One thing high school is known for is its drama. Friend drama, family drama, teacher drama, activity drama, and drama that seems to come from mid air. If you're like me, and somehow seem to always be dragged in the middle of a dispute or somehow you just attract drama, then you hate it. There's not much more to say besides that. I hate drama. When I went away to college, the one thing I was looking forward to escaping the high school drama. A little ways through my freshman year, I realized that there will always be drama; there will always be people who like to cause drama and people who are just naturally histrionic. I also learned that the way to handle it is simple: Don't be a part of it. Here's how:

1. Stay Positive

It's so simple yet so difficult to do. When life is blowing up at every angle, it's always good to remember what is going good in your life. A friend of mine has a journal where, whenever she has trouble remembering the bright side, she writes down things that are good. What she writes can be as small as "my hair wasn't giving me trouble today" or as big as "me and my friend finally made up."

2. Don't fuel the fire

Your friend texts you one of those long paragraphs claiming how hurt she is because you didn't invite her to go out with people she doesn't even like and blames you for everything going on in her life. The temptation to blow up on her and put her in her place is strong, I know. In my experience, when you do that, people find out and choose sides and the fire keeps getting bigger.

3. Get out of the mosh pit!!

Whether you put yourself in their or not, being in the middle is never a comfortable place to be. Get out quick and with minimal damage. If friends want you to take a side, simply say you don't choose sides but you'll support them and be their for them. If you are stuck being the messenger, say no. The best way to get out of the middle is to take yourself out.

4. Keep what you think to yourself

You and your best friend got into a big fight but eventually made up. During the few weeks you were apart, you said really awful things about her that have nothing to do with the current situation to some friends in confidence. Fast forward five months; your best friend found out what you said about her behind her back and got very mad. This causes even more drama than before, because you talked bad about her to other people when you were supposed to be your best friend. Keeping these opinions to yourself or someone you know you can trust can prevent future drama.