Question: I’m a freshman in high school and my best friend is depressed. Since she doesn’t want anyone to know about it, I only hear about what’s going on from other people and I don’t know what to do. I don’t think her parents know what’s going on. The times I’ve tried to talk with her about her depression, she gets mad and won’t talk to me for a few days. I try to hang out with her as much as I can but I have to keep up with my homework and chores. I’m pretty sure that she’s cutting …
Does Sexual Orientation Affect Gender?
Question: My boyfriend and I moved in together because we got along so well. At first things were great but lately he’s not acting like a man. He doesn’t handle stress well, he refuses to pay bills or do chores (but when I call him on it, he denies it), and I can’t rely on him even to do simple things like feed the dog or pick me up at work. My friends say he’s acting more like a woman. I was recently going through his phone and found out that he’s bisexual. I’m confused. Can his behavior be affected …
My Body Image Prevents Me From Being Social
Question: Whenever I look in the mirror, I think I’m kind of attractive and feel OK about myself. But when I’m out in public or post my picture online, my view changes. I think I look ugly and my self-esteem takes a nosedive. These feelings are really getting in the way of my social life. I question why anyone would want to be around someone so ugly, so I mostly stay home. If I do manage to go out, I spend the whole time not talking to anyone because I’m afraid of people’s rejection. Is there any hope for me? …
My Boyfriend Likes Pornography
Question: I’ve been in a relationship with a man for several years and I love him. He’s everything I could ever want except for one thing: he’s very into pornography. He watches it every day, sometimes multiple times a day. He spends more time watching porn than he spends with me! This really bothers me as I want to be enough for him. We’ve talked about it but instead of quitting, he just hides it. If I bring it up, he gets upset and denies doing it even though I’ve caught him lots of times. I’m so frustrated and hurt …
My Boyfriend Has a Drinking Problem
Question: I’ve been in a relationship with a wonderful man for several years now. He treats me well and has great qualities. The only problem is that he has depression and drinks too much. Every night he drinks at least a six-pack of beer, sometimes more. He takes medication for his depression. Even though he knows that the medication isn’t supposed to be mixed with alcohol, he still drinks. He doesn’t have any hobbies and all his friends are partiers. I’ve tried to help by encouraging him to find a hobby, make better friends (ones who don’t drink), and pleading …
How Do I Get Over My Fear of Rejection?
Question: I’ve never had a girlfriend even though I’m just starting college. Lots of my friends in high school are in long-term relationships but I never even tried to find one because of my fear of rejection. I don’t have problems with talking to girls and I’ve been told that I’m a fairly good looking guy, so I think I can find someone but what if it doesn’t work out? What if I’m bad at the sex stuff? I’m really worried I won’t be able to handle getting rejected. What should I do? Answer: I’m not certain where you …
How Do I Deal with a Mother with an Addiction?
Question: I’m embarrassed to admit this but my mother is an addict. She’s been an alcoholic for a long time and recently added prescription medication to the mix. She’s been to rehab several times. It works for a while but then she starts using again. It was hard growing up with her drinking so much but, out of my siblings, I’m the one who got along with her the best. They’d always tell me, “You deal with Mom!” I thought things would get better once I moved out and started my own family but it’s only gotten worse. She calls …
I Have Trouble Focusing. Is it ADHD?
Question: I have a hard time focusing on anything. My thoughts wander repeatedly and it takes a lot of effort for me to concentrate. I have to read entire sections of material repeatedly just to retain any of the information. This makes finishing homework and taking tests very difficult and time-consuming. Most people I know don’t seem to have this problem. Is this a memory issue, focus issue, or both? Do I have ADHD? Should I try to get on medication or is there a way to train myself to overcome this? Answer: According to the Diagnostic and Statistical …
Dear Dr. Hook: Brainwashed about Weddings
Question: Recently, writer Rosy Edwards pondered this dilemma. “I am a feminist. Basic common sense dictates that a woman should be paid the same as a man for doing the same job, and not be sexually assaulted on the tube. Yet I want a traditional wedding it all its antiquated, misogynistic glory. I am an independent, adult woman, yet I want my dad to give me away. I am self-employed and career-driven, yet I want to take my partner’s name. I want to wear white, though lord knows my purity is long gone. Why are these things so important to me? …
Breaking Up is Hard To Do
Figuring out what to do about the unwelcome attention of an ex-partner can be a challenge. Putting distance, ensuring your safety and concentrating on healthy relationship skills can help.