Ask Miss Nish

Miss Nish,

I get A’s and B’s in my classes but my two friends only get C’s and D’s. Sometimes they fail their classes. They never want to study or work on projects together with me. When they see my report card, they call me a nerd and tell me I am stuck up. I want to be friends with them but I can’t help it I get good grades. What should I tell them so they can understand?

Artense

My dear Artense,

You are an excellent student and your grades reflect this. However your “friends” do not want to put in the effort and are making you feel bad because you do??

Have you ever seen a barrel of live crabs? In this barrel, when one crab tries to climb out there is another crab that pulls on its leg and pulls it back down with the rest of the crabs. In essence, the crab motto is if we can’t go anywhere – you can’t either!

This is what your scenario reminds me of. You are obviously going places and the other two want to keep you right with them by making you feel bad about doing well in school.

Some advice – if you are the smartest person in your friendship group – you need a new group! Never dumb down to be on anyone’s level. In fact, you need to find someone who is as smart or even smarter to hang with. This is the person who will challenge you and appreciate your greatness.

When you make new friends, ask yourself if this person will add to your life or just divide or subtract from it. If the latter – keep it moving and look elsewhere.

Never apologize for greatness.  If they will not appreciate your dedication to your school work, distance yourself from them and find a friend who will.  I promise you there is someone else out there who will like you just the way you are!

With love,
Miss Nish