hi HIM + B: thoughts on staying in contact w/ your ex?
B: It really depends on each situation. I think it can work but under a very specific set of circumstances. If you truly did both reach the decision mutually and there is no bad blood, then I think you can make it work. BUT, if there was any hint of an imbalance in the decision, I really don’t think you should stay in contact. Things will only bubble up until you reach a breaking point. Also, be honest with yourself. As hard as it can be, you need to assess the situation and what’s going to actually be best for you, even if it’s not what you want.

my ex cheated on me and then broke up with me … do i go psycho ex gf mode or be the bigger person?
I: I would not recommend going “psycho ex gf mode,” because that is not going to bring you any satisfaction and it will only paint you in a bad light. It also won’t fix the problem; if they cheated on you AND broke up with you, they clearly don’t respect you — and acting psycho is not going to help your case. Instead, focus on respecting yourself enough to distance yourself from them.

Is junior year really hard?
M: Honestly, I found that junior year was my best one both academically and emotionally. A lot of people say it’s the most stressful year — and don’t get me wrong, it was definitely a test of my strength and ability to chug Monster Energy drinks but not more than any other year. If you choose a strong set of classes that focus on your present and potentially future interests (and a class you can de-stress in), you’ll begin to enjoy both school and your year a lot more! Plus, you’ll definitely start to feel like a laid-back upperclassman, and prom is on the come-up, so there’s fun on the horizon, I promise! Best of luck.

I am friends with this girl, who is really toxic and disrespectful to me, but she has few other friends so I feel bad dropping her. I want to prioritize myself, but I also don’t want to be mean to her and I don’t know how to tell her. What should I do?
I: If she is toxic and disrespectful, especially to her own friend, then that is likely the reason she has so few friends. If you haven’t brought it up to her before, you could try having an honest conversation with her about it. If you’ve already addressed it and she didn’t change her behavior, you have the right to prioritize yourself.

If I like someone who’s now in college, how do I reconnect?
H: A reconnection shouldn’t be affected by the stage of life that someone is in. Rather than questioning how to reconnect, take the first step and initiate a conversation! In this situation, the worst thing they could say isn’t necessarily “no,” but luckily we live in an age of social media and blocking exists! Don’t think too much about it, and live in the moment instead of constantly trying to consider what the best possible thing to say is.

College decisions are coming out soon, how do i deal with nosy people and rejections?
B: With nosy people, I think the most important thing is to hold your ground. If you don’t want to share something, then be upfront. Most people won’t keep pressing. If they do, remember: you don’t owe anyone any explanations or information. Rejection is hard. I would say take however long you need to feel sad or disappointed at first and just take the time to wallow, honestly. Sometimes the only way out is through, but you will get through.