Dear Jethro,

I still have feelings for a guy I used to like last year and now he has a girlfriend. How should I get over him? Help!

-Heartbroken

Dear Heartbroken,

Your situation is rather unfortunate but I have one clear answer for you: get over him. I have gone through a very similar situation, and there’s no way around it. If you already told him about your feelings but they are unrequited, you should have gotten over him right there and then. If you still haven’t told him about it, it would be wise to give it up if you wish to avoid awkwardness and potential hostility from his girlfriend. I know this sounds cliche, but there are plenty of fish in the sea. While it may take you some time to completely get over him, you’ll find someone who is perfect for you. It may not be in high school or in college, but you’ll find your dream guy someday. I have some suggestions for you as you try to get over him:

1. Focus on yourself

You know yourself better than anyone else does. Knowing that, what are your interests? Do you like sports or music? Join a club at your school or in your neighborhood that promotes your interest. When you do this, you become distracted on improving yourself that you don’t even have time to think about him. Also, you can meet other people who share your interests and one of them could potentially be your Mr. Right (or Mrs. Right if you’re into girls).  When others can see that you’re completely happy being yourself and doing what you’re good at, you will appear much more attractive to them.

2. Focus on others

Another way to distract yourself is to give back to the community. If you focus on helping others, you won’t have time to think about him at all. Does your town have a homeless shelter? If it does, you should volunteer by helping pass out food or entertaining the audience. When you do something kind for others, it’s a great feeling to have, and as an added bonus, you have added community service hours. Another thing you can do, although it requires a lot more effort, is to travel to a third-world country (or a country that has been recently ravaged by a natural disaster) and help the people there. It you do that, it would create many memories and be the experience of a lifetime.

While I may be exaggerating with my last suggestion, I am simply showing you that it’s not the end of the world and you shouldn’t let one guy and one heartbreak stop you from being yourself.

Sincerely,

Jethro

 Dear Jethro,

I really want to get a job but I’m not old enough 🙁 What are some jobs that are out there for me?