DISCLAIMER:
We are not professionals. We are students looking to help fellow students in their time of need.
Submit questions to askjackandjade [@] gmail.com. Submissions must be less than 200 words. All questions will be posted as anonymous unless specified otherwise.
Dear Jack and Jade,
I haven’t told anyone this yet but I’m really scared of entering the workforce and growing up. I wish I was a kid again…
Best,
Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I totally feel you — I think all twenty-somethings do, so don’t feel like you’re in this alone. At this point in our lives, most of us still feel like kids inside, but we’re expected to act like adults. But I’m here to tell you that your mindset and life is going to be what you make of it. The direction it can go in is completely up to you.
Ask yourself if there are any deep-seated desires that are trying to claw their way out, or perhaps, pretend for a moment that you’re 88 years old and extremely ill. What would you have wanted to accomplish during your life?
Of course, you can’t go back in time and live infinitely in your youth, but you CAN bring yourself back to a youthful mindset. As for your future — nothing is set in stone. Try talking to someone you are close to about your feelings. Maybe there are changes you would like to make in order to feel more like “yourself” again.
Good luck and feel free to write in again if you have any more questions!
Jack
Dear Jack and Jade,
I am in a bit of dilemma and need some advice. I have a childhood friend who’s interested in taking things to the next level. I love my friend very much but I do not love him romantically. I’m afraid to tell him this because I don’t want to ruin our friendship. What should I do?
Worried friend
Dear Worried Friend,
The situation you described isn’t an easy one!
I understand that you love your friend but are not interested in taking things to the next level, which is fine. Sometimes communicating this to the other person can prove to be a challenge. Nonetheless, you should.
It is best you let your friend know that you do not share the same feelings as they do, rather than give them the impression that you feel the same way. Your friend might not understand why and take this hard, but I would encourage you to do so as kindly as you can.
You are not aiming to hurt their feelings. Hopefully, they understand your position. I agree that this can make your friendship with this person awkward, but if you can work your way through that, do so.
I wish you the best in your dilemma.
Jade