DEAR HARRIETTE: There is a concerning situation involving a boy I know who is intelligent but not considered cool by his peers -- he's a nerd. The girl he likes has been using him for her personal gain, manipulating him into doing her assignments and projects. Despite my attempts to warn him about her intentions, he does not seem to heed my advice. Witnessing someone being taken advantage of in this manner troubles me deeply. I care about my friend and want to protect him from being used and manipulated by others. It is disheartening to see him being exploited for his intelligence and kindness, especially by someone he has feelings for. Should I step back and allow him to learn from his experiences, even if it means watching him endure further harm? -- Friend's Exploitation
DEAR FRIEND’S EXPLOITATION: It sounds like you have done what you can do to support your friend. When people are “in like,” they often can’t see what’s in front of their faces. You can be there to listen to him and talk to him as time goes on. If you notice that this girl is doing anything that will physically hurt him, point that out. Otherwise, it’s a waiting game. He has to come to his own understanding of what’s happening and deal with it. Whether one is a nerd or not, we all go through challenges where our hearts are tested.