KMatsusaki: So, I'm Kumiko Matsusaki and I'm 14 years old. I have a little brother named Ryosuke and he's 8 years old. We're only four in the family. Me, my brother and my parents. As a student and the eldest between me and my brother, they expect so much from me. I grew up to be the 'prefect daughter' they want and not to brag but, 'that daughter' every parents want to have. You can say that I have the looks, the money, the mind and the heart. But lately, I've been getting fed up. I'm so stressed in school and I don't know what to do anymore. Yes, my mom and my dad are very approachable but I cannot bring myself to say these things to them. That I am tired. Basically of everything. I'm a teenager too who has a life. I've got handfuls of suitors, yes. But that doesn't mean that I go out with every single one of them. I mean, come on. Every teenager has to have that feeling when you're experiencing puppy love right? My parents are restricting me from that feeling. They go all ape when they learnt from my friends that I have suitors and that I have my eyes onto one of them. They practically send and fetch me to and from school and I hate it. I feel like I'm being restricted. I have feelings to like every teenage girl out there. I'm so hurt and sad. I feel like I'm alone now. My friends, or... are they my friends? They left me saying that I was too boring because I never get to spend time with them because my parents would think that I'd go out with the guy I like! They don't trust me anymore and it's making e feel like a wreck. I don't have anyone to turn into; I mean, it would be real weird if I heart-to-heart talked with my eight-year-old brother about this. I'm happy I found this. Please just let me feel that I have someone to turn to. I'm so vulnerable and helpless right now. I need a... i need a friend...

Friend: Dear KMatsusaki,

Every parent wants the perfect child and once they have obtained that, they want even more. Of course parents should be there to steer you in the right direction yet there is always a limit as to how far they push them to perfection. Communication is a key element for families and that’s just what you’ll need to do(:

I know you don’t want to tell your parents about your situation but I think that it’s best that you do. Even though they are your parents, you cannot possibly expect them to read your mind and understand what you want based off of your actions alone. Try to tell them that you always give 110% in everything that you do but you want some freedom and time for yourself. It’s your life to live and with you being young, you should enjoy every second of it. Of course with you having outstanding grades it’ll help you in the long run, yet if you let life pass by you then it would’ve all gone to waste. You can always do something to help you in the future but you will never gain back time for the past and present. SO enjoy every moment you have(:

Try to explain to your parents that you want to take some time off. Ensure them that by all means you do not intent to slack off or any of the sort, you just want to actually relax a little and have fun. I’m sure that your parents will be reasonable and give you some time. After all, a true parent wants what’s best for their child and their happiness(: Try to explain to them that they have no reason to not trust you or doubt you in any sort of way. Tell them that if you have been this loyal up to this point, then why should you change? You’ll still be the same daughter that they can whole-heartedly trust(:

As for your friends, don’t let a little thing like that get to you. If they are truly your friends, they would understand your situation, be patient, and stand by you no matter what. You just need to find people that are willing to do just that(: And if anything, my advice column is always open to you and anybody else in need of someone to talk to(:

I apologize for not being able to reply to your letter sooner KMatsusaki >_< Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! :D

~(Chingu) 친구