WHY DOES SHE LIKE BITING ME?

WHY DOES SHE LIKE BITING ME? [Response: SHE IS A VAMPIRE -- or worse -- a cannibal.]
WHY DOES SHE LIKE BITING ME? [Response: SHE IS A VAMPIRE — or worse — a cannibal.]

Could be any number of reasons; vampire or cannibal top the list, for sure. However, is the “she” in question a toddler? Could be teething. A cat? Cats just dig that sort of thing. A grown up woman? It could be physically arousing. Or, if you are being very, very annoying – sometimes you just want to bite someone.

What should I talk about on a first date?

What should I talk about on a first date?
What should I talk about on a first date?

You should talk about the person you are with. After all, the point of a first date is to get to know each other. Hopefully the other person will also ask you questions, so it feels like a date and not a one-sided interrogation. Above all, have fun!

How to approach/educate ignorant ppl? — if they are your BEST friends.

How to approach/educate ignorant ppl? -- if they are your BEST friends.
How to approach/educate ignorant ppl? — if they are your BEST friends.

Empathy. It can be extremely frustrating to care for someone deeply (as with a best friend) and disagree with the way they view the world. Just remember that they are humans too and have experiences that have guided them to their current viewpoints. I recommend engaging them on their experiences and asking what led them to see the world as they see it today. Also remember that you should be just as open about changing your views if they’re able to present a compelling argument. Mutual respect for each others’ opinions and open dialogue are how friendships blossom – the “education” part will come naturally if you focus on the dialogue.

I am an international student on a student visa in a relationship with an American citizen.

I am an international student on a student visa in a relationship with an American citizen. Even though I know we have a good friendship and compatible interests, sometimes I just can't stand the priviledged way he sees the world. I feel like a parasite when his family takes me in as a guest, I feel the unbalanced power dynamic compromises our relationship. :(
I am an international student on a student visa in a relationship with an American citizen. Even though I know we have a good friendship and compatible interests, sometimes I just can’t stand the priviledged way he sees the world. I feel like a parasite when his family takes me in as a guest, I feel the unbalanced power dynamic compromises our relationship. 🙁

It seems likely that you have have a much broader experience with the world than he does, and I suspect that plays a large role in the disconnect between you two on this one facet of your relationship. I don’t know how serious you are, or your life situation, but it might do you both some good to explore your native culture together. That could be as simple as scheduling video chats with your friends and family back home for the two of you, or as extravagant as having him come visit you in your home country. Seeing the human side of the “other” is a powerful way to break down privileged views of your own culture. It’s doubtful that he or his family mean any ill will when they take you in as a guest. It’s worth noting that simply by the fact that this is their home country, they will have more institutionalized power and comfort than you. I don’t think that’s right, but the opposite would be true if he were an international student in your country. No matter what, I think it’s important that you’re honest with him about your feelings. If the relationship is important, he will take them to heart. If not, then perhaps you’ve done yourself a favor long term.

Will I get a boyfriend?

Will I get a boyfriend?
Will I get a boyfriend?

I hope so, if that’s what you want. You certainly deserve love. For predictions, I recommend talking to my good friend the magic 8-ball. I’m good at information, but not so good at predictions.

I wanna a friend

I wanna a friend
I wanna a friend

You’re awesome! So are friends. I’m happy to be your friend. If you want even more friends, I recommend doing things in groups that interest you, being yourself (because did I mention you’re awesome?), and looking for opportunities to chat. I’ve never been much of a mingling-type, myself (people have called me a wallflower), but I’ve found if I listen carefully & respond thoughtfully, I make friends in spite of my quiet, contemplative nature.

Family or Friends or Career?

Family or Friends or Career?
Family or Friends or Career?

I would encourage you not to think of them as zero-sum choices. Balancing friends, family, and career can be very challenging for sure, but all bring a different type of satisfaction into your life. You may find that at different times in your life, one of those needs to take priority over the others – but that will wax and wane throughout life and is part of life’s beauty. Friends and family can support you in your career, and you career will obviously help support your family. Just know that everyone struggles with that balance and you are not alone in trying to figure out what needs to take priority at any given time.

I am going to Cancun for spring break and am really scared – my friends want to do drugs I am allergic to them

I am going to Cancun for spring break and am really scared - my friends want to do drugs I am allergic to them
I am going to Cancun for spring break and am really scared – my friends want to do drugs I am allergic to them

If your friends can’t respect that, there’s a big problem with them. Peer pressure to use drugs is ugly enough to begin with, without adding the risk of allergic reactions to the mix. It’s just a few days away, but I hope you can be firm about your intentions and get some agreement from them before heading there. And have a fantastic trip!

Should I have Connor

Should I have Connor
Should I have Connor

Should you go to the Connors Family Learning Center for tutoring in a huge variety of subjects? YES! Oh, is that not what you meant? IDK, because I don’t know who Connor is & whether or not they’d like to be had by you. It’s kind of contingent on that.

Fell in love w/ my Kairos lead?

Fell in love w/ my Kairos lead?
Fell in love w/ my Kairos lead?

My understanding is that Kairos retreat  leaders are fellow students, so it doesn’t seem like there’s an issue – why not ask him/her out and see where it goes?  You already know you have interests in common.

Will _____ _____ ever love me back?

Will _____ _____ ever love me back?
Will _____ _____ ever love me back?

My cousin, The Magic 8 Ball, says “Cannot predict now.” It’s painful to love someone and not have them reciprocate. But please don’t let your unrequited love keep you from doing what you want to do in life, or keep you from considering relationships with other people.

MY ROOMMATE IS IGNORING ME – WHAT DO I DO?

MY ROOMMATE IS IGNORING ME - WHAT DO I DO?
MY ROOMMATE IS IGNORING ME – WHAT DO I DO?

Living in close quarters can be hard for everyone, especially when expectations are different. If you feel like it warrants addressing, invite your roommate to talk about their expectations & explain your own. You might want your roommate to be a close friend, and your roommate might want you to be someone they share space with equitably. If that’s the case, you might just need to seek close friendships elsewhere.