I'm a 14-year-old girl and feel very uncomfortable around my male principal. For a long time I've had the feeling that he's a sexual harasser. Since, I had no facts to base my feelings. I had convinced myself that I must be crazy - that is until a few weeks ago. I had just finished performing an act in my school play and had crept into the back of the theater to watch another scene on stage. Then, I felt HIS hands massaging MY shoulders and he was saying "Good job. I'm so proud..." When he's around I feel my stomach tie in knots and my heart starts to pound. I can't even look him in the eye. Am I making a big deal out of nothing? I'm afraid that if I tell someone at school they will do nothing about it or tell me that I'm overreacting. I would feel even more uncomfortable having to face him at school if I reported it and it was nothing. What should I do?
Afraid to tell
Dear Afraid,
If you're feeling even a little uncomfortable that's a big deal and that's something that absolutely can't be ignored. If it feels wrong, it's definitely wrong. The reality is that you're probably not the first to feel this way and you probably won't be the last. Listen to the voice inside and share your feelings with an adult you can trust. Try talking to your mom or your dad or a teacher or counselor at school. Tell whoever you speak with exactly what you written to me and ask them to keep your name confidential. When ANYONE touches you in way that puts your stomach in knots - it's a big deal. Even if your principal's intentions were the most innocent, he would want to know that he's making one of his s feel so incredibly uncomfortable. It's important you share how you feel. Trust your feelings and you will never go wrong!
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