Ask Astrid – Our Advice Column for Readers: Attraction, Musical Aspirations, and Phones

Dear Astrid,
So there’s this girl I really like in some of my classes. She’s smart and pretty and I want to talk to her soon but I don’t think she would talk to me. I’m pretty average and not really athletic. I don’t really know what to do. Do you think I should maybe try and get into more sports and try to be more athletic? I doubt she would really like me as I am now and I don’t really know how to start a conversation with her. I’ve got an average body type, not the most social personality, and I’m not incredibly tall. I don’t really stand out in a crowd. I don’t really know what to do, but I really like her so any advice would be appreciated.

-Athletic

Dear Athletic,
You shouldn’t change yourself for anyone, first of all. If you try to be someone you’re not to be with this girl, she’s not really liking you, just the persona you created. Second of all, don’t count yourself out yet. Sometimes the people we like or who like us are people we never would have expected. We are always so much more than we think we are, and it’s easy to forget that. You should try talking to her. You don’t have to even ask her out, but you can talk about what’s going on in a class, in school, or about a mutual friend. Being friends with her first could not only get you a new friend but it can open yourself up to the possibility of going out on a date with this girl. It doesn’t matter what you look like or if you play sports or not: it’s more your personality and the energy you have that counts. These days, a great personality is easier to fall in love with than anything else. I promise, you can do this. Really, the worst that can happen is that you get rejected. The world won’t fall out of orbit, and trust me, we’ve all been rejected. I’ve personally been rejected multiple times. It doesn’t feel good, but at least you know and you were brave enough to be vulnerable. Good luck, and I sincerely hope everything works out for you!

-Astrid

Dear Astrid,
I really love music. I play a whole bunch of instruments and I’m in a bunch of bands at school but my parents don’t take it seriously at all. They see the band as a waste of time and think I should be doing something useful during that time. Music really makes me happy though and I want to pursue it for a career by going to music school. I’ve looked at a couple of programs and they all look so amazing to me. How do I talk to my parents about it and is there any way to make them see how important this is to me? I feel like I’m out of options but I don’t want to give up my music.

– Decrescendo

Dear Decrescendo,
It is so great that you have a passion for music! I’m really glad that you’ve found something that makes you so happy. I think you need to show your parents that you’re serious about it. Try talking to them about it if you haven’t before, or have a conversation with them about all of the truly viable options in music. There’s music production, being a music teacher, playing in bands, or playing in a pit for shows. There’s so much you can do with it, especially since you sound passionate about it. If this is something you really want, you need to go for it. I know people who work on Broadway and their jobs feel like no work at all because they love what they do. That’s what we all strive for. Your parents love you; they’re just scared and are going with what they think is the safer path for your future. But remember, it’s your future. It’s up to you to make your dreams come true. Talk to them about how much music means to you, how happy it makes you feel, your favorite parts about it, and how a career in music is something that a lot of people have. I hope everything works out for you!

-Astrid

Dear Astrid,
My younger sister recently received a phone for Christmas even though her phone wasn’t that old. My phone is a couple of years old but it’s pretty glitchy and the battery is pretty bad. I want to get a new one and I can pay for it because I have a job but my parents are refusing to let me buy it. I have no idea what to do, but they’ve forbidden me from buying it. My phone is literally broken, how are they not seeing this? It’s so annoying and frustrating and I don’t really know what to do. Please help?

– Cracked Glass

Dear Cracked,
This sounds like a really difficult situation. On one hand, I understand that your sister getting a new phone and you not getting one seems really unfair, but I promise, your parents have a reason. I think asking them to explain why they won’t allow you to buy a new phone or why they didn’t get you a phone along with your sister would go a long way. Maybe there’s something you’re missing here. I don’t know why they wouldn’t allow you to buy the phone if it’s with your money. There’s definitely something afoot, and opening the lines of communication might clear it up. If your parent’s decision stays the same, maybe you can explain to them that the battery on your phone is really bad, and there’s something wrong with your phone’s hardware. You might be able to replace the battery and parts of the hardware which would be a good compromise. Either way, your parents love you and they only want the best for you. Communication can honestly go a really long way in relationships like these. Good luck, and I’m sure everything will work out.

-Astrid

Ask Astrid (a pseudonym for this columnist) is an advice column to advise people on how to deal with their concerns and issues in the most positive way possible. I try my best to ensure that they will make decisions that will help them move forward on the right path. I hope you will write to me, in confidence, seeking my guidance. Just a reminder: I will not disclose any information sent to me. What you write will always remain anonymous. I encourage you to be creative with your usernames and send feedback so that this column will be successful in helping those who seek advice. You can email me at [email protected] or drop a note in our standing metal mailbox outside of the English office. I look forward to reading your letters.

PEDIR Astrid es una columna de consejos para asesorar a las personas sobre cómo tratar mejor sus preocupaciones y problemas.​ Yo hago mi mejor esfuerzo para asegurarme que tu tomes la decicion correcta, ayudarte a avanzar de manera positiva. Yo espero que tu me escribas con confidencia, pidiendo mi ayuda. Un recordatorio, yo no voy a revelar ninguna información que me envies. Lo que tu escribas siempre va a ser anónimo. Te animo a que seas creativo con tus nombres de usuario y envíes comentarios para que esta columna sea exitosa para ayudar a quienes buscan consejos. Correo electrónico a [email protected]. Espero sus cartas.