Made possible by Abigail Van Buren's "Dear Abby" advice column. And OpenAI's ChatGPT.
There are currently 31 entries in the database.
Publish Date: May 2, 2004
Concern:
My name is "Sunny," but I don't feel very sunny. I'm 13 and have many problems. I'm afraid I'm on a wrong track and won't be able to do what I know I should with my life. My grades aren't good, and I keep getting myself into hot water. My mother has a lot of health problems, so she doesn't need my problems on top of hers. I keep asking myself why this is happening to us.
Mother told me she wants me to live a life that will make me happy, and not let her poor health ruin my teen years. Is it wrong for me to enjoy these years and plan what I want to do with my future even though my mother is very sick? What can I do to get my life back on the right track?
Abby (thoughtful person writer):
The most important thing you can do is stop feeling guilty for enjoying yourself. I can think of nothing that would make your mother happier than to know you are living your life to the fullest and exercising your potential.
Talk to a counselor at school about how to get your grade level back where it should be. If you are in with the wrong crowd, involve yourself in activities where you will make constructive and rewarding friendships. And most of all, share your victories with your mother. Share your concerns with her as well. It will make her -- and you -- feel better. Trust me on that.
ChatGPT (artificial intelligence):
It sounds like you are feeling a lot of pressure and stress, Sunny. It's completely normal to feel this way, especially when you are facing challenges in your life. It's important to remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you get back on track.
First, it's important to focus on taking care of yourself and your own well-being. This means making sure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as talking to a trusted adult, participating in physical activity or hobbies that you enjoy, or finding a support group.
It's also a good idea to reach out to someone you trust, such as a teacher, counselor, or family member, and talk about how you are feeling. They can provide you with support and help you come up with a plan to improve your grades and make positive changes in your life.
It's understandable that you want to make your mother happy, but it's also important to focus on your own happiness and well-being. It's okay to have your own goals and aspirations for your future, and to make plans for yourself. You may find it helpful to talk to your mother about your goals and aspirations and to get her support and guidance.
Finally, it's important to remember that it's never too late to get back on track. You can make positive changes in your life at any age, and it's never too late to start working towards your goals. With hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.