Teenager questions planned career path after grades begin slipping

Dear Abby: I’m 17 and don’t know what I want to do with my life. When I was younger, I was sure I wanted to go into the field of law. It was something my parents also wanted me to do. I go to a very rigorous high school that’s known for being challenging, and haven’t been doing well grade-wise since I started. I used to be a straight-A student but have been getting B’s and C’s lately. This year in particular has been difficult because my parents are getting divorced.

I’m not sure if I want to be a lawyer anymore or even continue my education after college. When I talked with my parents about it, they got very mad and insisted I finish my education, become a lawyer and get a job. They

Dear Confused: This is something you should discuss with a counselor at your school. While I concur with your parents that it is important to complete your education, there are other ways to do it rather than become a lawyer. I say this because in some states there is a glut of law school graduates.

Dear Abby: I have been separated from my husband for nine years and have no interest in getting back together with him. There’s a guy who I believe is interested in me. He was married to my first cousin for nearly 40 years, until she passed away. He’s a really nice person, but I’m not sure I should date him because he was married to my cousin. Is this OK or not? I could use some advice!

— Cautious In Texas

Dear Cautious: If you were single, I would tell you it’s fine — go for it. But you’re NOT single.