I think I might be pregnant, but I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to tell my boyfriend, because I think he will get scared and leave me. I can’t tell my parents because I know they will disown me. They are very religious. I’m too scared to get a pregnancy test alone, but I don’t want to tell anyone. What should I do?
From, Alone and Scared

Dear Alone and Scared,
There are many signs of pregnancy, but signs aren’t proof enough that you are, in fact, pregnant. The best way to know for sure, without going to a doctor, is to purchase and take an over-the-counter pregnancy test. If you don’t want to do it alone, I recommend asking a close friend to accompany you. Friends will always be there for you. Also, keeping secrets from your boyfriend and parents may not be the best way to go about things. If you are pregnant be open with them. You deserve people in your life that will love you no matter what. Remember, it may take people a while to understand or accept a situation, but it is always better, in the long run, to be open about it.

Dear Warrior,
I love to go out on the weekends and party. I think everyone deserves it once in a while. Lately, I’ve noticed my friend “Mary” going out way too much. She will go out four to five times a week and hardly finishes her homework or studies for tests. I don’t want to seem like a pesky parent telling her to stop going out so much and to stop wasting her tuition by not trying. I don’t know how to go about helping her in a way that would be productive.
From, Confused

Dear Confused,
It is good that you recognize that your friend may need help and that you want to help her. Try sitting her down and talking to her. Tell her what you have noticed and that you think her habits are heading in a bad direction. Offer to study with her whenever she may need a study-buddy or when you know she has a test coming up. Give her a list of campus resources such as tutoring, personal coaches, and the Counseling Center. These places may be intimidating at first, so offer to tag along with her. If she refuses your help, I would recommend going to the one of these sources and asking for their help on assisting her. Everyone needs good friends in their life, so make sure that she knows you believe in her and you will always be there to help her.

Need advice? Contact “Dear Warrior” at dear_warrior01@yahoo.com. All people will remain completely anonymous.