Questions from Teens

I have low self esteem from past comments made to me. I try not to let them bug me but I can't help it. Do you have any advice?

Dear Paul,

I was just wondering what our religion says about putting animals down if they are in pain. My family has a pet rabbit which is getting very old, has a broken foot, and is basically in a lot of pain. It makes me sad to see her like that, but I'm not so sure about putting her down either.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Some of my friends and family have experienced some bad things, like disease, divorce, or death. And they are all good people. Why would God put them through that if they have done nothing wrong?

Hey Paul, I have a question concerning chasity

My friend told me that he and a girl took a shower together!?  I won't go into much detail, but apparently there was touching involved.  My friend reasures me that he did not go too far and that he stayed chaste the entire time. He even said, "I've read Heather's book, nothing I did was unchaste!"

So my question is:  was he staying chaste? And what should I do?

Can I please punch the mean kids in my class?  They drive me crazy. I try to be friends with them from time to time, but just end up more frustrated and hurt. Heather gives practical tips for understand mean kids and specific steps for changing your attitude toward them so no punching is necessary.

Why won't God answer my prayer? It was a simple, easy prayer for Him to be able to answer. It is really hard to keep praying when I think He is not listening or does not care about me.

How do I discern whether or not I'm called to religious life or the priesthood? I think I'm called to marriage, but sometimes I also think that God might be nudging me toward religious life. If I get really open, I'm scared God will absolutely call me to religious life or the priesthood! What should I do?

Dear Heather,
Sometimes I wonder if I might be homosexual. I sometimes have those thoughts and am attracted to other boys. Does this mean I must be gay or is it possible to not be gay and still have some thoughts about it.  I don't think I am, but do not know anymore.  I feel strange having the thoughts, but maybe this means I was born gay.  What do you think? Read Heather's clear, three points to help teens understand such a situation.