how do I help my friend

Posted on January 29, 2014 by laurenbjorkman

Dear Miss Fortune Cookie,

Background info:

This girl moved into my neighborhood and we became bffs. But then she moved to a different state–this was 4 years ago.

Fast Forward 4 years:

I start messaging her on Facebook and I find out that she has a lot of issues–like her parents are getting divorced, she is being bullied, her friends are leaving her, and she has an eating disorder.

I really want to help her but I have no clue how! Please help!

A Confused Friend

Dear Sarah,

Miss Fortune Cookie says: The best year round temperature is a warm heart and a cool head.

I see your problem. Your friend is having a rough time, but how can you help her from a distance? You can listen to her. Be a sympathetic ear. Remind her of the things you like about her. Remind her that she’s a worthy person.

Still, an eating disorder can be life threatening. I recommend that you involve an adult–a parent, a counselor at school, or another person that you trust.

She is lucky to have such a loyal and caring friend.

Miss Fortune Cookie

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Posted on February 20, 2013 by laurenbjorkman

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Love triangle

Posted on February 16, 2013 by laurenbjorkman

Dear Miss Fortune Cookie!

I’ve created a bit of a mess for myself. My best friend is a guy. I’m not. And I’m starting to wonder if best friends is enough. But then, being an idiot, I practically shoved him into the arms of his current girlfriend — a controlling wench if there ever was one. She’s not happy that he and I friends; she does everything she can to keep us apart. And he’s not happy either, but he doesn’t want to break up with her because he thinks that I think they should be together. Is that messed up or what!

My Own Worst Enemy

Dear Worst Enemy,

Miss Fortune Cookie says: Once you mount a tiger, it is difficult to get off.

That’s some crazy tiger you’re riding! Don’t despair, though. Even tigers sleep once in a while. I have lied to her friends in the past, and sympathize with your situation. Unfortunately, I have bad news. The only way to get off the tiger is to come clean with your friend-that-could-become-more-than-a-friend.

Patient method: Let him know that you regret setting him up with his current girlfriend WITHOUT putting her down. Wait. Wait. Wait. Wait a long time. If they break up, tell him your true feelings.

Brave method: Let him know your true feelings now. Do NOT mention how you feel about his current girlfriend. Warning: he may reject you. (Sorry!)

Miss Fortune Cookie

Letter courtesy of Alamosa Books