I’m graduating soon, but I have a crush on an underclassman. Should I go for it?
—Waffling Wendy
At this point in the year, you have at most seven weeks before you leave Olin. That does not mean you cannot start a new relationship, but it does mean you need to go into any potential relationship being very honest and clear about what happens after you graduate. Is this a short fling? Would you try to keep it going long-distance? Discuss those issues with your crush and decide together whether to go for it or keep it merely friendly.
—Duchess of Deportment
Does this underclassman return these feelings? Will you be in the area after you graduate? How many more semesters does this underclassman have? If you are looking for a relationship, it’s probably best to hold off.
Ask yourself: Do you really want to tie yourself down right when you are about to leave the Olin bubble?
—Captain Dominatrix
I feel better when I work out but I’m so busy! How do I make time for both my work and my body?
—Stressed-Out Simon
When your body is feeling good, you can perform better in all other areas of life. There’s no easy way to make this happen. You just have to decide to make time to fit exercise into your schedule. You could join a team at Babson or Wellesley. If you are having a hard time motivating yourself, ask your friends if they are interested in exercising with you. It can be easier if there’s someone else there to crack the whip. Alternately, sex can be great exercise, if you do it right. Just make sure you stretch beforehand to avoid injury.
— Captain DominatrixIf it is truly one of the few activities that are most important to you, put it on your Outlook calendar or to-do list (whatever you use) as a non-negotiable priority. Even with a busy Olin schedule, you can and should have two or three non-academic activities that you get in the habit of doing daily — exercising, practising an instrument, reading for pleasure, or whatever relieves stress for you.
—Duchess of Deportment
People tell me my facial hair looks terrible and that I should shave, but I like it. What should I do?
—Screaming Goat with a Mustache
If you feel better about yourself when you have facial hair and you are ok getting a bit of teasing, rock on. I usually follow a the advice a wise Oliner gave me: “Don’t hold yourself to other people’s standards, just do what you think is right.”
—Captain DominatrixIt is your face, and it is ultimately your decision. However, the people who tell you it looks terrible are likely better objective observers than you are. Do you care about looking good? Are you trying to get a job or to attract potential romantic partners? If so, shave it off.
—Duchess of Deportment
Write to our columnists by sending a scan of your question via one of the campus printers to fscolumn@gmail.com.