DEAR DEIDRE: I’m 18 and find it hard to trust boys.

In the past those I’ve had a crush on have messed with my feelings, pretending to fancy me when they really don’t.

I struggle to make friends and I am facing important exams at the end of the year which is causing me to be really anxious.

All these worries keep whirling around my head, and I feel so alone.

Please help.

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DEIDRE SAYS: It does sound as if you are putting a lot of pressure on yourself.

If you haven’t spoken to your doctor about your anxiety, please make an appointment.

In the meantime, my support packs on Anxiety and Exam Stress will help.

The best relationships start with friendship, so making new friends will help you to work out if a boy is genuinely interested in you.

Find help on how to do this in my support pack Social Life For Teenagers.