The summer is a time to kick back at the beach, listen to the waves crash, and see how tan you can get. It's a period to refresh and relax. Sike. That's not what this summer holds.

This summer is one big twisted mess, which is more stressful than school. Does anyone feel like this? Friendships are being torn apart, but then somehow rekindled. Or, your love life is more complicated than ever. We need advice. Help.

For your rocky friendships, it might seem at the time that everything you once had is gone in a heartbeat, and even if you resolve the situation, it will never be the same. That does not have to be the case. Things are only weird if you make them weird. There's a reason you guys became friends. Don't push people away after one conflict. Fight through it and work to fix it. You may think it's easier to discard everything you had because you feel like you don't matter to that person as much they matter to you. You are wrong. If it was meant to last, you can push through anything, and your friendship can have an even stronger bond.

Now, this is the part everyone seems to be intrigued by. The "summer crush" or "the one you only see in the summer." Either you have that temporary liking or the fire reignites within you every summer and dies out a little through the year because this is the only time you see them. Confrontation or hide your feelings? Which path will you take? Unless you are fully aware that confrontation is going to destroy many things in your life, always choose confrontation. No one knows what you are thinking unless you say it. Worst case you get rejected and move on with your life. Yes, rejection sucks, but look how much courage it took you to even voice your feelings. That's bravery because nowadays, especially because of phones, poor communication is one of the reasons nothing works out.

The summer has many doors that are waiting to be opened. When you think you are trapped and every door is closed, stop, look around, and you will find an unlocked door. Walk through that door and the most unexpected things will come to you.