DEAR ABBY:

I will be 18 in six months. I know I should be happy, but to be completely honest with you, I’m afraid of becoming an adult. I don’t feel ready to grow up and leave my childhood behind. What should I do? What can I do? — UNHAPPY BIRTHDAY

DEAR UNHAPPY:

What exactly are you afraid of? Not everyone matures at the same rate. It takes some people until age 21 to assume adult responsibilities. Others are ready at 18, provided their parents have already given them certain responsibilities. The insecurities you are experiencing are things you should talk about with them. You can also discuss this with a trusted teacher or counselor at school. If you do, you may realize that you are far from alone in the feelings you experience.

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Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

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Abby shares over 100 of her favorite recipes in two booklets: “Abby’s Favorite Recipes” and “More Dear Abby’s Favorite Recipes.” Send your name and mailing address, along with a check or money order for $16 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Cookbooklet Set, PO Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling charges are included in the price.)