During that time, I was so unhappy that I didn't even feel like talking to my other friends.

Then one day, I decided to ask her why we had grown apart.

She said it's because I stopped talking to her.

When I like someone I become silent. I don't know why. Maybe I'm shy and also afraid that she will get to know my true feelings. She may not like me and may not want to be friends anymore.

Communication is the key to solving problems.

Those who are in a similar situation should talk to their friends to clear up any misunderstandings.

The most important thing is: 'Don't destroy the friendship!'

Winson Kong Sze-ming

CCC Hoh Fuk Tong College

Students should do what they like

Many young people nowadays look at how much they can earn from a job. But do they really like what they are doing?

It is essential that students choose the subjects they like in school. Parents should not persuade their children to choose science subjects simply because they would be able to find jobs more easily. Science may offer better career prospects but it won't be satisfying if the student doesn't like it.

Although we all want to be happy and comfortable, it is important to have a direction in life.

Iris Lui

STFA Tam Pak Yu College

Be safe when you go out

A 13-year-old girl collapsed and died in a Mongkok disco last month after allegedly taking a mixture of Ecstasy and ketamine. This is a warning for teenagers who like visiting discos and karaoke bars with their friends.

They can still have a good time if they follow my suggestions.

Firstly, teenagers should only hang out with people they know. They have to careful about outsiders who may introduce them to drugs and other vices.

Secondly, if they go to a disco or karaoke bar, they should not drink alcohol and take drugs.

Thirdly, never take a drink offered by a stranger.

Betty Tsang Wai-yan

Yan Oi Tong Tin Ka Ping Secondary School

Street smokers a menace, too

I am sure many people have inhaled second-hand smoke while walking on the street. It only takes a light wind for the smoke to drift across your face.

When I was a child, smokers used to scare me. Now I think they are irresponsible, self-centred people who don't care about others' feelings.

I get especially angry when I see teenagers smoking.

Although smoking has been banned in some public areas, the government cannot do anything about people lighting up in the street.

I hope smokers show more responsibility or give up their bad habit altogether.

Leung Yik-hon

Methodist College

A dose of reality can lead to change

I am writing in response to the article 'Cheer amid the gloom' (Young Post, August 1).

Although Kenya is suffering from a severe drought, the children there are more cheerful than their Hong Kong counterparts, according to the article.

The Kenyans also treasure food and appreciate the simple things in life.

In Hong Kong, there are many supermarkets, restaurants and shops. The children are lucky because they can buy different types of food, clothes and toys. But some of them prefer junk food because they think fruit and vegetables are tasteless.

Besides, many teenagers adore brand-name products and want to buy the trendiest items, such as clothes, mobile phones or computer games.

Parents should teach their children to treasure what they have.

They can let the children watch TV programmes on starving or disease-stricken people in Africa. This will open their eyes to the true situation in the world. Parents need to become role models if they want their children to grow up as responsible citizens.

Milky Leung

Kit Sam Lam Bing Yim Secondary School

Threat to morals

Students don't receive adequate sex education in school.

They can access pornographic materials easily as Hong Kong has a well-developed mass media network.

Young people are very curious about what's happening around them but they lack will power.

Since they can be easily influenced by the mass media, such as comics, TV and films, I believe that sex education should be part of the formal school curriculum.

Lui Siu-lam