The Nice Advice, By Leah Albert

Dear Leah,

I am in fourth grade, and I have a question. You see, there’s a boy in my grade that is totes adorbs. He makes me laugh. I’m not sure why. He’s just funny. We have a lot in common. We both are kind of silly, and we both get in trouble at school easily.

How can I impress my boyfriend?

Signed, Minecraft Millie

 

Dear Millie,

Hello! Wow. Fourth grade. I remember fourth grade. I was a new kid in a new school. I didn’t know anyone and my teacher had a very thick accent. It was hard to understand her lessons. I also got into trouble easily. But enough about me.

I’m so glad to hear you have friends that make you laugh. Did you know laughter is good for your brain? It actually makes it healthier. So my advice is if you have friends that make you laugh, keep them. Surround yourself with them.

Totes adorbs. I laugh a little when I try to imagine what makes this fellow adorable to you. I wonder if he’s the kid that styles his hair every day. Or maybe he’s the slightly rumpled class clown. Do you have carrot-eating contests in the lunch room? If you don’t, you should. Imagine all of the kids that would actually eat their veggies instead of throwing them away!

All silliness aside, I don’t like to hear that you two get into trouble at school. You might not realize it now, but school is very important. And you only get one chance at fourth grade. You are learning so many new things every day. The minutes you spend in the hallway are precious moments of your education, lost.

I’m really sorry. I can’t tell you how to impress your friend. It seems you are already doing it! And you are doing it just by being you. I can give you a tip on how to be an even better friend, though: Be mindful of your actions. You know, the ones that lead to the silliness that gets you into trouble. And when your friend starts being silly, well, you be a good friend and remind him you only get one chance at fourth grade. Take care.

Sincerely,

Leah

 

Leah Albert is a fictitious character. She likes wine and writing. Don’t ask her to be a matchmaker. Do send your questions to Leah at theniceadviceleahalbert@gmail.com.