Ask Blair is an advice column run by a GPHS student under the alias of Blair. Its purpose is to provide advice to students in search of it. Keep in mind that your responses will most likely be in the next issue of The Scroll. See below for our advice request form.
Question: Hey, this is a mix of what may seem like totally random things, so thanks if you read through the whole thing. One of the things I’ve been thinking about is that everyone seems to look sad or else VERY bored when they’re by themselves in the halls, even just walking to class. Is there something I’m missing out on, or am I just unusually happy? I’ve pretty much stopped smiling in the halls when I’m by myself because it seems like no one else does. No seriously, the funny thing is that I went from a school with only seven kids in my GRADE, to here, and everyone seems so much less social. NOT what I was expecting. Why? I don’t know. Alright, enough of that, the second thing is that I just wanted to put this out there. I don’t know if this is really where I should say this, but if you can’t do anything maybe someone who reads this can. I would love it if someone could pull the strings to get theater to do a play of one of the classic 80’s movies. I would DIE if they could put on a play of Labyrinth, you know, the movie with David Bowie. But then I’m not sure that there’s an adaptation of it yet. I did theater for three years, all the way through middle school and loved it, but now I don’t have the time to continue, so if I could watch a great play of one of my favorite movies, man, that would make me SO happy. Especially because then I would have a reason to bring my friends from other schools even if they don’t love theater as much as I do. Me and my friends have an addiction to the 80’s, yeah, I know it’s a problem, but oh well. 😁
Thanks, and Save Ferris… he’s dying.
-“Stay Gold, Ponyboy, Stay Gold.”
Blair: It can be a struggle to walk through hallways full of bored, uninterested people. There is nothing we can really do about how other people look in the halls, but we can plant a happy smile on our faces and brighten up the days of others! It can be difficult to be more social with more people around because it can cause anxiety for some. It is not that strange that a larger school would be less social than a smaller school because everyone knows each other at a smaller school. When living in and walking around a small town, you could run into multiple people that you know and can say hello to. Walking around in a city, though, you are unlikely to run into a friend, and most people don’t want to talk to— or be talked to by— strangers. About the theater idea, I have no relation to the theater department and Labyrinth seems like an unlikely movie to be put on as a play at GPHS, as I believe there is no script written for it in a play format. You should try talking to someone in the PAC about new plays!
Question: what do I do if I like my best friends
Blair: Lots of people like their best friends. That is why they are best friends with them. However, if you mean that you like them in a romantic way, then this can become a problem, especially if they do not feel the same way. We as humans cannot always control how we feel about a person, but we can control how we react to our emotions. If it is clear that your best friend isn’t interested, then it’s a good idea to give them some space and not pursue them romantically. However, if you feel as if you are receiving mixed signals, be subtle in letting them know how you feel. If they return your subtle hints with hints of their own, then tell them how you feel. I hope all goes well! :)
Question: I fear I have a conniption. I have absolutely no idea how to write my book. I also know I cannot publish it whilst going to school, it is a mischievous little thing.
Blair: Writer’s block is quite the mischievous little thing! Try brainstorming ideas with your friends and looking up inspiration. Different websites on Google, as well as on social media, such as Pinterest, can provide you with decent prompts to exercise your writing. Another option is simply writing. Write whatever comes to your mind, without paying attention to whether or not there are typos or if it makes any sense. Give yourself an allotted amount of time for undisturbed writing, and then edit it later. Since it is your book you are stuck on, you can also try creating an outline. An outline will help you stay organized and on track so that you don’t forget where you’re going. I hope this helps and I am optimistic that you will get your book published someday, even if it’s difficult to do so while in high school.
Within the last few years, we launched the advice column Ask Blair! Everything is 100% anonymous, from who sends in submissions, to my own identity. Though I go by Blair for the purpose of the column, I wouldn’t be surprised if many of you know me outside of The Scroll. I’m a student at GPHS, just like all of you. My goal for the column is to reach out to everyone and do what I can to help you during your times of trouble. Please keep in mind that your submissions will all be completely anonymous and your name will not be written in any of the issues here, so don’t be afraid to send in questions for next month’s issue! I look forward to writing for you guys in the months to come. Scroll down to enter your own questions for me: Blair!
*A Note from Blair: Since I reach such a wide audience and cater to people of so many different lifestyles and beliefs, it is my goal to remain as unbiased as possible when giving advice. It is for that reason that I ask you to refrain from asking for my personal opinions on politics and the like, as I don't want that to get in the way of being able to help as many people as possible. Thank you for helping me keep Ask Blair! a safe space for everyone!
*Editor's Note: The Scroll's Ask Blair! column is to solely provide advice, care, and support to students in need. We want to hear from you, and we understand that some of the topics that will be discussed will be emotional and sometimes distressing, but this advice column is not meant to be used as an alternative to any sort of professional therapy or counseling.
Thank you 💜
