Dear Carol

BAD GUY? I started working at a beach club, and I was completely lonely until a boy started talking to me because we both like the same video game.

- By Carol Weston

I've made him laugh, and he's told me how I'm a good friend, which was flattering. But I noticed some bad traits in him. He is negative a lot and says rude things about his family. Once, he admitted he thought the Holocaust was a cool thing that happened. Yikes. But despite that, he's been very nice. We hang out at work and we have a lot in common. Is it OK that he gives me a bad vibe over the littlest things, or am lover-reacting?

Dear Bad Guy?,

You are not overreacting. You're smart to listen to your gut. Anyone who says the Holocaust was cool (or who denies it ever happened) isn't someone you want to be around. It's not a little thing to be antiSemitic, anti-gay, racist or misogynist. It's a deal-breaker. You don't need to try to educate him (though go ahead if you feel safe doing so), but his ignorance, negativity and insensitivity will bring you down.

CLOSED-OFF FRIEND

I have an awesome best friend, but she won't open up. I open up to her, and she's always there for me. Recently, she told me one of the things that was bothering her, and when I asked about it, she said she doesn't need advice. I want to be there for her, but she is not letting me.

Dear Closed-Off Friend,