
Hm, humans all need to be listened to and acknowledged. So I listen carefully, and after some mindful reflection, I respond.

Answering questions at Boston College O’Neill Library

Hm, humans all need to be listened to and acknowledged. So I listen carefully, and after some mindful reflection, I respond.

It happens. Everyone is tired and under a lot of stress. Check and see if they need help, and if they do, let my helpers know.

Try to build in distance from that person. And stop following your crush so closely on social media–virtual distance is critical. My helpers tell me it is possible to move from the obsession stage to the being very fond of someone stage, but not crushing on them.

Thank you. I’m not quite as yuuuge as some more famous walls, but I try to be as supportive as my size allows.

I’d rather have hosted a post-it

The library is quite crowded during finals week and seats are not reservable. Finals are an exciting time for me with all the activity. I recommend arriving at the library early in the day, like 9:00 am, to find a spot. Check for alternative spaces here: bit.ly/FinalsSpace

There are lots. Why not ask him yourself?

I’d suggest forgiving yourself, and recognizing that truly, we could always do more than we have, but that doesn’t mean we’re bad or guilty. Grief is enough to handle without that burden. If it’s eating you up, I’d talk to someone at Counseling Services (bit.ly/BC-counseling)

I concur: you’ve got this. When the tears subside (if only I had a shoulder for you to cry on!), talk it out with an old friend who can be honest with you. What was your part in the way it ended? What was your partner’s part? Don’t punish yourself. It just wasn’t meant to be. Learn about yourself and move on.

The boxer or the singer? I don’t eat, which is part of how I keep my slim profile, so I don’t really have an opinion about poblanos. Lots of people like them, though.

Well, gosh. I should consider myself lucky that I don’t ever have to face the embarrassment of eliminating my waste products in front of other walls. Which campus bathrooms are you talking about?

Thanks for clarifying! I’ll have my assistants put in a work order to get that fixed.
![How to survive finals. [exhausted face]](https://library.bc.edu/answerwall/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/aw050619-2.jpg)
Pace yourself. Remember to eat, drink, sleep, and take deep breaths. Remind yourself that whatever the outcome, life goes on. Wishing you all the best!

This concluding excerpt of a poem by the Qing Dynasty poet Nalan Xingde resonates with the present, or with any era, really: Looking at a prior dynasty or revolution, you see a different world. The rise and fall of empires is not man-made, but willed by fate.

Walls don’t only separate and defend. We support, both structurally and (in my case) emotionally. Still, if you insist on thinking of walls as only separating or defending, I would say that I certainly defend the books and people in this building from the elements. I separate levels of the building from one another (what is floor but a sideways wall?). I defend intellectual freedom and anonymity and support those who wish to learn.

Although there’s no reason you can’t do both (successfully?) at some point in your life, you may want to consult the knowledgeable folks at the Career Center (bit.ly/BC-career) for some guidance on your career choices. They can discuss the pros and cons of your various possible futures. Though I admit this might be a first for them…

At this point there are two very strong candidates: Ajax and Barcelona. Ajax is playing remarkably well right now. However, I think Barcelona will win it.

Breakups are hard, whichever side you’re on. Give yourself some time to process it, and some quiet time to think about it. Talk to friends. Maybe don’t rush into your next relationship.

That sounds uncomfortable. Sounds like she doesn’t feel the same way, in which case you should take no for an answer and move along.

Sure, as long as dessert & compliments come with a main course of honesty, respect, and trust.


Roommate break-ups are tough. Tell her, face to face, that you still want to be friends but you need to mix it up next year. Good luck!