‘Ask Mogy’ Column (5.2)

I’ve been dating my boyfriend for a little over a year now, and we’re already talking about staying together after high school. But honestly, I keep hearing people say high school relationships never last. Are we just fooling ourselves? 

Dear Hopeless (or Hopeful?) Romantic, you’re not totally fooling yourselves. But let’s be real, most high school relationships don’t last forever. People change a lot after graduation, especially between college, distance, and just growing up; it’s hard. Still, it’s not impossible. My parents met in high school and have been married for over twenty years. So while the odds aren’t great, they’re not zero either. Just enjoy it for what it is now.

XOXO,

Mogy

If I could talk to my freshman self, I’d probably shake him and say, “Do your homework.” I used to put everything off until the last minute and then wonder why I was so stressed. What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?

Dear Former Procrastinator, I’d say the same thing. Just start. Homework isn’t that bad once you actually do it. The hardest part is getting started. I’d also tell my freshman self to chill out about what people think. No one remembers who said what in ninth grade. Stop trying to be all “nonchalant.” Like bro, you’re not tough, stop pretending you don’t care. Try stuff, make mistakes, and maybe, just maybe, don’t start your essay at 11:59 p.m. 

XOXO,

Mogy

Everyone around me is obsessed with being the best: better grades, better colleges, better everything. I’m exhausted trying to keep up, but I also don’t want to fall behind. How do I stop comparing myself without giving up? 

Dear Burned Out but Still Trying, High school can feel like one big scoreboard, but here is the truth: no one’s keeping track of you...but you. Compete with your past self, not your peers. Focus on getting a little better each day, not being “the best.” And remember, no one’s life actually is how it looks. The real win is finishing high school with your sanity, sleep schedule, and sense of humor intact.

XOXO,

Mogy

I feel like I’m drifting apart from my friends. We’ve been close for years, but lately, they hang out without me or seem distant when we talk. I don’t want to be clingy, but I also don’t want to lose them. What do I do? 

Dear Feeling Left Out, friendships can shift a lot in high school — new classes, new people, new priorities. It doesn’t always mean something’s wrong with you or that they don’t care anymore. Sometimes people just grow in different directions. The best thing you can do is reach out honestly instead of overthinking every Snap or skipped invite. Tell them you miss hanging out. If they’re real friends, they’ll make space again. And if not, trust that you’ll find people who do. It’s cliché, but true. The right friends stick even when life pulls you in different directions. 

XOXO, 

Mogy

Got a question you want Mogy to tackle? Love, stress, friends, or anything in between? Submit your anonymous letter to 

thepaw@djds.org with the subject line Ask Mogy. No names, no judgment.