Dear Me,

Hi...I'm worried for my friend and what her boyfriend does to her. He is very abusive. She comes to my house all the time, crying because he hurts her. Not only is he emotionally abusive, but he also hits her, but she won't leave him. I'm really worried for her. please help!!!!

---Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

This is one of those situations where anything I say is going to sound cliche. I am not qualified to handle such a situation, which is when counsellors and parental figures kick in. I have been in situations where I have been emotionally abused, and I, too, was unwilling to accept the fact that I was in trouble. I'm not sure why people choose to live in such denial. For me, it had to do with low self-esteem issues. However, whatever the reasons are, there is nothing you can do to change her mind at this point, because she probably has her reasons for not leaving him. After all, no one in their right mind would willingly be abused. You have to inform her parents/guardians. The parents/guardians should then take her to see someone, or try to do something on their own. However, they may be the problem so, if that doesn't work, or you seriously doubt any good outcome from that situation, talk to a counsellor. Schools tend to have their own. Just make sure you tell someone right away. Your friend may become angry with you, she may tell you that you're standing in the way of love or something equally deluded as that. However, if you really love her, you know that it's better to see her well, even if it does mean losing her friendship for a while, than it is to see her suffering. but she'll be thanking you once she's set straight and taken out of that abusive relationship, trust me. ---Me