Sarah Burningham: Teen Author

Importance of Friendship

Summer can do two things to a friendship - make it stronger (because you have more time to see each other than during the busy school year) OR make it weaker (because you only see each other during the school year). So, in honor of keeping in touch with all your friends (even the ones you only talk to by text) I have to show you this. It's cheesy, I know, but I loved it.

Ask Sarah B - You Ask, I Answer - Questions from Real Teenagers

Here's your weekly Ask Sarah B sesh. Remember if you want to ask a question and get some advice, you can email me at: AskSarahB@gmail.com

Question:
My best friend broke up with her boyfriend a few weeks ago and he just asked our other friend to go out with him. And our other friend said yes! So my one friend is all upset that she's betraying her friendship and the other friend says she really likes the guy but how can she if he was with our other friend for so long? I'm stuck in the middle and I don't want to pick sides. What should I do?

- Mia

Sarah Says:
Dear Mia,
Feeling stuck in the middle of two friends is a terrible feeling - especially because you care about both friends and it's hard to see them fight. Not wanting to pick sides is definitely the right way to go - this is a problem between your two friends and doesn't involve you. You're smart to stay out of it.

That being said, both friends might be trying to drag you into it by talking about the other friend behind her back or asking you to be the go-between. Try to avoid any gossiping and if you get stuck in a situation where you feel like you're getting pulled into it, stop the conversation. You can do this by saying something flat out, like, "I don't know - I don't want to get in the middle," or you can divert the conversation by sending a text to another friend about something totally different or suggesting that the two of you go do something like see a movie. Sometimes a diversion is the best tactic because it changes the direction of the conversation completely.

I can tell you're a good friend just by your email. I know it's hard when friendships go through rough times but you can do it. If one of your friend's pushes you to side against the other, remind her that you're there for her, but that you can be a good friend to both of them.

Good luck!

xoxo
Sarah B

**Note: the names of all teenagers in the "Ask Sarah B" section have been changed to protect individual's privacy

On the Road Again

It's sunny in Seattle and I feel so lucky. I lived in Bellevue growing up (the city right across the bridge from Seattle) and it's not sunny very often. I think the book tour gods are being nice to me.

Yesterday was a blast with 2 events in the Seattle area. The first was at Fort Lewis - an army base about 45 minutes from the airport. And it was incredible. I got to meet parents and teenagers who are sacrificing so much to help our country. There were 2 cute soldiers who had 12 year old daughters that stopped by to get books and I even had a few moms get books for their sons. (I told them to apologize for me that the cover is pink but that the info would definitely be helpful!) The base itself was amazing - basically a huge city. I actually had quite an experience getting on. My mom and I drove to the wrong entrance and the guards wouldn't let us in (of course) and then I went the wrong way trying to turn around and the guard starting hollering at us (by this time he had our IDs). Anyway, we finally got to the right entrance and met the event coordinators (Sheree and Mandy) who were so wonderful. The whole thing was a blast!

Next on the agenda was a Borders bookstore in Redmond. We drove straight there from the base and I was a little worried we wouldn't have a soul at the event. But I was wrong. Not only were there some cool moms and teens that I had never met before, but my fourth grade teacher showed up! She was one of my absolute favorite teachers growing up - I learned my times tables and most of my vocabulary from her. It was really touching to have her there. My friend Kayte Gyles and her parents were also there--they were in town running some errands and they made time to come by! It was great to see them. Then, mid-event (I usually say a few words at the beginning and then sign), all of these people from my childhood started showing up. It was unreal - old friends of my parents, old friends of mine. I have never felt so loved and so appreciative to have such amazing people in my life. It was a wonderful event. I think most of all because I realized how lucky I am to know so many incredible people. They've really made me who I am (well, the good parts anyway) and it was beyond great to have a few hours with them.

One more day in Seattle and then on to San Francisco and Phoenix!