Published: February 01, 2008 11:00 pm      

Teen Talk: Check with Chad: Look carefully at his future

Dear Chad,

Hello, how are you? I'm not used to using these things, but I really need help and I don't know where else to go. I am constantly fighting with my parents; I like this guy and they don't approve of him. They don't like him because he is not planning on going to a college after he gets out of high school.

He says that he can be successful just by hard work, and that is the way he wants it. I personally think you should go to college, but if this is what he really wants then I don't think he should be punished for it by not being able to see me. What should I do?

Thanks,

Lover Gurl

Dear Lover Gurl,

Hi, I am fine; I hope you are fine (if not great), as well.

I would sit down with the guy you like and ask him what it is that he wants to do after he graduates, and then see if there are any different ways to specialize in something without going to college. Some people go to a two-year program to specialize in computer repair, for example. Then the both of you should make a list of things he can do that would be a good source of income that do not require him going to college.

That might make you both seem very responsible to your parents, seeing that he isn't just going to be working a minimum-wage job for the rest of his life.

Your parents probably just don't want to see you wasting your time with a man that potentially has no future, in regards to income.

I hope this has helped, and good luck with everything.

Sincerely,

Chad

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Dear Chad,

I really love my girlfriend, and I'm pretty sure she loves me (at least she says she does), but lately she has been kind of distant from me.

For example, when I see her in school, she will talk for a few seconds, then make up some excuse to go. She says she doesn't want to break up with me when I ask if she wants to, but I'm not so sure. What should I do?

I'm thinking of breaking up with her because she seems so miserable with me in her life. What do you think?

Sincerely,

Undecided

Dear Undecided,

I wouldn't break up with her. It seems to me that she is just going through a hard time, and doesn't know who to go to or what to do about it. The best thing you can do for her right now is to show her that you care, and maybe she will talk to you in a while about whatever is bothering her.

As for her being distant, she may just want to be alone right now. You need to find a good balance of being with her and not, and still showing her that you care. Sometimes when people are depressed or down they get stuck in their own thoughts, and don't really notice things that are going on around them. I think that might be the case.

I hope I have been of some help; good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Sincerely,

Chad

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Dear Chad,

I think I may be going crazy; it makes me so upset to hear about what is going on in famous people's lives. I mean drugs, drinking, smoking, young pregnancies, when will it all end? I can't even watch some shows and movies now if they have someone I used to look up to and now can't playing in it.

Am I going insane? I honestly don't think this is normal.

Thanks,

Innocent

Dear Innocent,

No, you're not going crazy. You may just feel upset about it because you were looking up to someone, only later to find out he or she does something that you disagree with or can't handle. Sometimes people watch people on television only to later believe that their lives are what they act, when in fact they are exactly like you and me _ just more known.

I wouldn't worry about it too much; it is something that will most likely pass. Just remember, even the most-renowned people are just that: people.

Hope this answers your question.

Sincerely,

Chad

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Chad Shipman is a junior at Unadilla Valley High School. You can send your questions to Chad by e-mail at

chad’shipman21@yahoo.com, or by mail to Check with Chad, c/o The Daily Star, P.O. Box 250, Oneonta, NY 13820.