Advice!

Dear ADVICE!,

My friend gets better scores than me on everything I turn in. It wouldn’t be so bad if she didn’t ask me what I got, but she likes to compare grades on every single assignment and test.  It’s so annoying. I’m studying as hard as I can, but I just can’t compete. I’m afraid that if I don’t tell her my grades she’ll get mad at me. What should I do?

Dear Writer,

The best way to deal with this problem is simply to talk to your friend.  Find a good time to talk to her (i.e. in private, not in between classes in the middle of the staircase.  The best time to have this conversation would be the next time your friend asks to see your score.) and tell her how you feel.  A frank, firm "I don't like comparing our grades all the time.  Let's stop competing and keep our scores to ourselves, okay?" should do the trick.  If your friend "gets mad" or keeps asking about your grades, remind her that, as a good friend, she should respect your feelings.  Most importantly, stop worrying about your friend's grades and focus on your own.  Instead of trying to "beat" her, try to beat your own personal record.  Concentrate on your own goals and be proud of your own accomplishments.  Don't study as hard as you can just to compete with your friend, study to get a grade that you can be proud of.  Good luck!

SPARTANS!   ADVICE! needs you.  Send us your woes, and we'll reply with awesome, professional advice!