Advice on the Opposite Sex

Mariama McGhee

Sophomore

UPREP High School

When you feel the butterflies in your stomach, there is only one word to describe this- boys. They are the opposite of who you are and they are the objects of your affections. Boys can be friendly, cruel, honest, dishonest, loving, and some are simply ignorant to the word love. Now that you’re a young lady, here are some things you need to know about the opposite sex.

To flirt with a boy could possibly lead to three outcomes. He wants your number, your attention, or he’s doing this for the fun of it. Do not and I repeat do not think that he has a crush on you. This display of acknowledgement will show that he’s doing this because it’s all a game. Young love is still a mystery that is still to be solved.

In high school girls tend to fight over a boy. It all starts with gossip and jealousy. Do not partake in these conflicts, because you might end up losing a good friend. Ignore the situation and if you want, step in and stop it from escalating. Stooping down to their level is out of the question.

No one is forcing you to not talk to boys. In fact there’s nothing wrong with that. All you have to do is balance the time you have with them and do your work. Don’t let this interfere in what you have to do. In other words, have more talk about the future and less talk about his phone number.

Be sure to watch out for the prying eyes of your friend’s. You already know that they love drama and will stick their noses into your love life. So what if you spoke to a life long crush, it doesn’t matter. Don’t give your friends a reason to put you down, because you won’t talk to a boy. If he’s patient then he should wait for a lady who’s all about business.

How to Use Conflict Resolution Effectively

Mariama McGhee

Sophomore

UPREP High School

Sometimes, females get along while the rest prefer to hold a grudge or shoot the evil eye at each other. What would happen if you and your best friend had an argument over a boy? Would you work it out with her? Or would you rather keep the argument going? If you choose the first choice then listen carefully. Conflict resolution is when you solve problems without using violence. Use your voice and not your fists. That is the one message that I try so hard to teach. Here is the plan.

In high school you are faced with the difficult challenge of being a young female teen. Your teachers expect you to get high marks while your friends expect you to ignore what you’ve been taught and go with the flow. If you get into an argument with a female classmate, then your friends would want you to fight her. You don’t want to because you promised yourself that you would stay out of trouble for the rest of the school year. You don’t want to fight her so instead you use your words.

When solving a conflict you need to approach this with great caution and care. What you say may make this a good situation or a bad situation. Think before you speak and then take the plunge. Use your body language to let the person know that you’re doing this without throwing the blows. They will take the hint and listen.

Your stance is also important. Make sure that you look at ease and relaxed. If you’re comfortable then they become comfortable. If your stance consists of folded arms, rolling of the eyes, and fidgeting then they’ll take the cue to keep on arguing. Put on a brave face and try not to look nervous.

When you speak, speak as if you know what you’re talking about. Don’t talk to them like they’re crazy, because that will make them think that you are insulting them. Talk in a professional tone and do not exaggerate. As you speak you will grow more confident in what you’re saying and your friend will stop scowling for once and take your words into deep consideration. This method has never come close to failing.

The last thing you must do is listen. Before you speak, you need to hear your friend’s side of the story. You may have done something to upset her or she had done something to upset you. Either way listen to what she has to say. Try this and I guarantee you this will all be over as quickly as it started.