Questions from Teens

Can I please punch the mean kids in my class?  They drive me crazy. I try to be friends with them from time to time, but just end up more frustrated and hurt. Heather gives practical tips for understand mean kids and specific steps for changing your attitude toward them so no punching is necessary.

Why won't God answer my prayer? It was a simple, easy prayer for Him to be able to answer. It is really hard to keep praying when I think He is not listening or does not care about me.

How do I discern whether or not I'm called to religious life or the priesthood? I think I'm called to marriage, but sometimes I also think that God might be nudging me toward religious life. If I get really open, I'm scared God will absolutely call me to religious life or the priesthood! What should I do?

Dear Heather,
Sometimes I wonder if I might be homosexual. I sometimes have those thoughts and am attracted to other boys. Does this mean I must be gay or is it possible to not be gay and still have some thoughts about it.  I don't think I am, but do not know anymore.  I feel strange having the thoughts, but maybe this means I was born gay.  What do you think? Read Heather's clear, three points to help teens understand such a situation.

Dear REAP,
I really like this guy. He talks to me a bunch when we are together and then says he'll call or something, but he never follows through. I don't understand. What should I do?
Check out Heather's thoughts on the dream of a man and the dream of a woman and how we settle far too often. There are also great tips for the times when you're single...how to deal and wait with trust.

Before you marry someone, shouldn't you know whether or not you two are good together in bed? How can you marry someone if you don't know how the sex would be?

Dear Heather, My girlfriend and I have gotten very close physically lately and it's really great. We're in love in a deeper way than I've ever been with other girls. I don't understand why people or God think this is wrong - for us to go further physically. The chastity message isn't making sense to me right now.

Can one pick a new Confirmation name? I wish I had picked the name of my favorite saint, but at the time I thought it was not a pretty name. Am I allowed to fix this poor choice?