I had to read your first sentence a few times...I was reading a little too literally and was like "you MERITED high fives!? Your troop gave out merit badges for HIGH FIVES??"

I would really really like to take this opportunity to point out that like other scouting organizations, school sports teams or arts programs, it all depends who is directly running your program. It relies on the parents and other adult volunteers to build the community that the young participants grow up in. When you…

Do everything you can to attempt to see things from the perspective of someone who has never been an adult and literally cannot image an adult perspective on school work and the greater implications of doing bad in school. (You've been in his shoes, he has not been in yours) It sounds dumb/obvious, but as someone with…

This is very interesting — I have only a little bit on high school teaching experience (less than one year) but I would LOVE for the parents of the most dependent kids to start giving a shit. But I agree with the once-in-a-while reward system.

No "real life" new experiences, but I was able to describe to my therapist a 10-minute long, three year history of my body image issues — and some binge eating ones — that I have been narrating in my head but have never shared with other people. TERRIFYING but worth it...I think.

I don't even really like cats, and I love this...

Same to this, times a million! How exciting! Your head must be reeling :)

Sounds like you don't need to "redeem yourself" as much as you have already upgraded for your own best interest! Seriously though, it's about who YOU are attracted to, and not who your friends would date, and while I really do think our friends can provide valuable third party perspectives on dating partners, I am…

Know who would buy all of this shit? GAYLE.

My favorite is the Kashi Go Lean snorting, followed by the subsequent vacuuming.

Honestly, I used to be able to understand people with opppsote political views than my own — and I still seek to do so — but the modern Republican party is making it really hard. I just recently got around to watching President Clinton's DNC speech and he really touches on that. (How it's the left that always has to…

I respectfully disagree — I think a lot of our debate is stunted by the idea of "you can't fix stupid." Dangerously, even. I think it's an easy out to dismissing misguided opinions and views of others.

'WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?"

I think Gayle speaks 25% in caps...

Whaa? I've never even heard of that...mystery vegetable! Must google.

I've gotta say, this congratulatory remark coming from an anonymous Jezebel therapist with a Mean Girls username is somehow way more satisfying than the perfectly supportive/encouraging reaction from my own psychologist...internet high-five!

Numba 1: Therapist made me talk about shit I needed to talk about even though I put my face in my hands and said NOOO, I DON'T WANT TO TALK ABOUT IT! (even though I did)

I would say go to a movie — movies aren't inherently very social (we just tend to go in groups for some reason), and you may find you like it better that way...I do! I also love eating outside or just sitting in the park reading or listening to music. Shopping for things related to a favorite hobby is also way more…

I don't think I would circumcise my child. From what I understand, it's unnecessary, and I think I'm probably desensitized because of the overall cultural acceptance.

My parents' retirement would be totally dried up due to my gigantic pony farm upstate if 11 year-old Cassandra made the rules.