Q&A January 1, 1999 Issue

A Deonna & Suzanne...

with contributions from Deonna, Suzanne

1) How do I stop getting into relationships that are bad for me?

It's a step in the right direction to recognize a bad relationship. But it's unnatural to be attracted to anything that doesn't promise to be the very best for you. The one real attraction we all feel is to things that are good. To qualities that make us happy and satisfied — like unselfishness, gentleness, honesty, purity, good humor. These qualities come from God. And God is good. There's a sentence in Science and Health that helps in thinking about relationships. It says simply, “There is but one real attraction, that of Spirit” (p. 102). When a relationship has this foundation, it's sure to be a healthy one.

2) About a year ago, two of my best friends started stealing things from a store. When I wouldn't join in with them, they turned against me. So now I'm often afraid to leave my house. They've also intimidated my other friends into not talking to me. They've made my life miserable. I've told my parents about it, and they've spoken to the parents of these friends. But nothing has changed. What can I do?

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