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10 Reasons to Break Up Right This Instant

Wednesday January 6, 2010
If you're new to dating, it can be hard to know what's a normal, healthy way for your boyfriend or girlfriend to treat you and what's a sign of something way worse.

Don't take any chances, and don't take your sweetie's word for it. Read these 10 Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship - it's a list that everyone should read as soon as they start dating.

If any of the signs are true for you, sorry to say, your relationship is not healthy. Break it off and hold out for someone who'll treat you the way you deserve to be treated.

The Songs That'll Make You a Better Person

Tuesday January 5, 2010
A new study has found that when teens listen to certain songs, it makes them feel better and more likely to lend a hand to strangers. Which songs, you ask? Mostly "Lollipop" by Lil Weezy.

No, just kidding. Actually, songs whose lyrics have positive messages about helping people - like "Heal the World" by Michael Jackson, or "Help" by the Beatles - can cause teens to commit random acts of kindness right after listening to them.

So if you're in one of those moods where it feels like everyone's against you, put on some music with a positive message and you might start to mellow out a little.

Related articles: More Advice for Increasing Your Karma, How to Control Your Temper
Michael Jackson
Why MJ can make you feel OK.

Why Flat Chests Kind of Rule

Sunday January 3, 2010
Small Chest? No Biggie
Small chest? No biggie.
I recently got an email from a 13-year old girl. She was embarrassed that she had a flat chest, and she wanted to know what she should do about it.

Her letter hit me pretty close to home. When I was 13, I had about as much boobs as our family dog, Buffy. (Yes, Buffy. She was buff-colored. What?)

Here's my reply to her about why flat chests are nothing to be embarrassed about. I sure wish I'd gotten this advice when I was a teen. If you're in the same boat as the girl who wrote, I hope this makes you feel better.

As always, if you've got any questions, feel free to post them in the Teen Advice forum so the community and I can lend a hand.

Why Your Bedtime Might Make You Depressed

Saturday January 2, 2010
If you've been depressed lately, it might help to change your bedtime. According to a 2009 study, teens who get to bed after midnight are more likely to feel depressed than the ones who are asleep by 10pm. It's probably because when you're sleep-deprived, you tend to be moody and stressed out.

Getting your recommended nine and a half hours of sleep might not solve all your problems, but it'll at least boost your energy and sharpen your brain. So how about hitting the hay early tonight and seeing how you feel tomorrow?

Changing your sleep routine can be tough, especially when it seems like there's a never-ending parade of stuff to do at night. This great article about how to get a good night's sleep might help you out. Give it a spin and let us know how it goes!
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