I Can't Ever Please My Parents

Dear Dee:
I'm a sophomore in high school and I play softball, basketball and I run track.
I have a 4.0 GPA. I work hard at all that I do, yet I cannot please my parents. They always want more from me.
It's like they want me to be perfect and I try so hard but it's still not enough. I make myself cry just trying to think of what I'm doing wrong in their eyes. I've lost friends because they aren't the type that my parents want me around.

I really want to tell my parents how I feel, but I'm scared about what they will say to me. What should I do?

Look, sometimes, no matter what we do, we can't please our parents. I don't say this to be mean or tell you to give up hope or stop doing your best, but I want you to start doing all the things you do for yourself ... not for them.

See, if seeking their approval is the only reason you're doing all you do, then that is wrong. You should be doing all of these things well because you love to play sports, you want to learn in school and make something of yourself and you want to have friends you can run to when times get rough.

When you start accomplishing notable tasks in these areas because you're doing it for YOURSELF, parent's approval normally follows. So don't try so hard.

Also, come to grips with the fact that you may never fully feel like you're pleasing them or doing all they want you to do. And you know what? That's just fine. The worst thing you can do is leave home and STILL constantly seek their approval in every single aspect of your life. You won't be happy that way and it's no way to live.

Be proud of all you accomplish. Be proud of who you are. And do everything you do well because you know it's the right thing to do ... not so your parents will pat you on the back.