Ask Nattie

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.

I’m afraid of flunking out of high school

Dear Nattie: Time is running out for me and I don’t know what to do. I used to be a good student when I hung out with my old friends because they were all serious about their studies and we all helped and supported each other.

Back then, I made mostly As and just a few Bs.

But this year I started hanging out with new friends who are a lot cooler than my old friends.

They couldn’t care less about making good grades. And I haven’t been making good grades, either.

Right now, I’m flunking at least two courses and maybe three. At this rate I won’t graduate unless I go to summer school or repeat my senior year.

My only hope is to start hanging out with my old friends and maybe going to my teachers and asking them to help me.

But I’ve been such a jerk to them. I’m afraid to ask.

What would you do if you were in my shoes? – Desperate in Hahnville

Dear Desperate: If the situation is as bad as you say it is, then I doubt even your old friends can’t save you now.

The first thing you need to do is talk to your parents and let them know the severity of the situation.

If you would be embarrassed by repeating your senior year, than I suggest summer school. Talk to your counselor and find out what classes you need to graduate, then talk to your teachers to see if there is any extra work you can do to squeak by and graduate, or at least reduce the number of classes you’ll have to take over the summer.

My boyfriend comes on too strong

Dear Nattie: I love my new boyfriend and most of the time he is a gentleman but sometimes he comes on too strong. I mean, I like kissing and all that, and even my mother and father admit that I’m old enough to have a mature relationship. But “first base” is one thing – I mean, nobody says you have to be married to kiss.

But he wants to do more than that, and I don’t like it because we’re not even engaged. And sometimes he says things that make me think he’s going to find somebody new if I don’t give in to him. Sometimes I think maybe I should. But then I feel cheap for even thinking about it.

And then I get confused. One of my friends gave in to her boyfriend and he blabbed it all over the place. I need your advice. – Confused in Destrehan

Dear Confused: If you value your reputation and want to hold on to your self respect, trust your instincts – and your morals – and stand your ground.

If your boyfriend can’t accept that, let him find another girlfriend. It might hurt in the short run, but you’ll be better off in the long run – and able to look yourself in the mirror.