Hey TGs!

First of all I wanted to say thank you SO much for being so nice to me in my very first blog. You’ve already made me feel so welcome and totes **warm and fuzzy**. I know IRL we’d be great friends, too. Which leads me to what I want to chat about: friends. I’ve got a lot of friends – some are even boys! But you know, sometimes friendships can be tricky.

I met my first best friend when I was in year one. Her name was Sally and she was SO cool because she had this jumper with dancing cats on it, but also because she was really talented at arts and crafts and that was pretty much my favourite thing. Things got tricky when we had another bestie enter the group and I was a bit jealous that Sally wasn’t all mine anymore. But, after dealing with the annoyed feels, I realised that Sally was too awesome not to share and I’d just gained a friend to add to my squad so really, it wasn’t all that awful! And you know what? Not letting my jealousy take over means I didn’t lose Sally as a friend. In fact, we’re all still great mates even all these years later! Win!

This month I was also lucky enough to have another bestie – my sister Lilly – come visit me from Adelaide. We had so much fun!!! We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, got some rad nail art done and ate so much ice-cream I swear I started to look like one. Have a look at our pics!

I’m off to edit this month’s issue of Girlfriend now, but don’t forget to send me your questions and comments – I love to hear from you!

Love and ice-cream sundaes

Big sister,

Sarah

Questions from TGs!

People treat me differently and try to joke about my acne on my face. They are just trying to be funny but it always hurts. What should I do about it?
Dakota, 11

I’m so sorry to hear that Dakota. People can be really mean sometimes. What’s really unfair is that skin conditions aren't something you can help so it makes it even more hurtful. Sometimes people don’t realise how mean they’re being or even that you’re upset. So you may actually need to tell them that. Try saying, “That’s really hurtful and makes me feel bad”, and see what their reaction is. If they’re a genuine person, once they know you’re upset they should stop the teasing. However, if they continue this is a form of bullying and you need to tell a trusted adult like Mum, Dad or a teacher. They’ll be able to help. There are so many celebrities grew up with acne, like Miley Cyrus and Emma Stone and look at them now! Trust me, it won’t be forever. And remember we think you’re amazing just as you are. **Hugs**

What is it like being the Editor of Girlfriend?
Kristyn, 12

Oh hey Kristyn! This is an easy question! Think of your favourite thing to do. Then add ice-cream. Then add a bunch of your best friends, some chocolate and lots of laughing. Then times that by a million and you get the idea of how much fun it is to work at GF!!! Everybody who works here is SUPER creative and loves what they do. But most of all GF readers are so inspirational and awesome – they’re the best and we love them! I mean, it’s actually our job to discuss One Direction and 5S0S and to play with clothes and beauty products – what could be better than that? But the best part is hanging out and chatting to our readers and knowing we’re creating the best magazine possible for them. Plus there are ALWAYS sweets. ALWAYS.

If you don't like a girl who your BFF is best friends with, what do you do?
Olivia, 10

Hey Olivia! You don’t say why you don’t like this other girl but I always think asking yourself that question is a good place to start. Is she mean? Does she not like the same things as you? Or do you not like that she is taking time away from you and you BFF, just like what happened with Sally and I? Unless she’s outright mean or a bully, there’s not a lot you can do about it without risking your friendship, sadly. If you interfere your BFF might get annoyed that you’re meddling and it could cause trouble with you two (which would be the worst!). I would suggest changing the way you think about the new girl. Try finding something that you both have in common and starting a conversation with her. I mean, obviously you both have great taste in besties and your friend must like her for a reason! You might find she’s not so bad after all and better yet, you could gain another friend!

My bestie and my friend are starting to get really close, but I feel like I'm being left out – they even made a secret handshake! What should I do?
Rachelle, 10

I totally get this Rachelle – this is exactly what happened to me! It’s really hard when your duo becomes a trio, but the thing is: you can’t deny anyone the awesomeness of making new friends. If they’re making you feel excluded they may not even know they’re doing it, so first, mention it to your bestie so that she knows how you feel, but don’t accuse her – talk about how YOU feel. If she’s a true friend she’ll listen to your concerns.

Remember, as you grow up your friendships – and your besties - will change as your interests and hobbies change. Like, say you decide to join the soccer team – but your BFF is into dance - you’ll still be friends, but you’ll make other friends who like soccer as much as you. It’s a good time to open your circle of friends and maybe connect with some other girls who share some of the same interests as you. Know you can’t own people but if you have a true friendship, you will continue to be friends even when other people come along. Learning to share your bestie is hard, but it if you’re really good friends it won’t affect your friendship in the end – just look at Sally and I!