Bossy Friend: I went shopping with some of my friends the other day, and one of them said that if we didn't all get matching purses, she wouldn't hang out with us anymore. I want to be part of the cool crowd, but it seems so wrong to me! What should I do?

Hailey: Be honest and explain your reasons for being her friend. When you talk to her, focus on the good times you have together and why you feel that the purse is not an important part of your friendship. If she still feels the same way, then start talking to other kids who have the same interests as you. After all, the people who want to change you should not matter as much as those who accept you exactly the way you are. A true person will attract true friends, the best kind that there is!