R. U. READY 2 RELEASE?!?!

Thanks for releasing! I can understand where you are coming from with feeling hurt by this situation. Point blank, you like him. He likes you, but not enough to take it to the next level, especially if you are leaving the country. Are you leaving the country for good or just temporarily? Either way, he does not want to commit right now. Commitment to someone takes work and it does not seem like he is ready for that. And “making it official” is important to everyone in some shape or fashion. I always say, if someone wants it bad enough, he or she will do everything in their power to make it work. However, making that step can be intimidating and scary. Since you wish to keep what you both share, you have to settle with being his friend. Maybe if you want to continue to talk like you do on a friendship level, than possibly you will be able to make it to the relationship level. However, do not put yourself on his timeline. Just like he wants to live his life and not commit to you, you have the right to live yours too. Sometimes we can be strung along by something we think is there, but it turns out to be something totally different. You have to think about it from this perspective to see that you have to keep your options open. Yes, this situation may be hurtful. However,  you have to remember that if it is meant to be, it will happen. Take this as a situation as one that reflects a cup half full rather than half empty and see you still can have a really good friend instead of nothing at all. I hope this helps and continue to release.

First off, thank you for releasing! Taking tests can be nerve wrecking, especially ones for college admissions—so I understand the pressure you may be feeling. However, there are a few things you can do before the “big day” to help you with your nerves. Get some feedback from people who have taken the SAT in the last year or so or even talk to your school counselor about your anxieties (That is one of their responsibilities anyways—college prep). Also, there are pretests that you can take to help assess where you stand studying-wise. Also, taking these tests can help you feel more comfortable with the material or at least more aware of what can be on the test. Aside from the studying, you have to trust your capabilities. Sometimes we have the tendency to doubt ourselves because we are afraid of the outcome. Well, take it from someone who knows from experience. This train of thought will not help you do well. Having some anxiety does help you focus, but too much can lead to the exact opposite of what you want, which is to do well. So, must begin mentally preparing yourself as well. Do you have a mirror somewhere near your room ? Well make it a sticky board where you can post sticky notes with positive messages on them. Since the mirror is a normal place to look throughout the day, which means you will be more likely to read what you see in it. Also, when you start thinking negative thoughts, stop yourself and counterbalance it with a positive one—even if it’s telling yourself, “No, you are wrong! I CAN do this.” And yes, you can. I hope these few pointers help and best wishes on taking the test.

Thanks for releasing! I understand what it feels like to be in your position. However, I think the best way to approach these reservations is to figure out what makes you nervous about graduating. What are you graduating from—high school or college? If it is high school, are you afraid of new classes? Making new friends? If it is college, is it the job search? Living in a new location? The transition period? Bills? Not having a safety net like college anymore? Even if it is one or all of these, you have to build your confidence around the fact that you have made it this far. Graduating is an accomplishment. So celebrate the fact that you obviously did something right. The best thing I can tell you about this process is that another door has just opened for you. You are about to start a new chapter in your life. Maybe this is cliché, but it is true! Just like a new chapter in a book can reveal new things to you and move the plot in another direction, our lives work in the same way. I know it can be scary starting over when you do not know what tomorrow holds. But just remember that taking one step at a time while continuing to be yourself and working hard leads to where you need to be. Sometimes where you need to be may not be where you want to be when you are not aware of the full product. However, the struggle, sweat and tears can make diamonds—the success story. Lean on the experiences you have learn from and make new ones. Also, it is okay to plan, but I have learned that being flexible with your plans can have its benefits. Remember there are multiple roads to one destination. Just keep your eyes open and do not be afraid to take on opportunities. You never know where they can lead you. I hope this helps. And continue to release!