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NFL Draft 101, Negative Friends + Difficult Parents | Lifestyle Q&A

Ask Jen Anything: NFL Draft 101, Negative Friends & Difficult Parents

by Jen Polvogt

“Ask Jen Anything” is an offseason column by Jen Polvogt, bridging motherly and fantasy football advice. Jen approaches the NFL offseason by taking questions from readers and providing answers based on her experiences. Join her this week as she answers queries about the NFL Draft, negative friends and demanding parents.


Welcome back to season two of “Ask Jen Anything!” This month was no different than the last, and I received several interesting and relatable questions from readers.

The springtime brings new opportunities and challenges! So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in!

NFL Draft 101

“I’m a new fan of the NFL, and I’m really excited for the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. Can you tell me more about it and what to expect?” – Anonymous

Welcome to a new adventure by joining the crazy football fanatics! Anything can happen in the NFL, and the Draft process is often unpredictable. Last year, for instance, quarterback Malik Willis was expected to go, at the very least, in the first round. But, to everyone’s surprise, he wasn’t drafted until the third round. Pick after pick, he was overlooked and was finally taken by the Tennessee Titans.

NFL Logo

Of the 335 players invited to the NFL Combine, only 259 will be drafted.

The 2023 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in just a few weeks, beginning on April 27. For the 88th time, It will follow the same general format as previous drafts, with each team taking turns selecting players over seven rounds.

Regarding what to expect, it’s difficult to make specific predictions this far in advance. Many factors can influence which players are selected and in what order. However, based on past trends, it’s likely that quarterbacks and offensive linemen will be in high demand. Those positions are often considered vital to a team’s success. Other positions, such as cornerback and defensive linemen, are also usually in high demand and will be off the board early.

Overall, the NFL Draft is an exciting time for football fans. It allows new talent to reach their goal by entering the league, potentially impacting their new teams. I hope you enjoy following the 2023 NFL Draft and seeing which players end up where!

For a closer look at the individual prospects, check out our rookie profiles here at In-Between Media (IBT). FantasyPros is also a great resource to see where some of the top analysts predict how it’ll all shake out.

NEGATIVE NELLY

“I have a friend who constantly talks about her problems and negative experiences. Whenever we hang out, she dominates the conversation with her complaints and never seems interested in hearing about my life or having a positive conversation. I don’t want to be unsupportive, but I also don’t want to be her emotional dumping ground. How can I handle this?” – Anonymous

It’s admirable that you want to be supportive of your friend, but it’s also important to set boundaries for your own mental health. One approach you can take is to gently redirect the conversation when it becomes too negative.

For example, you could say something like, “I understand that you’re going through a tough time, but I’d also love to hear about something positive that’s happened to you recently.” 

Another option is being honest with your friend and express your feelings.

You could say, “I care about you and want to support you, but sometimes our conversations can be very heavy. Can we try to balance out our discussions with some more positive topics too?”

Remember, being a good friend doesn’t mean you must be a constant sounding board for someone’s problems. It’s OK to prioritize your own emotional needs too.

PICKY PARENTS

“My parents constantly criticize my life choices and make me feel like I’m not living up to their expectations. They’re always comparing me to my siblings or their friends’ children. I feel like I can’t ever make them proud or happy. What can I do to improve our relationship?” – Anonymous

It’s tough to feel like you do not measure up to your parents’ expectations, especially when they’re constantly comparing you to others. However, it’s important to remember that anyone else’s expectations or accomplishments don’t define your worth.

You are your own person with your own unique talents and strengths. That said, it’s natural to want to improve your relationship with your parents. 

One approach you could take is to have an open and honest conversation with them about how their comments make you feel. You could begin the dialogue like this:

“I know you want what’s best for me, but when you constantly compare me to others, it makes me feel like I’m not good enough. I would appreciate it if we could focus on my strengths and accomplishments instead.”

It may take time for your parents to adjust their behavior, but hopefully, you can build a healthier relationship with them by expressing your feelings.

As a parent, I have high expectations for my son (although he’s only five years old), so I understand your parents want the best for you. However, no one should ever feel they do not measure up.

Good luck with starting an open dialogue with your parents!


Thanks for reading my advice on relationship boundaries, morning routines and social media. Also, thank you to everyone for their submitted questions. If you want to submit a question to be considered for a future column, you can do so here.

Follow me on Twitter for more lifestyle and fantasy sports advice @JenPolvogt.

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