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Dear Mask,
My friends are so good at Valorant. I pretend to be good, but I’m running out of excuses to leave when they join. Please help me make more excuses.
Sincerely,
Epik Gamer
San Jose, CA
Dear Epik Gamer,
In your case, I think that blaming it on the computer is a safe option. For example, you could say that your wifi is broken. Or you could tell them that you are experiencing technical difficulties. However, you may have already used these excuses. So you could also tell them that you have some sort of other commitment, such as homework or house chores. In the event that your friends figure out that you are making up excuses, you may have to resort to telling them the truth. Hopefully your friends will understand and maybe teach you some tricks to get better. Good luck!
Excuses, excuses,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I used to get straight A’s in every class. Now I have B’s and B-’s, and I’m stressed out. Is there a way I can chill out and get higher grades?
Sincerely,
Stressed Out Friend
San Jose, CA
Dear Stressed Out Friend,
I too get stressed out when my grades are lower than an A. Have you thought about why your grades have dropped? Maybe you have been focused on something other than your grades, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is okay to focus on family or personal wellness for a little while instead of your grades. Even though you might get a B, it’s going to be okay, and you shouldn’t worry too much about it. If you get a B, it’s not like you fail the class for the rest of the year. To get higher grades, try taking more notes in class. Make sure that the teacher knows what you need to help you learn. Ask questions when you are confused. Don’t be embarrassed for not knowing stuff.
Evaluatively,
The Mask
I am in middle school and I have a BIG crush on this girl. She's everything. But she’s in fifth grade.
Sincerely,
Old Person
San Jose, CA
Dear Old Person,
This is definitely a tough situation to be in. There is always the possibility that you might frighten her, considering she is in fifth grade. If you are scared to talk to her and you have at least one more year of middle school, then I suggest that you wait until she comes to middle school so the age difference seems less “unusual.” But if you’re worried about what others might think, then the only thing I can suggest is to ignore them, even if the people making fun of you are your friends. I speak from experience: Don't let other people’s opinions define who you like. I wish you the best of luck!
Caringly,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I have a crush on two people, and what's worse is that they are best friends. I try to pick one, just the way my friends advise me, but it is really hard. One is extremely smart, artistic, and a good friend. The other is funny and is a good friend also. I want one of them to ask me out to the social, but I am really stuck.
Sincerely,
Split Crusher
San Jose, CA
Dear Split Crusher,
Love triangles are complicated. Everyone has their pros and cons, and it’s important that their cons play a role in this decision. List out all of the things you like about them, and then list out all of the things you don't like. This way you can have a visual representation of what each person has to offer, and see which person you prefer. Because they’re friends, its difficult to tell how the other might react. Unfortunately, if a relationship with either of them requires them to no longer be bestie with each other, then it’s not going to work out. You also don’t have the option of asking them both out at first, because it’ll definitely come out in a conversation between them. Another option is to just wait for one of them to ask you out. But if you feel like it’s taking them a bit too long, you might want to pull out your list and see who you’re going to ask out. You got this!
Triangularly,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
A few of the people I sometimes hang out with say racial slurs because it’s not racist when they say it but if i said it it would be super racist. It’s not like I ever would want to say anything racist. I just don't know if I should do anything about this. Is it messed up for them to say these things even if it isn't racist when they say it? I felt like if it is racist, then why say it at all, even if it’s not racist when they say it? I'm sorta confuzzled.
Sincerely,
Confuzzled Questioner
San Jose, CA
Dear Confuzzled Questioner,
This kind of situation is confusing for a lot of people. For some members of minority groups, “reclaiming” certain words that started out as insults can make them feel empowered and strong. But it’s also okay for you to feel uncomfortable with words like that. Since a good friend would value your opinion and your respect, I suggest letting them know that the words bother you when you hear them and asking them to stop saying those words around you. If they don’t want to stop, you can start a conversation with them to learn more about why they keep using these words. If they keep using the words in front of you even though they know it bothers you, you might try to separate yourself from them. They might not be your close friends if they can’t respect you. But I hope you’re able to understand each other better instead.
Word,
The Mask
Dear Mask,
I keep on farting in class a lot, and it's no joke! What can I do to help solve this problem?
Sincerely,
FartsieGurl
San Jose, CA
Dear FartsieGurl,
Few wish to admit it, but it's hard not to fart. Try looking at your diet. If you eat a lot of dairy, beans, or spicy food, consider dialing back on those foods. If you aren’t eating things that are making you fart, it could instead be your stress levels. If you feel a fart coming in class, ask to go to the bathroom. While you are walking to the bathroom, try to take some deep breaths. I hope this helps you stop stinking up the class. But if none of this seems to reduce your fart count, another idea is to start randomly screaming in the middle of class to cover up your impending flatulence.
Stinkily,
The Mask
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this website are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Almaden Country Day School. Any content provided by our bloggers or authors are of their opinion, and are not intended to replace parental or professional advice.
