How racially segregated is Boston today? How safe would a black person be in Southie, or a white person in Roxbury?

How racially segregated is Boston today? How safe would a black person be in Southie, or a white person in Roxbury?
How racially segregated is Boston today? How safe would a black person be in Southie, or a white person in Roxbury?

Sadly, quite segregated. In 2019, Boston was 18th (of 113) of the most segregated cities >200,000 pop., according to the Othering & Belonging Institute at Berkeley (bit.ly/SegregationUCB). The percentages of Black residents in Southie and white residents in Roxbury are low (see Analyze Boston data: bit.ly/BostonDemoData). “Safe” is hard to define, but racially motivated hate crimes rates in Massachusetts haven’t changed much recently.

I’m a senior now and I have no motivation…

I'm a senior now and I have no motivation to do anything... HELP :(
I’m a senior now and I have no motivation to do anything… HELP 🙁

A wise human once told me that motivation comes from “success at meaningful tasks.” What often gets lost in the shuffle is the meaningful part. I recommend finding something small & relatively easy but meaningful (to you) that you can commit yourself to doing daily, e.g. a gratitude list, picking up litter, saying something supportive to someone… . I think you’ll find after a few weeks of this that you’ll strengthen connections to your values.

How to deal with imposter syndrome?

How to deal with imposter syndrome?
How to deal with imposter syndrome?

First, recognize that imposter syndrome affects many people–probably even people you respect and admire. Next, ask yourself: where do you think these feelings began for you personally? Opening up to a friend, mentor, or therapist about your self-doubt can help you gain more perspective about your situation. Practice writing down positive feedback you’ve received and try to let yourself believe it. Over time, talking about these feelings and practicing self-compassion will make it easier for you to challenge harsh beliefs about yourself. Remember–you didn’t make it this far on luck alone. I believe in you!

Gonna go see Spelling Bee?

You gonna go see the Dramatics Society's production of Spelling Bee?
You gonna go see the Dramatics Society’s production of Spelling Bee?

While I do speak six languages, alas, I am a wall, and therefore unable to attend live theater performances. I’ve heard that tickets are sold out anyway, but hope everyone breaks a leg! We always knew you were a winner!

How do you tell if you deserve more from someone?

How do you tell if you deserve more from someone? An how do you communicate that?
How do you tell if you deserve more from someone? And how do you communicate that?

You can (and should!) voice your wants and needs. But be mindful of your words. (“Deserve” sounds ready for resentment.) Have a conversation about what you want and how not getting it makes you feel. Someone might not know what you want, or if they know, might not know how you feel about it, or if they know and aren’t providing, perhaps it makes them uncomfortable in some way. There are many possibilities, and you will both learn and grow by having a conversation.

Do you have feelings for Bapst?

Do you have feelings for Bapst?
Do you have feelings for Bapst?

While some might say Bapst is a little stone-faced, I have always found Bapst warm and welcoming once it opens up and lets you inside. And even though people say Bapst is the pretty one, I’m not the least bit jealous.

Am I pregnant?

Am I pregnant?
Am I pregnant?

It’s very easy to find out (but I myself cannot discern the answer through your handwriting…) You can make an appointment at University Health Services (2-3225) for a free test or they are available at low cost in drug stores and supermarkets.

Rejected him 2 years ago. Now I’m in love with him and we’re not close. Risk & tell him my feelings (if so, how) or stay quiet?

Rejected him 2 years ago. Now I'm in love with him and we're not close. Risk & tell him my feelings (if so, how) or stay quiet?
Rejected him 2 years ago. Now I’m in love with him and we’re not close. Risk & tell him my feelings (if so, how) or stay quiet?

Only you know which risk you want to take: don’t tell him and risk having no future relationship with him or do tell him and risk rejection. You could start by making contact gently and see what vibes you get, and go on from there.