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“I dumped her - now I want her back”

Last year I plucked up the courage to ask this girl out. She said yes and I felt great but then she started acting weird. Some days she’d be all over me and text me 100 times; then she’d ignore me and not return my messages, even though I’d done nothing to upset her. I decided to dump her but I miss her and want her back. What should I do?
Sean

Why would a girl you consider weird want to get back with you? You say you miss her and you want her back. Do you notice how the focus is on you? What’s in the relationship for her?

You assume you did nothing to upset her, but by ignoring your texts she was trying to tell you something. A sensitive boyfriend would have asked what was wrong.

I don’t intend to hurt your feelings but until you learn to be as sensitive to a girl’s feelings as you are to your own needs, you’re not ready for a relationship.

“I want a tattoo”

I want to get a tattoo but my parents won’t let me. It’s not like I want something huge and ugly that everybody will see – just a small decorative design on my ankle. My parents say I should wait but I’m old enough to decide for myself. How can I change their minds?
Kate, 15

Have your parents said why they’re against it? Are they worried you’ll pick up a serious infection because tattoo artists aren’t regulated? Your best option is to suggest you get a henna tattoo. It’s safe, lasts for several weeks and - this is the best bit - you can experiment with different designs.

“Help! I'm a secret bulimic”

I have a secret nobody knows about. Whenever I eat a lot of food I make myself throw up. It started a few months ago when I got sick after eating too much. Now it makes me feel in control and it keeps my weight down too. I’ve read about bulimia and I know what I’m doing is wrong, but I can’t help myself.
Sandra, 16

I won’t use the language of right or wrong with you - you’re hard enough on yourself already - but you’re fooling yourself if you think you’re in control. The bulimia controls you and you need immediate specialist help to deal with this compulsive, addictive behaviour.

For more info call BODYWHYS on Lo Call 1890 200 444; www.bodywhys.ie. UK readers can call Beating Eating Disorders on 0845 634 7650; www.b-eat.co.uk. And tell one of your parents. You’ll feel a massive sense of release when you unburden yourself of your secret.

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