Before we reveal this week's letters, we are unveiling a new feature of Ask The Mask! Each week, we will post a short video in which an ACDS teacher tells us about one of their problems. You — yes, you! — are invited to fill out this form with advice for the teacher. If we like your response, we might include it in our next issue. First up is Mrs. Burstein!
Click here to submit advice for Mrs. Burstein!
Click here to send a letter to Ask The Mask!
Dear Mask,
There is this girl one grade younger than me and I like her. I want to ask her out, but I don’t know if people will accept our relationship because of our age difference. What do you think I should do?
Sincerely,
Confused Crusher
San Jose, CA
Dear Confused Crusher,
The funny thing about relationships is that the older you get, the less the age gap seems to matter. For example, a sixth grader dating an eighth grader seems HUGE, but a 24-year-old dating a 26-year-old is perfectly normal. Your happiness comes first, so if you want to ask someone out who’s only one grade younger than you, go ahead! You don't need people to accept or validate your relationship for it to be a real relationship. It is perfectly normal and quite common for people to date others who are not in the same grade, and there is nothing to be ashamed of or nervous about.
Good luck!
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I’m not sure what to do. Sometimes my friends and I know we aren’t supposed to do something, but they do it anyway. I don’t want to snitch on them and get them in trouble, but I also don’t want to participate in breaking the rules. Most of the time, I end up telling them that they shouldn’t do it, but if they do then it’s their responsibility. But I still have a bad feeling that they’re going to get caught. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Buzz Kill
San Jose, CA
Dear Buzz Kill,
It seems like you really care about your friends, but it must be frustrating when your friends are doing things you know they shouldn't be. It is important not to participate in breaking the rules. Sometimes when peer pressure wins, you can end up doing things that you will seriously regret in the future. I also think it is important to tell them that they shouldn't be doing this and make sure they understand the consequences if they are caught. If it's something dangerous that you feel an adult or teacher should know about, it is the right thing to tell them; you can always do it anonymously. At times, there is nothing you can do except remind your friends not to participate. I hope you can convince them to do the right thing!
Legally,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I started unmasking at school and at home and I really enjoyed it, but now Covid is flaring up again and my parents say I need to mask again. I don’t want to get Covid, but I also don’t want to start masking again. What do you think I should do?
Sincerely,
Masked Kid
San Jose, CA
Dear Masked Kid,
I understand how you feel, My family is also extremely cautious when it comes to getting Covid. Winter is a season commonly filled with all types of illness. I know it can be frustrating having to wear a mask, but your parents are just trying to keep not only you but your entire family safe and healthy. Studies do show that if you wear a mask in general, your chance of getting Covid is reduced by 70%. If this makes you feel any better, I am wearing a mask right now too. So my advice to you is to stay strong for the both of us, and we will get through this. It is better to be safe than sorry!
Masked,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
In my social studies class, we often discuss our thoughts on the topic with the people sitting next to us. I love hearing my classmates’ thoughts, but I’m often afraid to share my own. I know my opinions are very different from others, and sometimes I feel like there’s no point in sharing because no one will agree with or understand my perspective. Should I start sharing more in class, or should I continue to keep quiet?
Sincerely,
Outsider
San Jose, CA
Dear Outsider,
I agree that sharing your opinions can be hard, especially when other people might disagree with you. Here’s something you might not have thought about: There might be other people who share your opinions, but they are also nervous to share them. In fact, there could be many people in your class who feel the same way, but until someone like you speaks up, nobody will know. Even if people don’t have the same opinion as you do, it can be helpful to understand other people’s perspectives, and you can help add interesting thoughts to the discussion. Who knows, maybe you’ll even be able to change someone else’s mind to agree with you! I hope you’ll soon find the courage to share.
Encouragingly,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I have this person in my grade, and she is really annoying sometimes. She is mean, gets all up in my business, and sometimes makes me really upset. We have known each other since either kindergarten or preschool. I have tried to put up with her many times, but she always seems to want to create drama for other people like me. What should I do about her?
Sincerely,
Person Who Gets Annoyed
Willow Glen, CA
Dear Person Who Gets Annoyed,
It can be really frustrating when people seem to do everything they can to make life harder for you. Sometimes people don't realize that what they are doing is hurtful to you. Perhaps they feel that what they are saying and doing is funny and perfectly acceptable. Be sure to confront this person about what she is doing and how it makes you feel. Tell her that what she is doing is not okay and cannot continue. If all else fails, the best option is to separate yourself from people who make you so upset. Try your best to ignore her and separate yourself from whatever she is doing to frustrate you. It can be really hard to just walk away from someone you've known for a long time, but sometimes it's for the best. Be sure not to let one person stand in the way of your happiness.
Supportively,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
Life is like a game of cards. Everything you do is a different card. And it just seems like I’m not getting those good cards. I’m not blaming everyone; it’s just that I get in so much trouble everywhere and I get yelled at at school and at home. I also push it over the top sometimes, and almost every day I get yelled at by my mom because I can’t even go to school early.
Sincerely,
Jumbled Sad Bull
California
Dear Jumbled Sad Bull,
I get how you feel. Some days I feel like the only cards I pull out are the worst ones. I know it can be hard, especially if people keep getting frustrated with you, but you should try to stay positive. Even small things, like a nice conversation you had with a friend, or a cool fact you learned, can help you see good aspects of your life. Try to remember those happy moments when something bad happens, and you can realize that not everything is so horrible. I also recommend talking to some of the people who keep yelling at you. Tell them that their actions are making you stressed out, and hopefully they will adjust how they are communicating with you. This might seem silly, but you should at least give it a shot. I believe in you.
Positively,
The Mask