This person is tired of life.

Answered Submission

Hey!

It is true that no one will ever truly understand how you feel exactly, but other people have also faced similar situations and if they can pass through those moments bravely, so can you. So, it will get better, trust in that.

I understand that not having a best friend feels a bit lonely and you might seem alienated, but having even a few people with whom you can laugh and joke is a blessing. Romanticize friendships; you don't have to be close enough to share everything but love the people that are already around you, even if they're temporary. And if you haven't found a best friend yet, I am sure that more people will come and go in the town where you live, and maybe someday your destined best friend will come too, but rather than waiting for a best friend, cherish the friendships you already have. Any friendship can be meaningful even if that person isn't your best friend in the world. Don't discount the relationships you've already made!

About your mom, since she's a nice person, try to talk to her about her temper and anger issues when she's in a good mood. You can only work through familial issues by communicating with each other. Don't be afraid to approach her, she might get mad at you but at least she'll be aware that she is having a bad temper. It is much better to get your feelings and perspective out there for her to see than for you to keep it to yourself and grow resentful or angry.

As for your sleep, perhaps you should tell your parents that you require a small fan. AC units are usually expensive, so maybe a small standing fan that swivels from one side to another can help. Chamomile tea is very good for insomnia and sleep, if you're into tea, I recommend that you try it out. There are all sorts of holistic (non-pharmaceutical) sleep aids out there from teas and herbal supplements to regular vitamins! Sometimes our bodies have trouble processing or maybe just don't get enough of a certain vitamin or mineral. Vitamins B-12, A, and D can help fight insomnia, as well as iron and magnesium. Maybe check out valerian root as well. It's been used for centuries to help treat insomnia, and I've used it for the same purpose myself!

And you're still in 8th grade, you're simply in 8th grade. You have an entire life ahead of you! Even if you're 17, as long as you're a minor by law, you're considered a child legally. Don't listen to adults who have lost their childhood. You can be childish even in your twenties and thirties. Forget about careers for now and try focusing more on what your interests are. Now is a time for you to learn about yourself and your interests without the stresses of adulthood. It's a period of continual growth and change. That's natural. You don't have to bother with careers right now at all, you have a long way to go before you can reach there.

Once again, you're still in your childhood phase. You haven't lost anything, time simply went by as you spent it. Staying inside your house didn't make you lose any more time. Please don't focus on anyone's expectations from you, and let yourself be you whether that is childish, mature, or neither. You still have loads of golden years ahead of you, don't worry about it. The funny thing about the golden time is that it's always in the present even when it looks like it was in the past. Your golden time is right now. Live it!

Please don't hesitate to come back again.

Thank you,

The Advice Column Team