Dear Pastor,

I am a 17-year-old living in the United States of America. I was raised in Manchester, Jamaica. I am writing because I have a friend (well supposedly) who has been treating me wrong ever since she broke up with her last boyfriend. She spreads rumours about me when the rumours that she is spreading are really about herself. I have stopped talking to her on a number of occasions, but I have found myself talking to her again. I go to church and it seems like everytime I go, the pastor is telling me to forgive the ones who have done wrong to me. I keep forgiving her physically, but mentally I just can't find it in my heart to. Since the New Year, I have decided to change. All those who have hurt me can no longer be my friend.

So I'm asking you if I am doing the right thing. Should I leave her alone and live my life and finish my senior year in high school without a burden on my shoulder?

D.F., USA

Dear D.F.,

Teenagers from time to time tell tales on each other and many times, they are not true. They make up stories about each other. Sometimes, they fail to understand that they are hurting each other and that some people may believe the stories. Many have even destroyed good friend-ships by the things they said.

Your pastor is right, learn to forgive at all times. As you grow older, you will understand that some people lie because they want to let people think highly of them and to draw attention to themselves.

Pastor