ASK NATTIE

I have no life since I got married at 19

Dear Nattie: I’m 19-years-old, just got married in June, and I am six months pregnant.

I love my husband dearly and have been with him for a while now, but I’m still lonely.

We stay at my parents’ house and everyone is very supportive. But I just feel like no one understands how I feel and what I’m going through.

My high school friends have gone off to college and when I talk to them, all they talk about is their new lives and experiences.

I stay home and watch TV all day or get on the computer, and I feel so anti-social. I miss having a life! – Alone in Ama

Dear Alone: I think it’s great that you have a supportive family and congrats on your pregnancy.

I can understand why you would feel so lonely.

You should try running little errands, like to the grocery store, to help you get out of the house.

You should also try going to prenatal classes.

If you want to catch up with your friends, spring break is coming up. Maybe you can plan a vacation or visit.

I need help dealing with the war in Iraq

Dear Nattie: There is a lot of news going around about the war on Iraq. I can’t follow it!

There are so many problems and people asking me if there should or shouldn’t be war in Iraq. I don’t even want to know the news sometimes.

I’m so scared of terrorists I can’t even live my own life! I know I am not the only person out there who feels this way.

What should I do to become aware of what’s going on and understand the war. – Confused in Norco

Dear Confused: In order to become aware of what is going on you should try to follow the news.

If you can’t stand to watch the news, read it.

There should also be some helpful Web sites that you can find on Google, or pick up a newspaper.

You need to just live your life.

While you should look for signs that someone might bring harm to you, you should not let the fear of terrorists overwhelm you.

Nattie Swan is St. Charles Parish’s best new advice columnist for kids and their parents. Let her help you. Send questions to editor@heraldguide.com.