My friend is acting like a toddler, should I be worried about her?

Question

My friend has started acting really strange. She's become abnormally quiet and always wants to be with me. I mean, we're really good friends and I love having her around, but lately I've felt like I'm babysitting her. She doesn't misbehave or anything, she's just...really clingy. She always wants to sit in my lap and is completely silent when strangers are around. I am 3 years older than her, but I can't remember ever being like this. She's 16 and I think it's kind of strange that she sits with her knees up to her chest. She's very affectionate now and is extra-sweet, but I'm worried about her. I've asked her if she's ok, and she says yes every time. Should I be concerned about her homelife? Could this be a sign of a mental disorder?

Her parents aren't really to blame. After all, I've known them almost as long as I've known her. Her father is a preacher and her mother is a teacher at a middle school. I'm not sure how they'd react to me asking them about this sort of thing and as far as I can tell, she doesn't act this way around anyone else. With her other friends (the ones that are 16 like she is), she seems normal. She's the complete opposite around her family and when I ask her, she swears she doesn't know what I'm talking about.

Answer 1

Sounds like something happened to her. I'm reminded of Speak (Laurie Halls Anderson).

Answer 2

I don't know about the sitting in your lap part, but the sitting with her knees pulled up, etc., tells me that something is wrong!
Has she been raped?
If so, she is going to need help! Be there for her!
You need to ask her. It won't be easy, but something is NOT right!
OF COURSE she will tell you everything is okay. She may not be able to tell you right now. You're going to have to pry a little...do so gently.
You may have to involve your parent or hers at some point.

Answer 3

Well there are many answers to your situation.

If you're a guy, it means she has a slight crush on you or has a possible attraction.

If you're a chick, I have many friends that act in different ways, it's nothing unsual. It's just human nature.

She's probably going through a stage (That happens with every teenager) and right now she's probably just adjusting to normal life.

Answer 4

Call her parents. See what they say. I saw this on an episode of Jerry Springer. Maybe she saw the same episode. It's the one where adults act like children because they want someone to be their mommy. I guess it's like a mental disorder. Just don't buy into it. Yell at the bit**. Tell her if she's your friend that she'll stop acting like this because it's not funny anymore and you want to know the meaning of this. If she continues....throw her out the fu**ing door.

Answer 5

Could be...or it could be that your friend is using some serious drugs. I suggest that you tell her family to get her checked out...and as long as she acts that way around you...charge them babysitting rates as well.

My kids never acted like that as toddlers...so I don't know what you are basing your info on....they were always independant and self-absorbed...maybe my toddlers were acting like teenagers what do you think?
Good luck

Answer 6

Yeah, maybe she had a nervous breakdown, schizophrenic or has multiple personality disorder and the toddler is one of the personalities. Talk to her about seeing a doctor and go from there.

Answer 7

Nah you should be worried my friend did that it was just a cry for attention

Answer 8

she's 16 so you're 19 - did you recently graduate or move away from home? perhaps she misses you?

Answer 9

mid teen crisis

Answer 10

they are just hyper around you, your a fun person , and if you wnt her to change , talk to her that might cool her down