PRESENTING YOUR no drama summer

You tell your dad you’re grabbing pizza with the girls…when you’re really headed on a date with that cutie from swim team.

- KATHERINE HAMMER

Your bestie’s been on your last nerve lately, but you tell her everything’s fi ne…as you shoot off a text to another friend about how annoying she’s been lately. Your sister’s wondering how her fake tan turned out on the fi rst day of your family vacay…and you just don’t have the heart to tell her that, um, Tony the Tiger has fewer stripes.

Almost everyone tells little lies here and there (guilty!), but being dishonest often causes more problems than telling the truth—especially when it comes to important relationships with your parents, siblings and friends. 

So if your summer serves up moments when you want to avoid the truth (but really shouldn’t), here are honest-to goodness ways to get out of them. 

THE SITCH: Your family has a strict “no unchaperoned hangouts” rule. But…Haley’s parents are out of town, and she just told the whole crew (including your crush!) to come over Friday night. It’s tempting to tell your parents Haley’s aunt will be supervising…or just omit the whole “no parents” detail entirely. But word is likely to get out (think: Haley’s parents post pics of their vacay on Insta, your mom sees them)—and you’re likely to get caught.
SOLVE IT: While the chance of your parents changing their policy is probably zip, telling them about the plans while also acknowledging you aren’t going will earn you major trust points. Saying, “Haley’s having people over, but her parents won’t be there, so I know I can’t go,” shows your mom and dad that you understand and respect their rules. And maybe, just maybe, they’ll be so impressed by your maturity that they’ll extend your curfew an hour or two next weekend.