Heyyy. Very valid question. Because let’s be honest you’re not the only one confused about this one. Gaslighting is one of those words that shows up everywhere. Reels, rants, comment sections, random conversations in school. Everyone uses it very confidently but  … but the moment you ask, “Okay, but what does it actually mean?” suddenly everyone needs water, WiFi, and time to think.

So let’s talk about it properly. 

What gaslighting actually means

Gaslighting is when someone makes you doubt your own thoughts, feelings, or memory.

And no, it’s not dramatic. There’s no big fight, no dhum tana nana na in the background, no moment where you dramatically realise the truth while staring out of a window.

It’s more like this. You’re sure about how something felt. Then five minutes later you’re thinking, “Wait… am I being dramatic?” even though nothing actually changed.

You didn’t imagine it. Your brain is just being messed with.

Let’s say you tell a friend, “I felt really bad when you ignored me all day.”

They reply, “What are you talking about? I didn’t ignore you.”

Now you’re mentally opening WhatsApp, Instagram, your memory, your soul. Did they actually ignore you or did you just overreact? Did they reply late or did you check too fast?

If this happens once, fine. If this becomes a pattern, welcome to overthinking season.

Why gaslighting is about control

Gaslighting is not just lying or remembering things differently. It’s about always needing to be right.

One person becomes the final authority on reality. The other starts collecting screenshots like evidence, over explaining feelings, and practising conversations in the shower that may never even happen.

That’s not communication. That’s emotional chess, and you didn’t even agree to play. Gaslighting does not only happen in romantic relationships.

It can happen in friendships when someone says something rude and later says, “I was joking, why are you being dramatic?” It can happen in friend groups where your reaction gets more attention than what actually caused it. It can even happen at home when your feelings are dismissed as unnecessary drama.

Basically, if the sentence starts with “Why are you reacting like this?” instead of “Why did I do that?” take note.

Common gaslighting lines you might recognise

These phrases deserve their own playlist because they show up so often.

“You’re overreacting.”
“That never happened.”
“You’re too sensitive.”
“Why do you make everything such a big deal?”

Hearing these once in a while is normal. Hearing them every single time you speak up is not.

How gaslighting usually makes you feel

Gaslighting often leaves you feeling confused and weirdly guilty. You might apologise even when you’re not sure what you’re apologising for.

You may stop bringing things up because explaining yourself feels tiring. Staying quiet starts to feel easier, even though it shouldn’t.

If silence feels safer than talking, something is off.

Gaslighting versus normal disagreements

Disagreements are normal. Different opinions are normal.

In a healthy disagreement, someone might say, “I don’t see it that way, but I get why you felt bad.” In gaslighting, the response sounds more like, “Why are you like this?”

One response listens. The other shuts things down.

If someone keeps making you doubt your memory, your reactions, or your feelings, pause and notice it. You’re not “too much.” You’re just responding to something real.

You deserve relationships where you can talk without feeling like you need screenshots, witnesses, or a full presentation to be taken seriously.

Always.

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. 

OMG Tanisha. I can relate to you! I mean there was a time when people asked me about my boyfriend and I told them, bro, i want to focus on my studies and so I am single and people reacted like you just revealed a secret plot twist? “Really? But how?” “Are you sure?”
“Koi toh hoga.” As if a boyfriend is like Aadhaar – everyone must have one. 

But don’t worry, you Disha baba is here! I will tell you exactly what to do in such situations and how to handle them. But first off, let’s get one thing clear – not having a boyfriend or girlfriend is completely okay. You are NOT boring or weird. And no, you are not “missing out on life”. Okay. Deep breath taken. Now let’s talk.

The same old script

One major reason for this reaction is society’s obsession with relationships. Movies, reels, cousins, even random aunties have taught us that if you’re not dating, your life must be… empty. Tragic. Background music missing. 

Life is shown as a straight path where romance is a compulsory milestone. 

So when someone is happily single, people panic. System error. Page not found. Not because being single is wrong, but because it challenges what they have been taught is normal.

What they hear vs what you mean

People confuse being single with being lonely. Single is a status. Lonely is a feeling. They are not twins. At best, they’re distant cousins.

You can be single and focused on yourself, busy building your life, enjoying friendships, and liking your own company. 

And plot twist: People in relationships can be lonely too. Yes. Even with matching WhatsApp wallpapers.

Among teens, comfort with being alone is often misunderstood. Think of the person who always needs to be talking to someone, crushing on someone, or texting someone. Silence makes them uncomfortable. 

Now think of someone who is okay spending time alone, listening to music, studying, or just existing peacefully. 

The first person might assume the second is lonely, when actually they are simply comfortable with themselves. Unfortunately, self-comfort is rarely celebrated, so it gets treated as a problem.

Label lagao, please

Ever notice how some people can’t be alone for five minutes? They need someone to text. Someone to crush on. Someone to update.

Silence scares them. Now imagine someone who is okay sitting alone, studying, listening to music, or just existing without constant notifications.

Guess who gets labelled “sad”? Yep. The peaceful one. Because being comfortable with yourself is still very underrated.

People love labels. Single. Taken. Complicated. It helps them relax. When you don’t fit neatly into a box, they don’t know what to do with you. So instead of questioning the system, they question you.

But life isn’t a Google Form you must fill correctly. There is no relationship syllabus.Some people date early. Some people focus on goals. Some people don’t want the headache right now. Some people just… don’t want one. All normal.

The idea that everyone must reach the “relationship chapter” at the same time is completely made up.

Why they low-key can’t handle you

Here’s the real reason. When you’re single and fine with it, it makes others uncomfortable. It quietly asks a dangerous question: “What if happiness doesn’t need a relationship?” Instead of thinking about that, people joke, tease, or say, “You’ll change your mind.” Much easier.

Final reality check

Being single is not weird. It’s not a waiting room. It’s not a defect. It’s just a phase of life. Or a choice. Or both. You don’t owe anyone a boyfriend. You don’t owe anyone an explanation.
And you definitely don’t owe society a love story at 16. You’re fine. The system is just dramatic.

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. 

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Tara. She wasn’t trapped in a spooky castle or cursed by a witch. Nope. Her tower was more modern and, honestly, way sneakier: it was her own home, ruled by ultra-strict parents who had rules for literally everything.

No phone after 9 PM. No hanging out with friends on weekdays. No loud music. No late-night snacks. Basically, no fun without parental Wi-Fi approval. Tara felt like Rapunzel stuck in a tower… except her tower had Wi-Fi, and instead of a magical braid, she had… homework and guilt.

At first, Tara thought she could outsmart it. She imagined a Tangled-level rescue: a friend, a sibling, maybe even a mysterious stranger on a motorbike (okay, Flynn Rider) who’d swoop in, hand her a starbucks with her name on it, and tell her, “Let’s goo.”

Reality check: Flynn Rider never showed up. And swinging out the window on a braid? Not an option. Her attempts to sneak out always ended in her parents catching her mid-text or mid-sneak snack raid. Tara was officially grounded, again.

Even her hobbies started betraying her. Painting? Meh. Guitar? More like “ugh, why bother.” Texting friends? Exhausting. TikTok scrolling? Somehow more stressful than her algebra homework. And the real plot twist? Her brain had joined the parental team. “You’re lazy.” “Why can’t you be like your cousin, Aisha, who’s running a YouTube channel AND learning French?”

Then one evening, Tara had a moment. She grabbed her notebook,yes, an actual notebook, not Notes on her phone and started scribbling: the frustration, the boredom, the feeling that she was trapped in a real-life TikTok reel called “Teen Trapped at Home: Day 437.”

She realized the tower wasn’t just her parents’ rules, it was also her own expectations. She’d been comparing herself to everyone online: cousins, friends, strangers making viral videos. And honestly? She was exhausted.

And then came her Rapunzel glow-up moment. She didn’t need a dramatic escape. She needed a strategy:

• Asking to stay out a little longer without sending a 50-message group chat to plead.
• Negotiating music time in her room without blasting it so loud it triggered the parental alarm system.
• Scheduling short “freedom breaks” to paint, play guitar, prank her brother, or binge-watch a show she actually likes (yes, even reality TV counts).

Suddenly, the tower didn’t feel like a trap. Tara realized walls aren’t always prison walls—they can be practice spaces for negotiation, patience, and tiny rebellions that don’t get you grounded for life.

And slowly, things changed. She didn’t magically become the queen of independence overnight. Some days she still stared at the ceiling, thinking, “Why am I like this?” But now she had tricks up her sleeve, moments to laugh, and a legit sense of control.

The twist? Tara didn’t need Flynn Rider, a magical braid, or some epic escape. She realized the real rescue was her own courage, her creativity, and a little bit of teen-level strategy. The tower hadn’t disappeared but she had figured out how to live in it without losing herself.

Moral of the story: sometimes the hero isn’t the mysterious stranger or the viral trend. Sometimes it’s just you… learning how to wiggle, sneak, negotiate, and laugh your way out of a TikTok-length tower moment.

The End

Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve said this out loud or screamed it inside my head. It usually happens after yet another conversation with my parents that ends in a lecture, a misunderstanding, or sometimes just silence. Every time I try to talk to them about what I’m feeling, it somehow turns into something else. One moment I’m just saying I’m tired, and the next they’re telling me I’m lazy or wasting time. The conversation derails, and the real reason I started talking just… vanishes.

After a while, I started avoiding these conversations altogether. Not because I didn’t want to talk, but because I wanted to avoid the drama that followed. But here’s the thing, as teenagers, we do need to talk to our parents. We need support, we need someone to tell us that it’s okay to be confused or tired or unsure. We need their affirmations. But whenever we try, something goes wrong. It’s like our words and their meanings get lost in translation.

When I say, “I’m tired,” I don’t mean I’m physically lazy. I mean I’m mentally exhausted, with school, friends, choices, expectations, and sometimes even with myself. When I ask for privacy or space, I’m not hiding anything; I just need time to be alone with my thoughts. But it somehow becomes a question of trust. And avoiding them doesn’t help either. It leaves me with guilt. Like I’m letting them down. Like they’re angry at me. And slowly, the frustration and guilt mix together and make me feel like I’m not enough. Like I’ll never be good enough in their eyes.

But deep down, I know they aren’t wrong either.

They grew up in a completely different world. One without constant pings from social media, fewer choices to make, and fewer people to compare themselves to. They had struggles too, just of a different kind. Maybe that’s why it’s hard for them to understand what it’s like to be us, trying to find ourselves in a world that keeps changing every second. They didn’t have to make five life decisions by the age of 17 or live under the constant pressure to ‘do more’ and ‘be more.’

Sometimes I feel like they want to help, they just don’t know how. And we need help too, but not in the way they’re used to giving it. So when they check our phones or tell us we’re on the wrong track, it feels like an attack. And we start saying “It’s alright” even when it isn’t, just to end the conversation.

And the gap gets wider.

But I don’t think it has to stay this way forever. We’re not against each other — we just see things differently. Same world, just looking at it from different sides. 

And maybe the only way to come closer is to start talking again. Like really talking. Not arguing. Not saying “you don’t get me.” Just calmly explaining what’s on our mind. And actually listening too (even if it’s kinda hard). We can also try saying things in a way they’ll understand like writing it down, talking when things are chill, or even sending them a meme or video that can sometimes explain what we feel better than we can.

It won’t be perfect. It won’t be instant. But it’s a start.
Because I know, even if they see south and I see north, we’re still looking at the same sky.

And that has to count for something.

Would you like to share your feelings with TeenBook? Send us your thoughts in the comments box! Remember, not to put any personal information in the comment box.

I swear, the moment you turn 16, people act like being in a relationship is part of the syllabus. So we like a classmate. Like, really like them. Suddenly, everything reminds us of them. This feeling? That’s what people call a crush. And honestly, the name fits because it can totally crush your peace of mind.

If it’s serious, we start thinking about them all the time—zoning out in class, doodling their initials in our notebooks, and just daydreaming. And if we hear a rumour from a friend that they might like us back? Nice!!

Failed a test today? Got scolded by your mom for not studying again? No big deal, our crush likes us back, and that’s all that matters.

After a while, that attraction can turn into a fling. If things go well, we hang out more, text more, and next thing you know, after one of us confesses, it becomes an official relationship.

Some of these relationships don’t last very long. And honestly? That’s okay. What we thought was true love might just be a phase. The feelings are real, no doubt about that. But what often gets missed is the idea of commitment.

But why does it fall apart so fast

Sometimes, relationships don’t last because we’re influenced by what we see—social media couples, movies, or even peer pressure. Everyone’s posting couple reels while we’re out here commenting “Me and who?” So we jump into something we’re not fully ready for, just to avoid feeling left out. Yes, the dreaded FOMO, fear of missing out.

And the moment there’s one tiny fight? Cue the sad Arijit Singh songs on Instagram stories.

Just because it didn’t last doesn’t mean it wasn’t real. It might have felt like love in that moment. But in all the excitement, what we forget is what actually keeps a relationship going: commitment.

What it takes to be in a commitment

Real relationships, whether you’re a teen or an adult, need way more than just heart emojis and cute aesthetic stories. They need commitment, trust, honesty, and the ability to not block each other after every small misunderstanding.

It takes letting go of selfishness, putting our egos aside, and truly caring about the other person. We can’t just say “kuch nahi” when clearly, kuch hai. We need to talk, not just send cryptic reels or post passive-aggressive stories hoping they get the hint.

What you learn

Whether it lasts a year, a month, or just a day, every relationship teaches us something. It teaches us to be emotionally stronger, to move on from what isn’t right for us, and to reflect on where we may have gone wrong too.

So the next time you find yourself crushing on someone, take a pause. Ask yourself: am I ready for a commitment, or is it just a phase? Whether it ends in a week or lasts longer, you’ll always walk away with something.

Love may not last forever, but it can shape you in ways you never expected. And if nothing else, hey, at least you’ll have some dramatic stories to tell in the future. Ever felt the same? Drop your story in the comments, we’re listening.

Do you have any questions that are bothering you? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember no rude words or personal information in the comment box! 

— Myra, 16, Delhi

Hey Cutie,

Welcome to the Era of Relationship Labels™, where every kind of romantic situation seems to have its own name – and honestly, I’m here for it. Because sometimes, “just friends” or “dating” doesn’t quite cover the messy in-between stuff.

Basically, ‘It’s Complicated’ just got new names: situationships & nanoships. So let’s break it down, one ship at a time

What’s a situationship?

Welcome to the gray area of a relationship. It’s when there’s lots of talking, a bit of flirting (like joking around, saying sweet things, giving special attention), and everything feels romantic – but there’s no label. Not “boyfriend-girlfriend,” not even “we’re dating”- just “let’s see what happens” kind of thing.

So a situationship is basically a “not single but not quite dating either” kind of a relationship. 

You’re:

• Talking a lot

• Maybe even flirting or spending a lot of time together

• Possibly acting like a couple (hanging out, texting 24/7, even kissing)
  

But…

• You haven’t defined the relationship

• There’s no label

• And honestly, things can feel a little confusing
  

Think of it like being stuck on the “typing…” screen of a chat — you keep waiting for something real to show up. But let’s be honest there is no guarantee. It could be a message, or they could simply stop typing and you can do nothing about it. 

Why it happens:

Lots of people end up in situationships because they don’t want the pressure of a full-on relationship, or they’re scared to define it in case it “ruins the vibe.” Totally your choice – but it can be emotionally tricky if one person starts catching deeper feelings and the other doesn’t.

So then… What’s a nanoship?

Imagine this – you like someone a lot. You overthink every text, watch their stories on loop, and talk about them non-stop with your friends. You feel all the feels, but… there’s no actual relationship. You’ve never dated, maybe never even said how you feel.

That’s a nanoship – a relationship that doesn’t really exist, except totally in your head. No official talks, no labels, no “we’re a thing”… just intense emotions, daydreams, and maybe a few flirty chats.

Sometimes, the other person might not even know how deep you’re in.

It could be:

• A crush you’ve barely spoken to but imagine dating

• A few messages exchanged, then poof! But you still think about it constantly

• A vibe you felt strongly… but the other person maybe didn’t even notice

Nanoships are a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kinda deal.They are usually very short-lived, barely real, and mostly powered by overthinking, imagination, and sometimes a good playlist.

Why it happens: 

Because feelings are real even if the relationship wasn’t! Especially during teenage years, our brains love to romanticize. And let’s be honest – sometimes a one-sided daydream feels better than heartbreak.

So… are they bad?

Not necessarily! They’re just part of how relationships are evolving — and how people are learning what they want and don’t want.

But here’s my big-sister advice:

• With situationships – Be honest with yourself. If it’s making you feel confused, anxious, or undervalued, talk about it. Labels aren’t everything, but clarity is important.

• With nanoships – Enjoy the fantasy, but don’t get stuck there. It’s okay to daydream, just don’t ignore real-life chances for connection.  It can be fun – until it starts to hurt. So it’s important to check in with yourself: Is this real? Or just a heart-made illusion?

Quick test: Are you in one of these?

1. How often do you talk?
   A. Daily or almost daily
   B. Once in a blue moon (usually when THEY text first) 
2. Do you hang out or do couple-y things?
   A. Yup, but it’s still “undefined”
   B. Nah, I just replay that one smile they gave me six months ago 
3. Have you imagined a relationship with them?
   A. Yep, and sometimes I think we’re already halfway there
   B. I’ve imagined it 100 times… in my head… alone 
4. Do they know how you feel?
   A. Maybe? We’ve danced around it…
   B. LOL no. Not even their bestie knows I exist 

Mostly A’s? You’re in a situationship – more than friends, less than official. Time to decide if you want clarity or to bounce.

Mostly B’s? It’s a nanoship – a mini crush with max imagination. Totally normal, but maybe it’s time to focus that energy on YOU 

A mix of both, you say? Then you might be in a Situ-Nano-Ship – You’re emotionally invested like a situationship, but the other person is treating it like a background tab—open, but inactive. You feel the feels, but there’s no real action, clarity, or effort from their side. It’s like being stuck in a trailer that never becomes a full movie

Final word?

These new labels help us talk about things our parents never even had words for. Whether you’re in a full-blown relationship, a ‘ship’, or just enjoying a harmless crush, the main thing is: know your worth, communicate openly, and don’t settle for confusion if it’s hurting you.

You deserve clarity. You deserve respect. And if all else fails, talk to your bestie, eat some chocolate, and text me.

Here always,
– Disha

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. 

Dear Diary,

I heard somewhere that not everyone is down because of breakups with a boy or a girl. Some may not be okay because of problems they can’t even share or don’t know exist.

Most of our sadness seems to hide in our unconscious mind. We don’t always know why we’re sad, but we are. It’s like sadness is on its way, so we keep getting ready for it by staying quiet. It’s weird, isn’t it? 

We all want to make our lives look as beautiful as possible, but what if we romanticise our emotions too? Our emotions, whether it’s happiness, sadness, or anxiety, none of them are bad. Sometimes, we don’t even know how we’re feeling. When I’m anxious, my hands shake, and I think it’s just a way of expressing those hidden emotions deep inside me. It’s a form of expression.

Too sad to talk and smile

Once, I was feeling down, and it felt like everyone was talking about me behind my back, making fun of me and my loneliness. They asked me why I’m always sad and not having fun like others. I felt terrible about myself, like I was the worst person ever just because I was too sad to talk and smile like everyone else. I still don’t know how to express myself and laugh like others, and I still get blamed for no reason. I still feel so small in front of those who seem so perfect.

But are they really happy, or are they just pretending? Of course, they’re pretending, but then I wonder, why make fun of those who aren’t okay? Is it wrong to be depressed? Is it bad not to be okay? Do they want me to pretend and hide my true feelings?

Yeah, they want to talk about something, but not this. They see themselves as superior, even though they’re also hurting inside but just not showing it.

“You’ll be fine!”

In today’s world, where every little issue is raised, why not talk about mental health? Why do they call me foolish or an idiot when I say I’m not doing well? Why do they feel sorry for me? Why does my family brush it off and say, “You’ll be fine tomorrow,” when I say I’m depressed, but they rush me to the doctor when I have a fever but not when I’m not okay?

How can we expect everyone to be healthier when we don’t even talk about it?

Confidence is not about being strong 

But here’s what I can say, Diary: there’s so much more to life than what we eat or where we think we might be. Just be true to yourself. Confidence isn’t always about being strong and facing everything head-on. Confidence can also be found in being humble and quiet. We don’t have to know everything to be confident. We don’t need to bring others down to feel superior. We don’t need to fake anything.

Just connect with your true essence, and say what you genuinely feel. Everyone is trying to make up for something, but I’m making myself. Find all the unique gifts that make you, cherish them, and learn what you don’t know. Stay kind and authentic because when you’re true to yourself, you become unique and exquisite.

Yours truly,

Saloni

Names have been changed. This article has been authored by a member of our TeenBook Advisory Board (TAB). To learn more about what TAB is and how to join, please click here. 

To learn more about this, check out this video below:

The parent whisperer

Ria and her friends  Aarav, and Saniya, are sitting around a table piled with books and schoolwork. Ria has been in a mood because she had a fight with her parents. She wanted to go out at night on the weekend and her father said no before even listening to what she had to say.

“Seriously, guys, talking to my parents about anything important is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded. It’s impossible”, she rants.

Aarav nods along, “Tell me about it. They never listen, or worse, they start lecturing me!”

“I just wish there was a way to get through to them without them freaking out”, adds Saniya.

Suddenly, their senior, Aditya, strolls over to their table, catching wind of their discussion. 

He grins and says, “It seems like you folks could use the ‘Parent Whisperer.'”

“The what now?”, Ria asks curiously. 

Aarav raises an eyebrow, “Don’t mess with us, Aditya. We’re serious here.”

Aditya laughs, “I’m serious too! I’ve got a trick that works every time. You just need to master the art of communication”

“What art? We do try to talk to them but they just never listen!” Saniya says, confused and frustrated with what Aditya is suggesting.

Aditya just nods, “When you’re talking to your parents, say what you need to say, and then…pause. Don’t say anything else. Don’t blabber. Just give them some time to process it and then let them fill the silence.”

Now Ria is intrigued, “Why would that work?”

Aditya grins, “Because it makes them think. They start pondering what you said instead of reacting immediately. When I wanted to convince them for a night out with friends. I did the same thing!”

Aarav smirks, “So, you’re saying we should just drop a bombshell and then go silent?” 

Be sincere 

Aditya laughs, “Not exactly. Be sincere, but remember, less is more. I told them where we were going, I gave them contacts for some of my friends in case I wasn’t reachable and asked them to trust me.”

Saniya seems thoughtful, “I guess that sounds reasonable.”

Ria nods, “Yeah, we do need to try something different. But what if this doesn’t work either?”

At this, Aditya adds, “Of course, doing this alone might not work for you guys like it did for me. But I do have some other things you can keep in mind to have a better conversation with your parents.” 

“Enlighten us, O Sincere Senior”, Aarav teases.

Aditya laughs, “Sure baalak! To start, choose a suitable moment when both you and your parents are relaxed and stress-free.”

“Yeah that makes sense” 

Talking takes two 

“My second bit of advice would be to remember that communication is a two-way street. Don’t just hear what they’re saying but actually listen and understand the concern behind that statement. This could help you explain your side better” Aditya adds.

Ria looks impressed, “Wow, I guess I never thought of it that way”

Aditya nods, “Uh huh! And try not to play the blame game while you’re at it. Instead of pointing fingers and making someone feel like they’re in trouble, try to talk to them using “I” statements. This means you focus on how you feel and what you think, rather than accusing them of something.”

“Seems like you’ve really given this some thought,” Saniya says.

At this, Aditya smiles, “I actually have. I had no idea how to talk to my parents in the beginning either. It took a lot of trial and error to make it a success and these tips really helped. And one of the most important things through this is to stay calm and patient”

“But it’s so frustrating sometimes. I just wanna scream”, adds Ria.

“I know it can be frustrating, but losing your calm will only lead to more arguments instead of any solutions. So stay patient, listen to what they’re saying and then come to a solution together. Trust me, it will make all the difference”, Aditya reassures her.

“Fine, I’ll try not to burst”, retorts Ria. 

Appreciation goes a long way 

“And yes, one more thing, don’t forget to appreciate your parents for all that they do for you. A little gratitude can go a long way. Because at the end of the day, all they have for you is love and concern and it’s always nice to feel seen and appreciated.” Aditya says.

Saniya replies, “That’s true. They make a deal even when I say I love you in my emotional moments. Guess I never thought of saying thank you for all that they do. I’ll make them a cake to show them my appreciation. I’m sure they’ll love it”.

“Well jokes aside, all this actually sounds like something we can try,” says Aarav. 

“You did it, Aditya! You made Aarav put the jokes aside. You won” laughs Ria.

The group shares a laugh as they prepare to put Aditya’s advice into action, hoping it will lead to better conversations with their parents.

Have you ever been in this situation? Share with us in the comments box below. Remember not to share any personal information in the comment boxes.

After school—Rohan and Ishan—are sitting on the last bus seat heading home. Rohan looks distracted, staring at the ground.

Ishan: Bro, you look like someone stole your lunch during break. What’s up?

Rohan: Nothing.

Ishan: Liar. Jaldi bata.

Rohan: It’s just… I don’t know, man. I was hanging out with my class friends yesterday and I felt super left out. Everyone was laughing at inside jokes I didn’t get, talking about stuff I had no clue about. I was just sitting there, nodding like a background character.

Ishan: Ah, classic NPC(non playable character) behavior.

Rohan: Exactly! I felt like an extra in my own friend group. Am I just boring, or are they secretly all bored of me?

Ishan: Chill, dude. No one’s bored of you. This just happens sometimes. And chances are they didn’t even realize you were feeling this way.

Rohan: Yeah, but it’s not just once. It’s been happening a lot. They’re making plans without me, cracking jokes I don’t get… I feel like I don’t fit in anymore. I feel like a clueless outsider.

Ishan: Okay, first of all, I can see that you have not overthought this AT ALL? And second, have you actually tried, you know, talking to them about it?

Rohan: What am I supposed to say? “Hey guys, remember me? Your forgotten friend?”

Ishan: Or… you could just mention that you’ve been feeling a little out of the loop. Like, casually. I bet they don’t even realize it.

Rohan: What if they think I’m being needy?

Ishan: Dude, everyone feels left out at some point. It’s normal. If they’re real friends, they won’t think it’s a big deal. I mean, I’d want to know if I was making a friend feel that way.

Rohan: Hmm. Maybe.

Ishan: Also, do you even know what half their conversations are about?

Rohan: Not really. They’re always talking about some new show or game.

Ishan: Bro, there’s your answer. Maybe check out what they’re into. Not saying you have to fake it, but sometimes just knowing what’s up helps.

Rohan: So, what? Binge-watch their favorite show overnight and show up tomorrow like, “Hey guys, I’m one of you now”?

Ishan: No, genius. Just take an interest. Ask about it, join in when they’re talking. They’ll notice.

Rohan: And if they don’t?

Ishan: Then maybe you’re trying to fit in with people who don’t make the same effort for you. I mean, we’ve been best friends for years, and I don’t remember needing inside jokes to enjoy hanging out.

Rohan: True. You and I mostly bond over food.

Ishan: Exactly! And food never leaves anyone out. Unlike some people.

Rohan: Okay, I get it. I’ll try talking to them, maybe make more effort to join in. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll just hang out with you and eat my feelings.

Ishan: Solid plan. But also, don’t overthink it, man. You belong, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.

Rohan: Yeah… thanks, bro.

Ishan: No worries. Now, pass me the chips before I start feeling left out.

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Dear diary, 

I still remember the  first time when I wheeled into the classroom for the first time, I couldn’t help but feel nervous. I had just moved to this new school, and being the “new kid” is always scary—more so when you use a wheelchair. What would my classmates think? Would they stare? Ignore me? Or worse, feel sorry for me?

I took a deep breath and smiled as brightly as I could. Smiling always made me feel better, even when I wasn’t sure of myself.

As I settled in, I noticed a girl around my age, her curly hair framing her curious face. She kept glancing at me but didn’t say anything. I could tell she wanted to talk but wasn’t sure how to start. I wanted to say something too, but before I could, our teacher encouraged her.

She walked over hesitantly and said, “Hi, I’m Mira. Can I ask you something?” Her voice was soft, almost shy, and I could tell she was nervous.

“Of course!” I said, hoping to make her feel comfortable.

As Mira sat next to me, we started talking. She asked about my wheelchair and what cerebral palsy (my disability that impacts my movement and speech) meant. I appreciated her honesty—it was refreshing. I explained as simply as I could: “It means my muscles don’t always work the way I want them to. Sometimes I need help, but I can still do a lot of things, just in my own way.”

Then she told me about herself—how much she loved drawing and making up stories. My eyes lit up. *I love to watch sketching, and I’ve been thinking about writing a story about a girl who talks to animals.”

From that moment, the conversation flowed like we had been friends forever. We laughed about silly things, shared ideas about art, and even planned to sit together during lunch.

By the end of the day, I felt lighter. Mira wasn’t just kind; she was curious, funny, and genuine. She didn’t see my wheelchair as a barrier; she just saw me.

As we said goodbye, I realized something important: new beginnings can be scary, but they can also be amazing. I had made my first friend here—someone who didn’t just look past my differences but celebrated the things that made us alike.

Do you have anything on your mind? Share with us in the comment box below. Remember not to put any personal information in the comment box.