Ask-it Basket

Q. I’m thinking about running for class president , but so is my best friend! I want to be president , but I don’t want to lose against her or lose her friendship. What should I do?

A. Wow! What a dilemma. It sounds like you and your friend are two talented girls who have a lot in common! We admire you for doing such a good job of figuring out what the issues are here: competing with a friend , accomplishing your goals , and maintaining your friendship. The problem is , how can you do all three?

Well , what if instead of running for office against your friend , you two became campaign partners? You both have leadership skills , and you two seem to have a good relationship. So why not form a team and run together for president and vice-president? That way you could both gain leadership experience , you could work together on a common goal , and you could keep your friendship intact.

The bottom line is , you have to decide what’s most important to you of the three issues. If we were facing the decision , we’d probably opt for keeping the friendship , because friends are more important to us than position or recognition. Why not think about it , decide what you think is best , and then talk the situation over with your friend? Whatever you decide to do , be sure to let your friend know how important her friendship is to you.