💫 “Stay in School, Protect Your Peace”

Auntea: Krystal Branton☕

Topic: Growing Through Hard Times, Peer Pressure & Toxic Friendships

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💌 Sugar Q: “My mom is behind on rent. I’m thinking about dropping out to help her. What should I do?”

Hey Sugar 💕,

We feel you. When things get tough at home, it’s natural to want to step in and help. But Auntea Krystal says one thing loud and clear:

“Do not leave school.”

She gets that the pressure is real — keeping the lights on, putting food on the table — but she also wants you to know you’re not in this alone.

“There are so many programs in DC that can help families pay rent — sometimes up to a year.”

💡 The Tea:

Stay in school, Sugar. That diploma is your ticket to long-term success (and higher pay later 👏🏽).

If you want to help, pick up a part-time job — weekends, after school — but don’t give up your education for a temporary fix.

And if your mom is struggling, Auntea Krystal suggests checking out:

• DC Department of Human Services (DHS)

• Department of Behavioral Health

• DC Housing Authority (DCHA)

You can even share the links with her so she knows she’s not alone. 🩷

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💨 Sugar Q: “My boyfriend keeps pressuring me to try edibles or smoke. He says he’ll break up with me if I don’t.”

Let’s get real. 🚨

If someone’s forcing you to do something you’re not comfortable with — that’s not love. That’s control.

Auntea Krystal breaks it down:

“Your significant other would never suggest something that could put you in harm’s way.”

Here’s the truth: weed and edibles might be “legal” for adults, but not for teens. And these days, it’s dangerous — because what’s sold as marijuana could be laced with fentanyl or other chemicals.

“You don’t know who really made it. You might know who’s selling it, but you don’t know what’s in it.”

And once it’s in your system, it can mess with your focus, your decisions, even your safety.

💡 The Tea:

If someone says, “Do this or I’ll leave,” that’s manipulation — not love.

A real one wants you clear-headed, safe, and you.

So say no to the puff, yes to your power. ✨

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⚡ Sugar Q: “How do I know if I’m in a toxic friendship?”

This one hits deep. Friendships can be tricky — especially when you want to believe the best in people. But Auntea Krystal says your spirit already knows:

“Your intuition tells you. You can feel when someone’s energy doesn’t sit right.”

Pay attention to your vibe when you’re around them. Do you feel drained or uplifted?

“If you leave a friend’s presence feeling empty, that’s your sign.”

💡 The Tea:

A real friend doesn’t belittle you, use you, or share your secrets. They pour into you — not pull from you.

And remember: your tribe might not look like you, sound like you, or come from the same place. Keep an open mind. The right ones will respect your spirit, not just your style. 💖

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💋 Simi’s Sip

Life in DC isn’t easy — but you’ve got a whole squad of aunties rooting for you. 💅🏽Stay in school. Protect your peace. Listen to that inner voice guiding you away from the nonsense.

You are powerful, loved, and already enough.

Not a lecture, just a sip of tea. ☕💖

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💁🏽‍♀️ Meet the Auntea— Krystal Branton

Auntea Krystal Branton is a proud DC native, social worker, and advocate for families across the city.

She’s all about connecting teens to real resources, building strong communities, and helping girls make smart, spirit-led choices.

✨ Follow the High Tea Society on Instagram @highteasocietyinc for more auntie wisdom and weekly doses of encouragement.