LOOK AT ME I'M SANDRA DEE

Dear Jellybean,

UGH i need some advice. I bet you have seen Grease before right? Ok do u remember Sandy? Well thats who i feel like. Im all nice and shy, i never do anything wrong and i dont really like to be too outgoing. I HATE BEING THIS WAY. Its just so fustrating to me because when i like a guy i never make any moves because i have no self confidence. I always think he isnt gonna ever go for me so i just dont bother. I want to change myself. I dont wanna be so good girl happy laughy and i wanna be more outgoing. I dont know how to acheive this though. I guess this is more of a self confidence thing. Im not sure if you can help me but anything you say will help. Thanks so much
-Jaimee

Dear Jaimee,

It does sound like what you need is a confidence boost. Have you ever considered getting into drama? Acting classes are notorious for turning shy girls into outspoken, confident ones. Hey, it worked for me once upon a time - seriously!

So sign up for a drama class, audition for the school play, or check out acting workshops or lessons at your local community center. Who knows, but maybe if you get practice standing up on a stage, speaking in front of people, and taking on characters who are bolder or different than you, it might shake some of the nervousness right out of you, and turn you from a Sandy into a Rizzo!

You can do other things to improve your confidence too. One of the best is learning to speak your mind. What it's really all about is, being confident enough to realize that you deserve just as good treatment as anybody else. Plus, knowing how to demand good treatment.

You can learn to speak up confidently by copying others who seem self-assured. Notice how they express themselves and pick up their moves. Your role model for this might be a confident friend, a girl you admire at school, or even a celebrity who speaks out in a way you'd like to imitate. You can rehearse your "speaking up" skills with good friends or a family member, or even in front of a mirror. With practice, you can learn to appear more confident.

Remember, it's your life! You've got to take charge of it, and live it the best way you can. Otherwise, you'll just end up on the sidelines, watching others get the things you want. So take that first step, and believe in yourself. You can do it!