Straight Talk For Teens By Teens

Girlfriend’s tiffs must go

Dear Straight Talk: I’m 17 and my girlfriend, “Julie,” is driving me crazy. She keeps thinking I don’t like her. No matter what I do, she acts like I’m doing it as a sign that I don’t like her. Here’s the latest example: A good friend from out of town was visiting and a group of us went to the movies. Because I rode with him in his car (a two-seater) instead of in her car with the others, she took that as a sign. Then when we were finding our seats she acted like she wasn’t sure if I was going to sit by her and got into another little tiff. Why is she acting like this? This is my first steady girlfriend and I’m not sure if this is normal or not.—–Frustrated with females

Dear Frustrated: If “normal” means “commonplace,” then yes, it’s quite normal. If “normal” means “healthy,” then no, it’s not normal. It smacks of manipulation and self-centeredness. I suggest distancing yourself from “Julie” before this kind of relationship starts feeling “normal.”

From Ashley, 15: From my experience, “Julie” is acting out of low self-esteem. She probably likes you a lot and is afraid that you will find someone you like better or will get sick of her. The trouble is, her insecurities are annoying and will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if she doesn’t stop. Tell her what it was that attracted you to her in the first place and let her know that her little tiffs have to go.