Dear Anne
At this point in time, I am trying to get as many A*s as possible out of my GCSEs, and constantly stay up late doing so. The problem rests with a girl I really like and who I know really likes me, but I feel I don't have the time to go out with her because of my work, as well as my parents shunning her and calling her 'a distraction.' While I know they're thinking for the best, we're going separate ways after high school and we might never see each other again. Should I try at a relationship or is it the impossible task? Dan
Dear Dan
Congratulations on taking responsibility for your grades! However, spending your whole waking life - and robbing yourself of sleep into the bargain - isn't necessarily the most sensible approach. While I'm all for hard work, you need at least an hour if not two free from work before bedtime so you get a good night's rest, and at least half a day off at weekends, don't you think? Othewise when can you fit in some healthy exercise and fun and help yourself abvoid anxiety and burnout? But that's not what you asked.
Seeing as you and this girl like each other, you might talk to her and say that right now isn't a good time because you're both studying, but would she perhaps like to go out to the movies/for a coffee with you after you've both finished your exams? After all, there are telephones and buses. If you both want to keep seeing each other, it's perfectly possible. In the meantime an hour or two each week isn't going to ruin everything, is it?
Good luck.
