Thursday, May 04, 2006
Ruined Reputation
Dear Guidance Guy,
I have completely ruined my reputation! I have no friends. I don't know what I'll do! I don't even know what I did to ruin my rep. I think it was because I said a bad word. All my friends I did have are all clean and hate people that cuss and stuff. I didn't even mean to say it. It just slipped out, cause I hear my dad 24/7.
Sincerely,
JC
*****
Dear JC,
I have a hard time believing you ruined your reputation because you said one bad word one time. So either you don't have friends for some other reason, or you really do have friends. The easiest way to find out what's going on is to find one of your "former" friends who are still willing to talk to you. Pick someone who will tell you the truth and ask for his honest opinion. Are people upset with you? Listen to what he has to say without interrupting him. You'll get good information, and the fact that you're willing to listen may help people to feel better about you.
As far as your father swearing a lot, I know it's hard to change the habits from your parents. But it is possible. The fact that you want to badly enough should help you do something different.
Don't worry about things too much, JC. Kids have a short memory. Whatever your rep is right now, you can fix it with time and patience. Just be yourself...that's always good enough.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
I have completely ruined my reputation! I have no friends. I don't know what I'll do! I don't even know what I did to ruin my rep. I think it was because I said a bad word. All my friends I did have are all clean and hate people that cuss and stuff. I didn't even mean to say it. It just slipped out, cause I hear my dad 24/7.
Sincerely,
JC
*****
Dear JC,
I have a hard time believing you ruined your reputation because you said one bad word one time. So either you don't have friends for some other reason, or you really do have friends. The easiest way to find out what's going on is to find one of your "former" friends who are still willing to talk to you. Pick someone who will tell you the truth and ask for his honest opinion. Are people upset with you? Listen to what he has to say without interrupting him. You'll get good information, and the fact that you're willing to listen may help people to feel better about you.
As far as your father swearing a lot, I know it's hard to change the habits from your parents. But it is possible. The fact that you want to badly enough should help you do something different.
Don't worry about things too much, JC. Kids have a short memory. Whatever your rep is right now, you can fix it with time and patience. Just be yourself...that's always good enough.
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
