Cupid’s busy, crushes are swooning, and your heart might just do backflips—welcome to Valentine mode! More, welcome to “Ask Kaase,” the spot where teen girls like YOU get to ask literally anything—seriously, anything. No topic is too wild, no question too “embarrassing,” and this is your space to get real answers straight from the Bible, with a little fun sprinkled in!!

If you listen to my podcast, FR, Let’s Talk, you know this is where questions like, “Am I messing up if…?” come to life. Maybe it’s about your feelings, your friendships, or even a tiny doubt in your heart. And let’s be honest, sometimes that “tiny doubt” feels HUGE!

Well, girl, today we’re diving into some of those tricky, heart-to-heart questions that just came in. So grab your favorite drink, get cozy, and let’s break it down girl-to-girl.

"I like him, but all my friends say he’s ‘too cool’ for me. How do I know if I should even care about what he thinks?” - Lila, Boston, MA

—Leah, Boston, MA

Girl, God’s opinion is the only one that actually matters. Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” Your friends’ opinions are just that—their opinions. But God? He sees your heart, your kindness, your values, and every little part of who you are. When you focus on Him, suddenly peer pressure loses its power, and you start making choices that honor Him and make you feel confident, not anxious.

Here’s the thing: the people worth keeping in your life will love you for the real you, not for what’s trendy. Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” You’re allowed to like someone, admire someone, even crush a little—but never at the expense of losing yourself or compromising your faith. Keep God at the center, and everything else falls into perspective. Finally, this is the season to practice boldness with grace. Ask God for courage to stand firm in your values and for clarity in your heart. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” So, yes—care about what matters most, but let God’s opinion be the ultimate guide for your heart.

Dear Kaase…

"I feel like I’m always failing—my parents expect perfection, my body doesn’t look right, and I just want to disappear. Does God even notice me when I feel like this?”

—Emery, Phoenix, AZ

Yes, He notices. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Every tear, every frustrated sigh, every anxious thought is seen by Him. Your worth isn’t measured by grades, appearances, or meeting other people’s expectations—it’s measured by God’s love for you. He made you, and He delights in the real, imperfect, wonderfully human you.

Remember, even Jesus felt human emotions—He felt hurt, overwhelmed, and even misunderstood. Matthew 11:28-30 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you…and you will find rest for your souls.” God wants you to lean on Him, not just carry the weight alone. He’s whispering, “You are enough, exactly as you are.”

So when those negative thoughts creep in, remind yourself of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you a hope and a future.” God is actively shaping your story, even in the messy, overwhelming moments. You don’t have to be perfect—just willing to trust Him and walk step by step in His love. Take a deep breath, lean into Him, and let His love lift you above the worry and doubt—it’s stronger than anything you’re feeling right now.

"My best friend started hanging out with new people, and I feel left out. I don’t want to be jealous, but I can’t stop feeling hurt. How do I deal with this without ruining our friendship?”

—Nia, Atlanta, GA

Girl, your feelings are real, and God knows them. James 1:19 reminds us, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Take a breath and acknowledge your emotions, but don’t let them control your actions. Feeling hurt doesn’t mean you’re a bad friend—it just means you care, and God cares about your heart, too. It’s okay to feel left out or jealous—those feelings are natural—but they don’t have to define how you act. Your worth isn’t tied to how many friends you have or how popular you feel—you’re loved and enough just as you are.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Friendship is a gift, but people grow in different seasons. Pray for your friend, but also for your own heart—ask God to help you release jealousy, embrace gratitude for the friends you have, and trust Him to bring the right people into your life at the right time. Sometimes, stepping back and giving space—while staying loving—can make a friendship stronger than ever. God can teach you patience, empathy, and how to love others even when it’s hard.

Finally, remember Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” Real friendships survive seasons of change, but they thrive on communication, patience, and love. Be the friend who listens, encourages, and shows God’s love. Celebrate the friends who stick around—they are rare gems, and God brought them into your life for a reason. Even when friendships feel messy or uncertain, He is guiding your heart and helping you grow into the friend He created you to be!