How do you get a baby to swim fast?

Why do my friends baby me, how can I get them to stop?

• I am a freshman and i used to have a close group of friends who I was kindof the "leader" of (I can't find better words to say it) they were all kindof socially awkard but I would help them express themselves more and I was always there for them...till one turned popular and decided we were loser ect ect ect do yeah it was hard to leave them and it was the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my 14 years of living. So now I have met this group of friends who is just like them. I love everything about them and we are already really close. In pretty happy BUT I feel like they all baby me. I used to be an honors student and I thought I was all that n stuff lol but now we are all nobodies in this new school becuase everyone is new. Well they are the smartest kids in school and I no longer am considered smart here. Im about average and they treat me like in 7 years old. I mean I like it in a way becuase I know they care but it makes me feel like I'm retarded becuase they are always "checking up" on me becuase at the beginning of the year I didn't do my homework or study but now I do. And they always ask if I'm okay (Im someone who just gets lonely at times and I often seem sad but it's just my personality) and for every physical thing we do they make sure I'm okay becuase I'm "small" (im 4"11) even the girl whos shorter than me in our "group" does this like in swim practice (3 of us do it) 2 of them are always offering to help me get out, they grab a board for me, and grab my mat for land. I LOVE them for this but I feel like they think I can't do anything. However other people depend on my a lot so it makes no sense like people always know who to ask for extra sunscreen and caps lol So how can I show them I can be independent without pushing them away or makeing them feel like I don't appreciate them becuase I do I'm sorry this is so long :o

• Answer:

  It could be that they do this because your new, helping you get comfortable. Or they need to feel like they are in control of the situation, some parents wont let their children express themselves and take on responsibilities. They go out on "Helping" someone else. I would say that the best way to show them that you don't need their help is by starting to take lead. Ask if they want to go shopping or to the movies, choose where and say I'll meet you there. It just lets them know that you can take care of yourself.