Dear Akima,

My parents are getting a divorce, and I have to move as a result of it. I’m pretty sad about it and all of the packing is taking up most of my time. I have no time to study or hang out with friends, so my grades and social life are slipping. What do I do?

-Slippery Slope

Slippery Slope,

Don’t worry too much about your social life right now; your friends will understand that you’re going through a difficult time. As for your grades, if you explain your situation to your teachers, you may be able to work something out. They aren’t trying to make your life harder. And if you need someone to talk to, we have great counselors here at school who are happy to help.

Dear Akima,

My boyfriend is joining the wrestling team, and I know that it will take up a lot of his time and he won’t have a lot left for me. I don’t want to seem needy or make him quit, but I also want to spend time with him. What should I do?

-Lonely Loretta

Lonely Loretta,

Even if your boyfriend has a busier schedule, that doesn’t mean he’ll cut you out. There are other times you can hang out. Over the weekends, for instance. And if that doesn’t feel like enough for you two, then maybe you can study after school or at wrestling practice. You don’t want your grades to suffer, after all. But remember, it’s not for the rest of the year, and you will still see each other plenty.