FRIEND BUGS HER FOR ANSWERS

Dear Jellybean,

I am in the advanced/honors class with one of my best friends, let's call her Kaitlin. When my teacher assigns us classwork where we have to actually find the answers in a book, Kaitlin acts like she has dumbed-down and is drawing a blank. She is asking me constantly, "Hannah, what did you get for_?" or "Hannah, what did you, I mean, I understand this but what did you put?" for nearly every question. When Kaitlin starts it, a lot of people around me are asking me the answers too. They say they ask me because I'm "the smartest kid in this class", which I honestly, don't believe. I love her to death and I don't want to hurt her or do anything to jeopardize our friendship. How can I get her off my back so I can get my work done?

Yours Truly,
Hannah

Dear Hannah,

You need to talk to your friend, but don't do it when you're in class. When you're hanging out at another time, try saying something like, "Kaitlin, you like me, right?" She'll assure that of course she likes you. Then say, "I know it sounds weird, but I'm feeling paranoid that some people don't really like me, they're just friends with me so they can copy my work." Confess that this has been causing you a bunch of stress, and making you question people's feelings about you.

Kaitlin is sure to tell you that she likes you for you, not for your smart answers. Once she's admitted it, then you can say something like, "That's awesome. I'm glad you won't be asking me for answers in class anymore, now that you know how it makes me feel insecure." She can't really stick to her friendly words, and keep asking you for help, after that, right? Hope it works - let me know!