Dear Chopsticks,

Tell us your bully problems and we will give you advise about how to make it better.

The Chopsticks

Are you in a clique?

Bart King's book The Big Book Of Girl Stuff features the "Are you in a clique?" questionnaire. Slinky writes what your answers mean. Read it below!!!

1. Watch how people come into your group. Is it easy for someone to join your group at lunch without it being a big deal? Is it possible for a fried to leave your group without drama?

2. Look at your group of friends. Is it possible that they like each other just because of their clothes, looks, or popularity?

3. Listen to the conversations that the people around you are having--at lunch, at recess, on the bus. Are they mostly talking about appearances? (How to look good. Who doesn't look good? Hey, I look good! etc.)

For some of these questions it is clear that how you answer puts you either in a good clique or a bad clique. Here is what your answers mean:

#1) If you answered yes to any of the questions, then that means that your clique or group of friends is good and doesn't leave people out. Way to go for you!!

#2) If you answered yes to this question, it means your group needs to work on being more friendly and open. Be kind to one another!

#3) If you answered yes to to this question, then that means your friends are really worried about superficial things like appearances. Remember, what REALLY matters is on the inside.

Slinky
The Chopsticks

Good Clique Gone Bad

A clique is a social group. You may think that all cliques are bad. But that's not true. It can be a group of really good friends who support each other and like being around each other. Bad cliques create gossip and rumors. Also they can be backstabbing and jealous.

Sometimes, two girls who are part of a good clique can get in a fight. They try to create an "army" of supporters from their group of friends. This becomes "good clique, gone bad." If someone tries to recruit you into her clique army, say NO, and if possible try to help your fighting friends make peace.

To learn more about cliques, check back tomorrow. For further reading, check out Bart King's The Big Book of Girl Stuff.

Slinky
The Chopsticks

Shake It Off

In a survey taken by the Discovery Girls Magazine, it was found that 75% of everyone who took the survey has been teased or bullied. 70% of the girls said that someone has made a comment that made them feel bad.

Here's a quote from someone who gave good advice to the readers of the Discovery Girl Magazine,"He said I was so ugly that mirrors run off in horror when I look at myself. But I laughed it off. Later he apologized, saying he was having a bad day. I still think he's a good guy!"

Another girl said,"I think everyone has had something bad said about them-I know I have. But girls, just shake it off... they're just hating on you. Don't let them ruin your self-confidence! You're beautiful in your own way."

The Chopsticks