It's problem page time on DREAMCATCHER today and reader Ellie has a huge dilemma to solve... can wild-child HONEY TANBERRY help her work things out?
Ellie says:
This has been playing on my mind since the first day of the summer holidays. On that day, I went into town with my friend J. We were looking at make up in Boots and trying out the testers when I saw her take a nail varnish and put it in her pocket. I was so shocked I didn't say anything. I tried to ignore it in case I was wrong or in case she planned to pay for it, but she didn't, and just before we got to the doors she stuffed a lip gloss and the nail varnish into my bag. I hadn't even seen her take the lip gloss. I was shaking I felt so scared, but luckily nobody came after us and no alarms went off. When I tried to say something J said she'd got them for me because of not getting me a birthday present. So now I have two stolen things I didn't want in the first place, and a friend I don't want to hang out with any more. Please help.
Honey says:
As you know, I am a rule breaker by nature, but shoplifting has never been my thing; it's theft, pure and simple. As for shoplifting and then dumping the stolen items on your friend just as you are leaving the shop, that just sucks. By putting the stuff in your bag, she was making sure that if the two of you had been stopped, you would have been the one to get into trouble. I don't even buy her excuse of stealing them 'for you' - she must know you well enough to suss that you would not want anything to do with this. So, I can understand why you're feeling upset. Rather than blank her, give her a chance to clear the air. Tell her why you are so upset with her and see what she says; ask if things are OK at home, if anything is upsetting her, as her actions seem to be so out of character. Perhaps there are bigger things playing on her mind and the shoplifting was a cry for help? Maybe. Sadly though, I think her actions show a sneaky, mean streak and perhaps even a wish to get you into trouble. I wonder if she is envious of you, jealous in some way? Talking things through may help you get to the bottom of this, but whether you want to go on being friends with someone you cannot trust is a decision only you can take. Is she just mixed up, unhappy and crying out for help? Or is your friend more of an enemy in disguise? Find out, and if it is the latter, let her go. Nobody needs friends like that, trust me. As for the make-up, put it in a paper bag and hand it back to the shop - you can always say you saw someone drop it by the door. Job done.
Cathy says:
Good advice from straight-talking Honey! Would YOU add anything? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Ellie says:
This has been playing on my mind since the first day of the summer holidays. On that day, I went into town with my friend J. We were looking at make up in Boots and trying out the testers when I saw her take a nail varnish and put it in her pocket. I was so shocked I didn't say anything. I tried to ignore it in case I was wrong or in case she planned to pay for it, but she didn't, and just before we got to the doors she stuffed a lip gloss and the nail varnish into my bag. I hadn't even seen her take the lip gloss. I was shaking I felt so scared, but luckily nobody came after us and no alarms went off. When I tried to say something J said she'd got them for me because of not getting me a birthday present. So now I have two stolen things I didn't want in the first place, and a friend I don't want to hang out with any more. Please help.
As you know, I am a rule breaker by nature, but shoplifting has never been my thing; it's theft, pure and simple. As for shoplifting and then dumping the stolen items on your friend just as you are leaving the shop, that just sucks. By putting the stuff in your bag, she was making sure that if the two of you had been stopped, you would have been the one to get into trouble. I don't even buy her excuse of stealing them 'for you' - she must know you well enough to suss that you would not want anything to do with this. So, I can understand why you're feeling upset. Rather than blank her, give her a chance to clear the air. Tell her why you are so upset with her and see what she says; ask if things are OK at home, if anything is upsetting her, as her actions seem to be so out of character. Perhaps there are bigger things playing on her mind and the shoplifting was a cry for help? Maybe. Sadly though, I think her actions show a sneaky, mean streak and perhaps even a wish to get you into trouble. I wonder if she is envious of you, jealous in some way? Talking things through may help you get to the bottom of this, but whether you want to go on being friends with someone you cannot trust is a decision only you can take. Is she just mixed up, unhappy and crying out for help? Or is your friend more of an enemy in disguise? Find out, and if it is the latter, let her go. Nobody needs friends like that, trust me. As for the make-up, put it in a paper bag and hand it back to the shop - you can always say you saw someone drop it by the door. Job done.
Cathy says:
Good advice from straight-talking Honey! Would YOU add anything? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!
Really good advice
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