0 How can one move past bad memories?

prettyndsweet12 asks: Sometimes I tend to think about the bad and embarrassing things that have happened to me in the past, and it makes me sad and sometimes mad. How can I keep myself from thinking about my past and focus more on my present and future?

Hi prettyndsweet12 –

That’s a great question.  People always tell us to move on past the bad things in our pasts, and live life in the present.  But how can we do that when those bad memories just won’t let us go?!

Well, here’s the deal – those memories are there for a very good Continue reading

0 How to get in shape quickly

Sundershiner asks: I’m really overweight, and really upset I’ve let myself get this way. At school all my classmates look at me funny, and I always feel insecure. I am confident in everything else other than my stomach. I don’t have any problems, and I’m occasionally active! I just love to eat! I’ve tried to be healthy, or try to do something active but I just end up not doing it and having some type of food in front of me! So what could I do to get healthy fast? Run, swim, walk, cardio twister, the bike, field hockey practice in my yard? Also, I will be missing a week worth of field hockey practice! My coach said we all really need to get in shape or it will be a nightmare. I know because I did it last year. I just want to be prepared this time! What should I do?

Hi sundershiner –

If I’m understanding your question right, your field hockey will start soon, and you want to get into great shape by then.  Well, it’s impossible to change completely in that time.  But what you can do is start preparing now, to be ready for the practices to get you into better shape.

All the exercises you ask about are great.  And my advice would be to not overdo any of them.  Maybe go Continue reading

6 What are some reasons to become a soldier?

abodunde1987 asks: Can you give me some reasons why I should be a soldier?

Hi abodunde1987 –

Being a member of the military is one of the most difficult, strenuous, and dangerous jobs anyone can choose.  My first answer to your question would be that the biggest reason to become a soldier is because you passionately believe in the cause you’d be fighting for.  For example, if your country has been attacked, you might feel very strongly that you want to be a part of the force that Continue reading

0 What subjects does one need to study to join the police?

jayon asks: How many subjects do you need to join the police?

Hi jayon –

Of course, I don’t know where you live, but, assuming the requirements are somewhat similar around the world, here’s a website delineating the requirements in Continue reading

0 What does “physical relations” mean?

Aspara asks: What is physical relation?

Hi Aspara –

Well, although officially it could mean any physical relationship between two or more objects (I am in physical relation with the floor right now, for example), it usually means physical relations of a romantic sort.  In other words, instead of one person just looking longingly at another, or writing them love letters, they’re actually touching.  That could mean holding hands, dancing, kissing, groping, or Continue reading

0 How can a dog help anyone by giving advice?

Rebecca asks: You’re just a dog! How can you ever help me? My problems are getting worser n worser! But thanks anyway, for your concern, and for being on my side. I am happy just for that.

Hi rebecca –

I have one very important answer for you:  You’re right.  I can’t help you a bit.  I can’t come out there and bite the people who are mean to you, and I can’t lay my head on your lap so you can hold me while you cry.  And I certainly can’t change anyone else’s behavior.

But there is one thing I can do, and that’s what I love to do more than anything else:  I can Continue reading

0 What to do if a popular boy is attracted to you

lillyanna asks: I recently heard that the most popular boy in my village has a crush on me. This came as a surprise because I am not all that popular and taught he did not know who I was. What should I do?

Hi lillyanna –

Oh I wonder how many of our readers are yelling at you as they read this, “JUMP ON HIM, SILLY!”  And of course, I agree, but I jump on everybody, so I’m not a good role model in that!

My big question is what you Continue reading

0 What to do if your friends want you to sing but you don’t think you’re good enough

Shellyx asks: My 2 bezzies and I started a band. I don’t think I can sing. I write songs and sing at home but never to them. They keep nagging me to sing but I’m too shy/embarrassed because they’re both really good. They like my songs but they haven’t heard me sing. What do I do? Xxxxx

Hi Shellyx –

Wow do I envy you, that someone wants to hear you sing!  Everyone hates it when I do.  Even Handsome, who loves me more than anything, says I have as ugly a bark as he’s ever heard!

So it seems to me that you’re finding yourself in a very funny situation.  Your friends want you to sing, but you’re afraid that if they hear you sing they won’t like your voice.  But the one way to get them to stop bugging you to sing would be… if you sang!  So my advice is… Continue reading

1 What is racism, and why does it exist?

sazuna45 asks: I’ve been asking a question of people I trust. Kind of a survey: What do you think about racism? How unnecessary/ necessary do you think it is? And what can be the results?

Hi sazuna45 –

Okay, let’s start with a definition.  I define Racism as a particular form of prejudice, in which one makes judgments about a person or group of people based on their race, and not on actual facts.  And usually those judgments are, in some way, negative.

Let me explain what I mean by “usually, in some way, negative.”  Today, one of the most popular sports in the world is Continue reading

1 What to do if your parents treat you worse than your siblings?

rebecca asks: I am 16, and have a 20-year-old sister who my parents love more than me. They’re always telling me I’m good-for-nothing. I mostly do all the hard work like cleaning the house and washing the dishes, and when I am tired, they just tell me get back to work again, and don’t even say a word to my elder sister. If I ask for something, they say no, but if she asks, they give it to her. My parents hate me and hardly appreciate anything good I do. They hardly say any good words to me, and don’t mind if I sleep hungry for weeks. But I don’t hate my sister – I like her – but I can’t stand anymore of our parents’ inappropriate behavior! No matter if I’m right, they always say I’m wrong; many people tell them what a bright and good child I am, but they still don’t change. I don’t know what to do! Please help me!

Hi rebecca –

I just can’t be the only one who reads this and thinks “Well I know the solution to her problem, and it involves a prince, some mice, and a pair of glass slippers!”  You really are living the life of Cinderella, rebecca.  But since I’m only a dog, and not a fairy godmother, I can only offer advice, and not a magical coach!

I think there are two important issues here.  First, there’s the issue of the favoritism your parents are showing your sister.  In terms of that, check out my letter to Bella about a similar problem (just type “Bella” into the search box to your right on this page).

But your problem sounds worse than Continue reading