My boyfriend said “I love you” but I don’t know if I’m emotionally ready to say it back. What should I do? — Crazy Cathy

Crazy Cathy, Run away. Love is a farce. — Sharon

Dear Cathy, love is a very strong word and I understand your hesitancy to say it back. You absolutely do not need to say it back, and if your boyfriend is unhappy with your decision, that’s on him, not you. If you really do like him, great, and maybe one day you will be ready to say “I love you”! But if you are with someone that makes you feel like you need to say or do anything you are not comfortable with, I would strongly advise leaving that relationship. — Karen

Dear Crazy Cathy, If he truly loves you, he won’t make you to say it right back and will respect your decision to wait. Stay true to yourself and don’t just say “I love you” because you feel obligated. You can let him know how much you care about him in other ways or talk to him about how you feel. Best of luck! — Carol

What does it mean when someone calls you their rock or their stone? —Confuzzled Carol

Confuzzled Carol, This is actually the plot of a new movie on which I’m working! The protagonist has no idea that, to the outside world, they are actually a piece of limestone. Weird coincidence… — Sharon

Carol, it means that you are a dependable and loyal person, who is always there to support your friend when they need it! You should be very flattered by this statement; you mean a lot to that person! — Karen

Dear Confuzzled Carol, It probably means that they rely on you in some way and you are always there for them. — Carol

Hi, my two best friends are in a giant fight right now, that means I’m stuck in the middle. Each person has been pulling me to their side (I don’t like one over the other). I have to switch who I’m eating lunch with each day. how do I mentally deal with this, they make me want to cry. I want two bffs not two separate friendships. — Annoyed Amy

Dear Annoyed Amy, I would recommend cloning yourself. This way you get the best of both worlds. Please write again if you find this technology. — Sharon

Amy, I’ve been through this before. I know how tough it is. Even though you may want your two bffs to be friends with each other, you can’t “make” them like each other. I know it seems difficult, but you may have to accept the fact that your friendships have evolved, which is completely natural. You CAN still be friends with both of them. As for the lunch situation, I would suggest sitting with one of your friends during lunch, and then hanging out with your other friend after lunch. In my experience, staying neutral in a fight and separately spending time with my friends (who are not necessarily friends with each other) has been a good step. Maybe eventually, your bffs will make up. But for now, work on forging a separate relationship with each of them. — Karen

Dear Annoyed Amy, You should either talk to them both together or talk to them each separately about how their fight is affecting you. Let them know that you really care about them and even though they are not getting along, you still want to be friends with both of them equally. Explain that you are not taking sides and that you don’t want to be involved in their fight. Make sure to let them work out their disagreement by themselves. Don’t talk about one to the other and don’t try to meddle. As for the lunch situation, maybe tell them that you will alternate days that you eat with each of them. I know it’s hard, but they will most likely resolve their conflict soon. In the meantime, try to branch out and make new friends. Good luck! — Carol

The NDP cafeteria sells a variety of water bottles. Which one is best for your well-being? — Dehydrated Dan

Dear Dehydrated Dan, Scientifically speaking, beet juice would be a far better choice. Beets contain an abundance of nitrates, which your body converts into nitric oxide, improving blood flow and pressure, in turn hydrating you far more than water could.
— Sharon

Dan, I would suggest Smart Water. It has a joke-telling goldfish if you look inside the bottle. — Karen

Dear Dehydrated Dan, whichever one is cheapest is the best for your wallet’s well-being, if you want my opinion. — Carol

How should I study for my exams? What is the best way? — Funky Fran

Dear Funky Fran, My personal failproof method is called “winging it.” This method includes skimming your notes a few minutes prior to said test and sending a quick prayer up to the big guy. Best of luck! — Sharon

Fran, I, unfortunately, “wing” my exams like Sharon described. This strategy, however, I would NOT recommend. In a perfect world, I would start prepping around 1-2 weeks before exams. The prep includes going through old notes, worksheets, tests, labs etc., and jotting down the key points for each topic you have covered. Most teachers post study guides on Blackboard (in my personal experience), which are really helpful. For subjects like math or chemistry, go through and do A LOT of practice problems. For History or English, read summaries of what you have read in class. As for language, I advise reading the textbook, and practicing audio/listening activities. As for the actual exam day… RELAX. You have already covered all the information that is on your exams, and you will be ready (trust me). — Karen

Dear Funky Fran, Unfortunately, studying for exams isn’t a one-size fits all. Go through old tests in all of your subjects and figure out which way of studying worked best for each. Every class will be different. I recommend reviewing old notes, retaking any/all tests or quizzes (no matter what grade you got on them), and give yourself plenty of time to study so you don’t feel too stressed. — Carol

Sharon, Karen, and Carol hope you have a great start to the new year!

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