Dear Shayna B.,

I always make fun of people. But after I make fun of them I realize I made a mistake. I do this a lot and I feel really bad after. I try to be nice, but I think it will take a long time for them to forgive me because I hurt their feelings so many times. I try my best not to be mean, but it keeps happening. Please give me some advice.

Mean Mendel

Dear Mean Mendel,

Whenever you’re about to say something rude, just talk about an upcoming test or something else to change the topic. You have to practice thinking before you speak. What you say probably won’t ruin their lives, but it still hurts. Then, maybe if you feel ready, you could go up to the kids whose feelings you hurt and apologize. I’m sure they will appreciate it. And if one time you say something mean because it just comes out of your mouth, just say, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to say that.” That’s all. And if my advice doesn’t work out, say you got COVID and that you’re in quarantine so you don’t have to say anything. Just kidding.

Best of luck,
Shayna B.

P.S. Shout out to AG for donating to the Israel Guide Dog Center through my link. Thank you and keep up the mitzvot!

Shayna is a rising SEVENTH grader and knows what kids in elementary and middle school are going through. She can be reached at [email protected].

Shayna B., Micah B., and Ariella B. are doing a Chesed bnai mitzvah project! We are raising money for a not so local (in ISRAEL!) charity that benefits the blind. Please consider donating to my page for the Israel Guide Dog Center or use this link to contribute:

https://igdc.akaraisin.com/ui/mitzvah/p/bc7475ebd2264747bae2d02767ddefd4.

Wish us luck!

Micah, Shayna and Ariella B.