DEAR ABBY: I am 13. Three of my oldest friends seem to be drifting away. I have a new friend, "Karen," who is super nice. We share the same interests in books, movies and other things. But I'm afraid if I spend too much time with Karen, my other three friends will desert me. I have been friends with them since second grade. They mean everything to me. Help! -- AFRAID IN VIRGINIA
DEAR AFRAID: Part of growing up is making new friends. Not everyone matures at the same rate. Obviously, you are getting something from your friendship with Karen that you are not getting from your three old friends -- and that is a plus. The answer to your problem is learning to budget your time so that you are not seeing anyone exclusively.