Time To Move On?

My next blog article is going to follow a different format than the others, as it is based one of my reader’s personal challenges vs one of Meylyne’s challenges. In my last blog article, I showed you how my three personas (Francesca, Eva and Kathryn) viewed Meylyne’s inner conflict around confronting the Thorn Queen. In this article, I’ll show you how Francesca, Eva and Kathryn view my reader’s conflict involving one of her best friends.

Dear Francevka,

 I have a very close friend. We’ve known each other for years and we’ve always hung out together a lot but lately it seems like we don’t want to do the same things. Then, when we’re with other people, I feel like she treats them better than me. Because of all this, I don’t want to spend as much time with her, but then I feel bad because she gets upset. What should I do?

 Love,

 Hannah (not her real name)

Francesca; That sounds conflicting. I’m sorry you’re going through this! Have you tried talking to her about how you feel? With regards to you two not wanting to do the same things any more, there may be some middle-ground areas than you haven’t explored yet. As for her treating others better than you, she may just be getting back at you if she senses that you’re pulling away from her. I think would be good for you two to talk about this.

Kathryn; I think it would be good for her to make new friends. She’s allowed to move on, you know.

Eva; Of course she’s allowed to move on, but we don’t live in a disposable world, Kathryn. You should try to fix something before you throw it away!

Kathryn; Why expend all that energy? Doesn’t she have homework to do?

Eva; How is she supposed to focus on homework with this problem eating at her?

Kathryn; This is a problem? Please. How about when she gets poor grades and can’t get into college? Now that’s a problem.

Eva; Working hard isn’t the only important thing in life. You need good friendships to be happy!

Francesca; Can we get back on track here, please. This isn’t a philosophy on how to live our lives. She just wants to know what to do with this friend. I say she should talk to her. And if she’s not be clear on all that she wants to say, perhaps she can role-play with someone neutral, like a relative or a friend that doesn’t go to her school.

Eva; Why would role-playing help? That sounds stupid.

Francesca; It helps to role-play, because it’s easy to clam up, or get defensive in these situations. It’s best to practice so you know the points you want to get across and you don’t get side-tracked so easily.

Kathryn; Hmph. I suppose it’s not a terrible idea. Practicing effective communication is never a waste of time.

Eva; Certainly something you should practice more.

Kathryn; As if you can talk.

Francesca; Seriously? Enough already. We can all practice more. Starting now. Good luck, Hannah!