Norma, am I evil and misguided?

Dear Norma,

I have two papers due on Friday the 10th. I know I'm going to end up writing them both on Thursday night, so don't even suggest spreading the work out. I don't want to ask for an extension but I am dreading the long night I know I'm going to spend--shaking from the caffeine and barely awake--writing these two ten-pagers. What can I do to anticipate this nightmare? Stressed out in North

Dear Stressed Out,

Sleep a lot beforehand. Skip your classes that week--stay in instead and watch TV or read during those hours. Just take time to relax. By the time Thursday rolls around, you'll probably want to write those papers. It's a trick which works for exams, too. Spend your reading period asleep and you'll be all set to cram the night before. You're not going to study before then anyway.

Dear Norma,

I'm really interested in this guy. He's smart and funny and nice and everything I could want. Almost. He likes me too and I think he'd like us to get together. But the only problem is that he's really conservative. He's anti-choice and thinks feminists are evil and misguided. And he's anti-gun control and thinks Reagan is God's gift to mankind. I disagree with him on all these issues and feel very strongly about this. I think I'd feel like a hypocrite for going out with him. What should I do?   Hypocrite in Leverett

Dear Hypocrite,

You would definitely be a hypocrite. But that's never gotten in the way of love...or, for that matter, a political career. My advice is to avoid him, however. Although political differences won't necessarily get in the way of your relationship, they probably will. I doubt it would last long. If you're a feminist and he thinks you're "evil and misguided," it doesn't sound like you have even a healthy friendship going. Look for romance in your own party, honey.

Dear Norma,

I want to fall in love, Norma. How can I do it?   Desperate to Fall

Dear Desperate,

People don't fall in love. It's all a myth, designed to frustrate you. Worrying about it just expends energy, energy which could be better used for watching TV.

Dear Norma,

A good friend of mine took this chick out a couple of times. Things didn't work out and now I'd like to ask her out. I don't think my friend would mind but I'm not sure. I feel awkward about bringing it up, but I think that's probably necessary. Could I just ask her out or should I talk to my friend?   Puzzled in Winthrop

Dear Puzzled,

Just ask her out. On second thought you should talk to your friend. Well, maybe not...I don't know. It's the last fifteen minutes of the year (sniff) and Norma is off to go shopping.