Are you sure? 

Okay Sana, first of all heyyy! Whats up! Well you just told me that so we’ll get to that in a minute. And why would anybody hate you man! You’re such a cutie! I know I haven’t seen you, but I just know. Aree haan haan Disha knows everything. (imagine me with a smug face)

Okay so first tell me, are you sure you’re reading this right? I mean maybe you’re stressed about something and reading into it somewhere else?

I know that happens. This has happened with me too bro! I hadn’t eaten all morning and suddenly I thought all my friends hated me. It’s actually pretty normal for overthinkers like us. Our brains just work like that.

So if you really think that your teacher hates you, first of all, assess yourself. Try to find out if you did anything to anger them or disrupt what they taught.

Not easy for them! 

I mean, socho yaar teachers already have it so stressful these days with learning all these online classes and working on phones and tablets in a way they never have. It must be difficult for them too. Upar se those merciless students who make it more difficult for them.

So, taken that you’re not overthinking because of stress maybe they are? They have so much to worry about and let’s be honest, not all the students make it easier. It might seem unreasonable to you sometimes but only you can help yourself in this situation.

First thing you can do is, the next time you feel like your teacher hates you, think about what made them angry. Is it something you did or maybe somebody else misbehaved? In either case, try to think about it from their perspective and better your or your classmates’ behaviour.

Sincere efforts 

Pay attention during your lectures, the teachers work really hard for the notes and it could be frustrating when nobody is paying attention to them. Be attentive, answer the questions you can and just be a sincere student. After all, it is you who will benefit from this. Right? So what’s the harm!

And after all the effort, sincere efforts, if you still don’t feel like it’s working, try talking about it to a trusted adult. It can be your sister, brother, cousin, aunty, mom, dad anyone. Anyone who you’re comfortable with. Tell them how you feel and they’ll help you handle it. 

You can also talk to another teacher at school – one you are comfortable with – and confide in her about how you feel? You can also talk to a senior in school who is taught by the same teacher and seek his/her help. And I’m sure it will be okay. To just chill and be a sincere and focused student.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Obvious solution

Heyyy Alyana! Ohoo 🙁 Sadly, this is such a common problem in so many households. Some families are conservative and maybe a tad bit overprotective for us like that. But who can blame them!? Ye duniya bhi toh thodi zaalim hai mere dost. But worry not mere dost. Mai hu na. 

Bhaiya the most obvious solution is obviously talking to them about it and adjusting your lifestyle at the same time. Talk to them and work out a solution where both parties are happy. I know it’s difficult and it doesn’t feel like it’s gonna work out but at least it’s worth a try. 

Give them time

They won’t just let go all at once but maybe a little bit with time? And yes TIME. You have to give them time to slowly get used to this. Rome wasn’t built in a day now, was it!? 

Toh, prepare your arguments and points and sit and have a talk with them about this. And don’t forget to listen either. Understand their concerns and adjust accordingly. Because trust me, no matter what you wear, you will troll yourself after a few years for it. How? Haven’t you seen your childhood photos? Are you happy with what you are wearing then? Get my point? 

So it’s not worth fighting with your parents.

Explore new styles 

After this, adjust your style. I mean today there are like a hundred different ways you can dress. There’s tie-dye, sweatsuits, baggy pants, the 90s and sooo many more. 

You can do so much with styles these days; even your own thing. Take your inspiration from a Pinterest board, some websites, or photos or maybe invent your own! 

I’m sure you can find something that your parents approve of. And when you do, just rock it in your own way. It’s your opportunity to be your own little fashion influencer. Have fun with it, bro!

Do your own thing! 

So even if talking to them doesn’t work out, you have the second-best option right here! A little compromise, some self/internet styling and the world is your own runway! 

I mean short is not the only fashion style out there. You can curate hazaar looks without creating friction with your parents, at least till you go solo in the world. So think about that and do your own thing, we never go out of style anyway!

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

Photo: Shutterstock/Person in the photo is a model, names changed.  

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Don’t forget to check out TeenBook’s podcast on why parents do not understand teens:

Falling in love?

Okay, I hear you. We all have our crushes, I mean it’s Captain America for me, maybe it’s your English teacher for you? I get it they were always the prettiest! 

So the first thing I would like to tell you, is that it’s perfectly normal to have a crush at this age. You’re growing up and you might experience all these new feelings which may increase or decrease with time. 

Now I know you might think you’re falling in love but let me tell you, this is infatuation and it’s all thanks to your hormone gang as usual. Infatuation is attraction toward someone which makes us admire them and treat them as someone special. It may fade away sooner or later. 

Love is almost similar, but there is some difference. You can read more about it here in our teen guides

Nothing wrong with you 

So, for now, don’t overthink it, there’s nothing wrong with what you’re feeling. Having a crush is perfectly healthy as long as it doesn’t get too serious. 

You have to be careful not to get too involved in this crush or you might end up hurting your own feelings. Remember that they are your teacher and can not be your girlfriend or boyfriend. Maybe even think of them as a celebrity crush, I can’t date Captain America now, can I :’) 

Uno reverse

Now although I said it’s pretty normal to have a crush, it should not get in the middle of your life. A crush can easily turn into a distraction and affect your studies in this process. So before that happens, why don’t you play an ‘Uno Reverse’ on the situation and actually use it to your advantage. 

You can use this crush on your teacher to develop more interest in the subject and it might improve your performance in school! Win-win, right? Read your subject-verb agreement chapter better and surprise her with full marks or do that comprehension passage to your best! Get noticed positively bro!  

Use distractions 

And if you think you’re getting too involved, worry not mere dost! I’ll help you with that too. You can try to get over it by distracting yourself. Try spending some time with your friends or even find a new hobby that you can spend time on – learning a new skill (guitar, piano or whatever you like) or a game like lawn tennis or football! And you’ll be over this hormonal whirlwind in no time. Until then enjoy the wind, but don’t get caught up in it.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

Photo: Shutterstock/Person in the photo is a model, names changed.  

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Don’t forget to check out Disha live in Action on YouTube talking about this same problem: 

The real problem

Oh Adi! That must be terrible for you. I really want to give you a big hug. You need it, bro. Adi, so others think you behave “like a girl”? I am not sure what that really means – to behave like a girl. How do girls behave?

Also, do watch this video on Teasing below. Read the rest of the article below the video:

Also, the real problem here is – you are getting teased and bullied at school. This is just not right. I know some kids in the school can be really very mean and sometimes cruel too. Instead of understanding that you may be going through a difficult time, they are attacking you and making you feel bad. But worry not, main hoon na! I will tell you what to do! 

‘Like a girl’

So first we need to ask ourselves. What does it mean to be like a girl? How does playing badminton or dodge ball or taking part in home science projects become girly? Just because someone said so in the stone ages? Girls do home science and boys do football? This is also what is called stereotyping. Putting tags on activities and deciding which box you will go in. Pink for a girl and blue for a boy! That’s so last century, I tell you. 

It’s high time we break these stereotypes now. Guess what Adi, my favorite colour is blue and I love cricket. And as I write this, I am desperately waiting for RCB to win the IPL! Virat is adorbs! 

If you ask me, there is no such thing as a boy behavior or a girl behaviour. These are just two genders and how a person behaves have nothing to do with being a girl or a boy. Yes there are good and bad behaviours and what some of your classmates are displaying currently would go in my box of bad!  

Stand up for your rights

So now let’s talk about your school bullies. Adi, time has come that you face them. Don’t be scared or frustrated when you come across these bullies at school. The only way to stand up to a bully – is to Stand Up! The next time these bunch of bad kids begin to say stuff to you to tease you, you should look at them in the eye and tell them, ‘Stop it’! 

Shout if you need to! But say that out. Loud and clear. Don’t cry, don’t feel weak or troubled. The stronger and unaffected you are in front of them, the less they will trouble you. Yes that’s how bullies usually work. They make fun of you because usually they fear no retort or fight back from you. Tell them to stop again. And then with all your confidence and courage – walk away. Job done! 

Seek help! 

But let me caution you. It is highly likely that they may not stop immediately. Because they are more in number and you are alone. But confidence and standing up to the bullies helps in backing them off. 

If it gets too much for you to handle or the minute you feel threatened – talk to your parents. Go to your school authorities with them and complain. Bullying is a serious offence. They will take strict action against them. 

Chances are, that even after you have complained to the principal, the bullies may still try to tease you. So Adi, maintain a safe distance from them and do not let them affect you. Just behave as if they do not exist in the universe! Give them a stern look. 

Also, these are just bullies in your school. You may have to face such bullies in future too – college, school, workplace or maybe in your home too! Once you learn to be fearless in front of them – you will never be scared of any bully ever! 

Be your favourite 

And remember dude, we all – your friends, and parents love you the way you are. Do not try to change yourself just because some bad guys around you are not happy with you. Every person is unique. You can’t be like me and I can’t be like you. We are all different and that’s the beauty of life. Also, you can’t be happy till you do what makes you happy. 

Zyada gyan ho gaya kya? But it’s true! 

Adi, many people tell me I should get over my fascination for black t-shirts! It’s so spooky they say! But bro, I tell them to back off and not stereotype colours at least! I am what I am. I am my favourite! I have my own choices And so should you! 

Chalo, I have to check out some more black t-shirts online. It’s raining discounts! You take care and do as I have told you! Sayonara! 

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

Listen to this podcast –

It’s common!

Sia, my girl, honestly this problem is actually a lot more common than you would think, especially at this age. Pehla pehla pyaar hai bro! I mean I’m sure it’s pretty new for her too and she’s still figuring it out.

But I understand where you are coming from too. If I quote the legendary Phoebe Buffay and say so myself,  “Boyfriends and girlfriends are gonna come and go, but THIS is for life” and that’s why we stan this queen, don’t we!?

So yes, I totally understand that friends and relationships have a totally different place in one’s life but give her time to understand this too na!

Give her time

And there you have it, my very first bit of advice – time. I mean bro it’s a new relationship, and those beginnings can be a little distracting. The butterflies and wanting to spend as much time together as you can, you get it! 

So just give her a little bit of time to get used to her new relationship and I’m sure she will get back to you in her own time. Patience my friend!

Communication to the rescue

And if you feel like you HAVE given her time and she is still taking you for granted, then comes my second piece of advice. Communication to the rescue! Yes, talk to her, tell her how you feel. 

Maybe she hasn’t even realized she’s making you feel this way. I mean she has been your best friend for so long, it’s definitely worth a shot, haina? So just talk to her and I’m sure she’ll understand. And I’m pretty sure you’ll feel a lot better too! Bhai talking always helps. 

So follow these two steps and I’m pretty sure you’ll find a solution somewhere along the way. And even if they don’t help, bro tension nahi lene ka! Just let her be for a while. I’m sure she’ll realize sooner or later. Until then, take a chill pill and concentrate on yourself. Life mein aur bhi siyaape hai, hain ke nahi! 

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

Photo: Shutterstock/Person in the photo is a model, names changed.  

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Do check out our super cool podcast on relationships and teens:

Why are you on Instagram? 

Hellooo broo! So I hear your issue and honestly, I can not assure you that your next post will get a lot of likes or what to do about it but yes, being the amazing friend I am, I will help you deal with it.

But first I want to ask you – why did you sign up for Instagram? I know it must be ages ago. But still think, why did you sign up for it? Let me help jog your memory. Because you wanted to be with your friends online, see what they were up to, share things you liked, to be a member of online communities and to feel the joy that comes with being connected!

And what is happening now? Instagram has also become like those home assignments or class tests! Kitne marks aaye bro? Aren’t these likes just like marks on a class test and stressing you out in the same way?

Take a deep breath!

So first things first. Take a step back and switch off the like counts in your account settings. Even Instagram is on your side yaar. Why else would they build this lovely feature! 

Just be on Instagram for what you had initially signed up for. To share what you like, make memories you want to cherish and the songs and content that you LOVE. You’ll remember the good times you clicked those pictures and the fun you had while doing it. 

So let go of the likes and comments, trust me you’ll find another level of peace baalak!

But if this is what you want

If you’re actually serious about making a career out of this then I would recommend doing some research and studying what works and what might be your areas of improvement when it comes to content. 

Yes, luck plays a part in this but you can work on your side, right? So do our research, see what improvements you might need and work towards it. It won’t happen in a day. Follow artists who inspire you to create and work on your content. Reach out to them for advice too. You might get lucky in hearing it from someone whose bread and butter it is! 

Focus on creating content that you love and gradually you will find people who will love it too! Just make sure you work hard and create good stuff. Not something you would do for a pass mark on a test. Same rules apply!

And for now don’t trouble yourself with the thought of likes and shares. The most successful content creators will also tell you the same story. They had to work a lot shaping their content before they got a likeable volume of likes. Read and learn from their experiences. 

So don’t go down the rabbit hole of likes and dislikes. Instead begin a journey of content creation, just like one does with any art. And just like any art form it needs patience. So add a bit of meditation too in your mix. So shall we begin? Om..Om…OM! 

Also, check out Disha giving gyan on video here:

Photo: Shutterstock/Prostock-studio/Person in the photo is a model, names changed.  

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Hey Tanisha

​​Wow, you are thirteen –welcome to the teenage years! Arre yaar I am telling you…these teen years are the best time of your life! I still remember mine. Aww, how I miss those days girl.

Shall I make a confession Tanisha? These teenage years are also equally confusing! I mean, we are growing up – physically, emotionally and mentally. Something changes every day! A pimple on the face, growing arms and legs, new emotions and for us girls – growing breasts!

Pata hai, I too had all the questions you are asking me now, including when to start wearing a bra! And back then, we did not have websites like TeenBook to help us!

Also, don’t forget to check out this really funny and informative video on the top signs of puberty in girls. I am sure you will like it. Read the rest of my gyan below the video! 

No ‘right’ age

First things first – there is no one or proper age to start wearing a bra. It all depends on your body and the growth of your breasts. Some girls start wearing some kind of bra (crop top/sports bra/training bra) when they are about 11. Others may need to start as young as eight and some may not need one until after they are 14. So chill girl, your body will tell you!

How? So, when girls hit puberty, their breasts begin to grow. Now like I just said, this happens at different times for everyone. Some girls may feel tenderness and soreness when their breasts start to bud or grow. You may see your nipples developing and you may also begin to feel a strain on your breasts during any physical exercises such as running, jumping or playing sports.

If you can feel any of these growth signs, it may be a good time to start thinking about a bra.

Count on it

Have you heard the famous saying — “Bras are like friends, they take away your strain and give you support!” You must be thinking, now which celeb said this? Well, yours truly, Disha the great – who else! Haha.

Bras provide support to the breasts when there is a lot of motion involved, especially during sports. Wearing a bra also cuts down the pressure on the back and neck, especially when the breasts are heavier. Sometimes, the weight of the breasts also pulls the breasts down and forward putting extra pressure on your back and neck. So, wearing a bra can improve your posture and help with back pain.

No bra, no harm

If you feel that your breasts are not causing any discomfort for you, while doing any activities, and that you do not feel the need for a bra, that’s perfectly fine too. It all depends on the need and comfort of your body.

Your breasts will not become big if you do not wear one! It’s just a myth. The size of your breasts depends on your genes (jeans nahi!) and not on wearing or not wearing a bra.

Your first bra

But if you do feel the need for a bra, make sure to spend some time understanding your needs. Research! First off it is important to know your size. Wearing an incorrect size bra can be really uncomfortable. You can easily measure your size with a measuring tape at home. Follow this guide to understand how to correctly measure your size. Once you know your size, note it down and take it with you when you go shopping for a bra.

I would say, do not go alone to buy your first bra. Arre yaar, after all it’s a special occasion of sorts to celebrate the milestone – your parents or an elder sibling you trust. Make it a day to remember. Maybe convince them for an after-bra party too!

You go, girl!

I went with my mother to buy my first bra and guess what – I was so utterly conscious the whole time that I forgot to enjoy the experience! Told you na, TeenBook nahi tha to boost my confidence! But for you, main hun na! So worry not! Be confident! It’s our body and we got to do the best for it! Hain na! There is nothing to be ashamed about.

Try a lot of bras before you choose one. Arre yaar, they are going to be your best friends for life! So choose wisely!

Initially it may feel odd to wear one because you are not used to wearing a bra. So go for comfort and not looks. Buy a cotton one, without any accessories like wires or pads. It may help to start with a sports bra, which is like a crop top.

And yes, never wear a bra to sleep! Sleep se yaad aaya, it’s late! Yes, I always sleep for a minimum of eight hours, you see. I have my classes early in the morning for which I like to be freshtastic. Sayonara!

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns.

Please remember not to put out any personal information.
Listen to this podcast –

Clarity, bro!

​​First thing, bro, it’s pretty cool to know what you’re going to do or at least what you want to do in the future. I, for one, was totally ‘taare zameen par’ (clueless) about my career path at this age. It’s all so confusing, so many things to do! But not enough time to decide.

So first of all, kudos to you mere dost for being pretty smart about this.
Now to answer your question. YESSS!!! Talk to them.

This must be so stressful for you. Having to think and work towards something (preparing to be a doctor in your case) you don’t even like. So for the sake of your and your parents’ happiness, go talk to them about this.

Look, there’s nothing to be scared of, it’s not like you’re asking to be a criminal or anything, haina? You’re just talking to them about a change in your future profession and it’s perfectly normal.

Are you sure?

You have to do what makes you happy at the end of the day and your happiness equals to parent’s happiness. Toh, it shouldn’t be a big deal. If you’re sure about this then convincing them will be pretty easy too.

Par haan, for this all to work you have to be sure about it too! If you’re doing it just to get out of becoming a doctor, then bro I’m sorry but it won’t work. Because you have to work hard for anything and everything you decide to do. There isn’t an easier way.

You have to work for every single one. Plus if you’re not convinced then convincing them isn’t going to be a piece of cake either. So be sure about it, research and once you are certain then talk to them about this. I’m sure they will understand.

Hear them out too

Before putting out your stance, just hear them out too. Let it be a two-way conversation rather than just expressing yourself. Listen to their reasons too. After all, they have raised you since childhood – what makes them think that you can be a good doctor? Did they see a spark in you? Or do they have some stronger reason? Or is it just their own childhood dream ( which surely is not a good reason at all for you to pursue medicine!)

But before putting your point forward, just let them talk too. Because choosing a career is a key decision. It is your way forward in life. You should trust your instincts but sometimes it doesn’t harm to have a second opinion. We have that famous saying in Hindi na – suno sabki, karo apne mann ki. ( listen to everyone but do what you feel is right).

So to wrap it all up, hear your parents, think about it, and then yes, once you are super convinced, definitely talk to them about it. It will work out bro, tension nahi lene ka! 

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Single is the new cool

Woah Viraj! dramatic much? Take it easy bro, it’s all cool, I’ll help you through it. That’s what I’m here for right? After all, why fear when Disha is here?

Well first things first, there’s no issue in staying single okay? Single is the new cool man. Not many people can do it.  So yeah you don’t need to have a girlfriend to be cool. 

But haan you should know how to talk to girls. They can be amazing friends. I mean, just look at me! We’re honest, and emotional (which, let’s be honest, guys rarely are) and you can have a real heart-to-heart without feeling judged. We’re practically angels yaar!

Okay okay, getting back to the point, yes talking to a girl for the first time can be somewhat nerve-wracking but they’re only human. They won’t bite! Plus there’s always a first time for everything right? Just be yourself, trust me that’s all you need to do.

Also, don’t forget to check out this amazing video on how to talk to girls, boys and everyone in between!

Conversation starter

And if there’s a girl you like but are afraid to talk to her, don’t beee! I know I know not great advice but hold your horses, I’m going to elaborate okay.   

First of all, you’re looking for a conversation starter or things to talk about, well you must know something that she likes or you can always talk about similar interests like sports or celebrities. 

And don’t you lie to me Sherlock! I know you must have noticed SOME things in common.     And the second important thing is compliments! They go a long way my man. But don’t overdo it, you don’t wanna sound like a creep.

Once you start talking or get to know each other, it will get easier.

Yes, you may get nervous, especially in the beginning but that’s totally normal. We all get nervous when we try new things and anyway you have to start somewhere right?

You’ll never know if you don’t try

 Maybe she’s as nervous as you are. And It may even turn out the way you want *wink wink*. Maybe then you won’t be the only single guy in your group anymore. How does that sound, huh?

Besides what’s the worst that could happen? You could gain a friend or you could have your very first experience in talking to a girl. I mean who knows maybe you are destined to be best friends. It could work out either way. But you’ll never know if you don’t try. 

And even if it doesn’t work out, it’s not like she’s the last girl on earth right? You’ll click with someone else. Just be cool and have some patience. Think of it as an incomplete puzzle, you’ll just know when you fit. You can’t force mismatched pieces together right?

So just be yourself and try to start a conversation with a girl you like. Once you get comfortable you’ll realize it’s not that difficult. So “Jaa Simran jee lo apni zindagi!”. It’ll be okay.

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. 

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.

Friends, really? 

Heyyy! So I hear an issue but I’m just going to ignore the word ‘friends’ in it because friends don’t make their friends feel bad about themselves (angry face). Yes, you heard it, I may be a tad bit dramatic there but it is what it is. 

First and foremost I would suggest you talk to these friends about this. Maybe it’s just innocent fun and they don’t mean to hurt you with those jokes. So have a serious conversation with them because if you do it casually they might not realise you’re serious about it. 

Let them know how their “jokes” hurt your feelings and you would like them to stop. Gen Z ka zamana hai bro! I’m sure if they’re really your friends, they will respect your feelings and stop. And if they don’t, *cough cough* dump ‘em *cough cough*.

Before you proceed further, let’s check out this amazing video on friendships below: 

Not a joke! 

I mean, what is this behaviour Trisha! If they really don’t care about how they’re hurting your feelings for the sake of some laughs, you honestly don’t need them in your life. This is toxic, they make you feel bad about yourself hiding behind the ‘it’s just a joke’ statement. 

Nobody needs that kind of negativity in their life. And don’t you dare feel bad about it, it isn’t your fault. None of it is. So don’t let them ruin your fun, you wear what you like and rock on like you do!

I mean take your inspiration from our girl Luna Lovegood (from Harry Potter) bro! She didn’t care what other people thought about her or even when they made fun of her. She just did her own thing and was just as sane as anybody (smug face) see what I did there fellow Potterheads!

Carry your confidence

And anyway the most important part of wearing any outfit is the smile and self-confidence you carry it with. So don’t let any comments or jokes affect you negatively. 

If you like it, then carry it with all the swag you have and feel like a supermodel anyway bro! Who cares what anyone else thinks. You do you and you’ll find all the friends you need along the way, those too supportive ones 😉

Got a question or a doubt? Then come Ask Disha! The coolest Trusted Adult in India, Disha, will answer all your queries on Growing Up! Post them in the comments box below or send them to our Insta inbox! Disha will respond to them in upcoming columns. Please remember not to put out any personal information. Don’t forget to check Disha on YouTube, live in action!

#AskDisha is an advice column run by the editorial team at TeenBook India. The advice given in the columns is science-based but general in nature. Parents and adolescents should seek help from a professional or expert for specific concerns or issues.