• What do you know about other harmful drugs?
• How can you and your friends help each other stay away from these drugs?
• Talk to someone of the opposite sex about whether they ever feel shy, and what they do.

Your friends are not giving you good advice. Although some people say mbanje makes them relaxed, others find that it makes them feel confused and more afraid of people than usual. If this happens, it will be even more difficult for you to talk to girls.

I understand that you feel left out without a girlfriend, but the best thing is to talk to girls just as friends. Ordinary friendship may later grow into a relationship.

Start by just saying hello, smiling, and saying something ordinary about school, the weather - anything. The real trick is to ask other people about themselves and be interested in their lives and problems. Girls will appreciate this more than if you try to show off and impress them, which just looks silly.

And remember - nobody is watching out for you to do something stupid. They are too worried about making mistakes themselves!

It is a very bad idea to try and solve your problems through drugs like mbanje or alcohol. They often cause other problems, as some people find they need them every day, which is expensive. Many people behave badly when drunk or stoned, which leads to problems with family, friends and employers. Also, smoking mbanje is illegal and you can get into trouble with the police.

There are much better ways to overcome your shyness. Good luck.