FEELS LEFT OUT WITH OLD FRIENDS

Dear Jellybean,

Ever since I left my old school only one of my friends still talk to me. And when ever they do talk to me their always bragging about when they are going to get together. I feel really left out. Should I still even try to talk to them?

Dear Writer,

First, consider that you're putting a negative light on your friends, when maybe there doesn't need to be. They're probably not "bragging" when they talk about getting together - they're just telling you what they're up to. That's their life.

I get that you feel left out, but you're the one who moved on to a brand new place. Your friends probably don't know that you feel left out. Maybe they think you're the one who's ditched them, or they think you won't find them interesting anymore, since you have a whole schoolful of new people to get to know.

Don't give up on these friendships without at least making more of an effort. Next time you talk to your old friends, listen when they tell you about their plans, and then be honest about how you're feeling. Say something like, "That sound like fun, I wish I could come. Hey, let's plan a time when we can get together, I miss you guys!" Letting them know that you still want to be part of the crowd might be what's missing from the mix right now. And if they still want to be friends, you'll know when they take you up on your suggestion.