In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Your friend is often inconsiderate of your time. You’re better off recognizing the problem for what it is than making excuses for this person. If you want to continue the friendship, but don’t want to put up with the behavior, your best option is to say something. Maybe shedding light on the bad behavior will provoke change. You might say, “Hey, Carla. You always seem to bow out of our plans at the last minute without any explanation. That makes me feel like I’m not a priority as your friend. What’s up with that?” One way to lend a helping hand to an unreliable friend is to simply ask how you can help. Your friend may already be aware of his or her unreliable behavior, but doesn't know how to change it. By showing that you care, you may be able to come up with a practical strategy to help overcome this issue.  Listen to your friend and hear what he or she has to say. Your friend may have some suggestions about how you can help. Or, he or she may just be glad you are willing to show support when it's needed. Only offer suggestions if your advice is requested. Remember, you are trying to be a good friend, not fix the problem for him or her. Say something to the extent of "I see you struggle a lot to remember our plans. Is there something I can do to help you with that?" Sometimes, when we are frustrated with people, we give them a big list of all the things we don't want. This can lead to confusion and overwhelm. Instead, let your friend know exactly what you do want. Then, be sure to hold him or her accountable to meeting these expectations.  For example, tell your friend "I expect for you to be on time when we make plans. And, if for some reason you will not be on time, I expect for you to let me know as soon as possible." If your friend agrees to meet this expectation, and then fails to do so, you must call him or her out on it. Say "I am on time for plans with you. I expect you to do the same, or I will let you know that I am upset about your being late." You may choose to change your expectations of the friendship. If the friend is a good friend who has suddenly seen big changes is his or her life, you may just have to move past the fact that there are going to be missed events.  As friends start to have committed relationships and families, you may see a sudden spike in your best friend suddenly just not showing up and not calling to say why. This can be a sign he or she is having troubles adjusting to young children and not ready to acknowledge the huge impact kids have on life. If the friendship is solid and valuable, it is worth it to you to just accept this change. Part of being a true friend is accepting your friend for who he or she is and loving him or her anyway.
Summary: Call out the behavior. Ask how you can help your friend improve. Be clear about what you want and hold your friend accountable. Modify your expectations.

They may care less with time, but still remember. This doesn't mean fixing your reputation is impossible. Bad reputations are always potentially temporary. It all has to do with time. After some time, people stop caring so much about what you did in the past.  Many people encounter their own failures and the failures of others over time. These stand out more, and they forget about you. Remember that you remember your own failures better than other people. Your bad reputation may be worse in your head than it is in the eyes of others. Research shows that, contrary to popular perception, when compared to other means of social evaluation, reputation matters measurably less than other factors.  Go off the grid and take a break from social media and online. Be frank when addressing the issues surrounding your bad reputation.  If you are calm, respectful, and genuinely concerned, they are likely to help you. By not verbally addressing the problem, you let people's imaginations run wild, and you give rumors free-range.   If someone is actively spreading news of your bad reputation, talk to them first. Ask friends their opinion on the matter. Try not to be defensive. Maybe your bad reputation is a superpower in disguise. Take some time to think about how your bad reputation may be a positive thing and reframe your perception of the situation. You might not be promiscuous, you could be in charge of your sexuality. If people think you play a sport too aggressively, maybe you're your team's heavy artillery. Sometimes you just need to control the perceptions of others. They may not be seeing the situation in the right light. If you can, help others to see the situation in an entirely different light.  Provide a calculated positive perspective. This means finding ways to reframe events and actions that give you a bad reputation. For example, sometimes people shame promiscuous behavior, while others present promiscuity as “owning your sexuality” or being “sex positive.” Think of ways you can help people see your actions in a new light. Be aware that you may not be able to sway everyone's opinions. You may just need to say the reputation is not true. If you have been lied about, it may take some time to undo the damage. Be assertive (not aggressive), and make sure you spread the word as soon as possible. Ask other people to help set the story straight. The longer this bad reputation exists, the harder it may become to manage it.  Clarify any misunderstandings. Be vocal when challenging lies.
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One-sentence summary -- Accept that people might not forget. Talk to people about it. Turn it into a strength. Change how others think. Denounce accusations as lies.

Problem: Article: You need to show your parents that you are able to make your own informed decisions. If you feel that you deserve the space and freedom that comes with dating an older guy, then you need to understand that it may come with having to do things you don’t necessarily want to do. Try not to complain to your parents, this childish behavior will only hinder your chances.   Don't walk around thinking the world revolves around you. An attitude of thinking you deserve everything you want only comes across as obnoxiously selfish. People will not go out of their way to give you what you want, so don't waste your parents time by complaining to them about every little thing that has not gone your way. Staying true to your word will leave a lasting impression on your parents’ good side. Follow through with any commitments you have made with them, and it will prove that you are capable of keeping an intelligent outlook throughout a relationship with an older guy.  Get good grades, complete your chores on time, help with babysitting, etc. Remember what your parents usually ask of you and complete it before they have to remind you. This responsible behavior will show your parents that you hold their opinions in high regard. Respect your parents’ wishes and follow their rules. They usually have rules for your own well-being. Don’t miss curfew and remember to let your parents know how grateful you are whenever they let you do something you want.   The next time your parents let you stay out late with friends, show your gratitude by saying thank you and making sure they know that just because they let you stay out one night, it doesn't mean you expect them to give you a later curfew. Do not rise your voice to your parents or treat them with with an aggressive attitude.
Summary:
Act like an adult. Be responsible. Be respectful.