Page 47 - American Girl (January - February 2019)

Help

I take my siblings’ stuff!

Dear American Girl,

I have two close friends, but

they don’t get along well

because they both have

strong opinions. How can

I get them to be friends?

Fighting friends can make it hard to

hang out together. Instead of having

fun, you’re stuck in the middle. To
Dear American Girl,
keep the group together, talk to your
I have a bad habit of taking things that I want friends about how their opposing

from my siblings, and I feel guilty about it. I don’t opinions make you feel. Tell them

know how to give their things back without them that you don’t like being in the

middle of their disagreements. Also,
getting upset.
avoid talking about topics that lead

to arguments. Just because two

people can’t see eye to eye doesn’t

Taking your siblings’ things without permission is never OK. And it’s under- mean they must be enemies. In fact,

standable that they are upset when you give their stuff back. Apologize they probably have more in common

sincerely and promise to not do it again. Often in families, it’s all right to than they think. If they still can’t

Illustrations: Laura Cornell your family will handle lending things to each other. Then make three lists: with them each separately. It’s a
keep the peace together, hang out
borrow items that you need, but first talk with your siblings and decide how

bummer you can’t be a bunch, but at
things that are OK to borrow without asking, things that are “please ask first,”
and things that are always off-limits. If you can agree on these lists, then

will be more enjoyable.
everyone gets what she or he needs, and no one will feel guilty or upset. least your one-on-one time together

January/February 2019 45