Dear Billy,

My dear poppet, some of the most interesting folks in my life are in their 50s ... and still don't know "what they want to do."  Life is precious -- enjoy it!

While you're having fun, think about this for me:  My grandma used to say that the luckiest people in the world were the folks who would do their job for free.  Happiness is key.  What do you love to do?  What are you passionate about?  What are the first and last things you think about in a day?

You'd be a fool not to switch your studies to your answers to those questions.

-- M

Dear Kimberly,

As we "grow up," we unfortunately learn that there are never enough hours in the day for all that we love to do (work has a persistent way of intruding upon that time for most of us).  So it's natural for you to feel that you may have to give up the central role music has played in your life up to this point.

However, don't give up music entirely.  There is no reason you cannot play your instrument for fun in your free time -- even if that means only an hour a week while in nursing school.

You can change the direction of your life without giving up that which you cherish.  Make it a point to bring music along for the ride.

-- M

Dear Mopey,

Worry about swaying his opinion of room size and you could jeopardize your own schoolwork. This is bad.

Tell him to take it up with the school -- complaining to you will not get his room changed.

--M

Dear Soccer Chick,

Long-distance relationships of the romantic variety are never easy -- particularly for the young.

However, as much as it pains me to tell a young, romantic poppet like yourself, what you and your friend have is not a coupled relationship. He hasn't ever actually asked you out on a date, nor have you asked him.

If he comes back to town on a regular basis, you can work up the courage to pursue dating. If not, I'm afraid it's time to move on.

You can always dust off that summer reading list.

--M

Dear Determined,

My precious poppet ... my heart yearns for the time when all of our children can grow up without fear of prejudice, racism, sexism, homophobia, and rejection.

Congratulations on coming to terms with who you are and being brave enough to live your truth! Crystal's boyfriend would have done well to learn that lesson years ago -- before he dragged innocent lives into his pain-inducing circle of existence.

Know this: if your parents love you, they will be there for you regardless. Sure, it may not be pretty in the beginning -- in fact, it could be quite uncomfortable for all involved.

But remember that people most fear that which they do not understand. Educate them: share with them what your life is, who you truly are (i.e. you still put your pants on one leg at a time). If they go the "you're defected" route, remind them that the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder OVER THIRTY YEARS AGO (people here in the U.S. need constant reminding on that one).

Check out this great organization -- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). They have great resources for those coming out and their family and friends. Their Web site is: www.pflag.org

--M