No problemo here kid and I couldn't agree with you more, having the pressure to have a date can be too much for anybody- no matter what age or how many dances they have been to. I say get a bunch of friends together- guys and girls or just girls (you may be surprised to find that a lot of them feel the exact same way as you) and make it a group outing without any pressure (except finding the right outfit).

Professor Love