Hi Miss Emily.

I'm 13, and I've been with my girlfriend for about 7 months. Over this period, we've gotten along really well. Even I'm amazed that we're still together. We would get fights here and there, but either one of us would apologize and that would be the end of it. But this wasn't the case about a week ago, when I "teased" her that she belonged in Algebra Readiness (The lowest math class you could get in). I found out later from her friends that she took the test to get into the advanced class (that we were in) 4-6 times. So in reality, she isn't really the "smartest" girl. At that point, I was ready to apologize and take the blame. Then, she started telling her friends that I directly called her "stupid." That didn't help me at all. But wait, it didn't end there. I just recently found out that there was an incident concerning my basketball team, that I was kicked off for forgetting to unlock the lockers, leaving my coach outside. You might ask, "What the hell does any of this have to do with relationships?" Well, all this stuff started stressing me out, and in addition, I'm preparing to apply for an arts school, OHCHA which is very hard to get in. So you see that I have all this crap thats stressing me, and then the whole argument issue came back to me recently. So then I thought, why don't I just end it here? It's nothing personal, but its just that the age I'm at now, education is very important (as you well know). I still like her a lot, but I don't want this relationship to end on a bad note. Plus, she's moving possibly to another school in a month. A part of me is telling me to dump her, but another is telling me to stay. It's like having the devil and the angel on your shoulders. Please tell me your opinion and what I should do. I really wish I could clarify in person because I'm not the best typer. I thank you for everything you do for people like me who face tough problems in life. Thank you for your time

-------------------------------------------Miss Emily's advice---------------------------------------

In my opinion, you seem to be seeing this from a, somewhat, shallow viewpoint. I get your interest in education, but you've been with this girl 7 months, and I think she's owed more than this attitude you have. Despite her algebra deficiencies, she's probably a pretty smart, and clever girl to have been able to carry on a relationship with you -- who is, obviously, bright. Perhaps it is time to end the relationship. She's going to a new school, and you're hoping to get into this art school -- but, again, thinking like a Wall Street banker isn't a plus, character wise. Have a heart-to-heart with her, and be thoughtful in your delivery. Don't forget that you and she have had a pretty good relationship, in all this time, but no matter your rationale for dumping her, she deserves some respect. Don't let your deep-seated guilt for insulting her (in jest), and your other frustrations, be a reason to punish her.