One day in high school, I watched as my three best friends went back and forth over one of those “he said, she said� drama scenes. I had no idea what they were talking about, but apparently one of them had told another one of them something the third one said and they were now in squabble over who said what…when…where…and how! It was so ridiculous, I remember saying to myself, “I’m not going to tell either one of them any of my business!� I believe this was the day, I decided Janice don’t do drama!

There are many people who love to do drama! You meet them every day. They come at you wanting to share the latest gossip tip. They come at you wanting to borrow two dollars to get some gas! How far can you get on two dollars worth of gas! They want to borrow your clothes…they always have some chaotic event going on and they NEED your help! These people love drama.

There are also some of the more serious cases. They are strung out on drugs and need to borrow money for the next fix. They are having some crisis with the latest no good boyfriend who ain’t goin no where! They have failed another test because instead of studying, they spent their time doing stupid stuff they should not have been doing. I’m sure by now, you get my drift. Ladies, decide now while you are young that you don’t do drama!

Now, let me tell you how you can maintain this attitude through the rest of your life. First, keep your legs closed! Respect yourself enough to demand that he respect you enough to wait until he puts that ring on your finger at your wedding. The cost these days for sexual immorality are too high…one you can not afford to pay. Today, teenagers are paying for this one with their lives! Don’t let yourself get caught up in the drama of teen pregnancy, HIV/Aids, herpes, etc.

Secondly, learn to love knowledge and learn how to study! Just saying stay in school to me, is not enough. As one who has taught college students, I have seen many people staying in school who need to get out of school and get a JOB because they are not learning anything because they are not studying! They want grades handed to them. Educators do not give you grades, you EARN grades. Learn to want to experience the satisfaction of knowing that you earned that A! When you approach your education in this manner, you will become a life-long learner which will help you keep drama where it belongs…away from you!

Lastly, you be comfortable with who you are! Society has always tried to dictate who…what…and how women should be. Maybe you have heard it put this way, “you suppose to… You fill in the blank. Nothing gets me mad faster than some person trying to tell me I am supposed to be doing something. You know what I tell them, “says who?� That’s drama to me! Think now while you are young about how you want your life to look over the next 20 years. Dream about what you want to do and be…and dream big! You can be anything you want to be.

If you don’t want your life to be a strawberry letter read on the Steve Harvey morning show, or a scenario on Jerry Springer, remember to keep your legs closed, learn to love knowledge and learn how to study, and be comfortable with who you are. Lastly, make it clear to yourself first then to all of your friends that you don’t do drama!