It's that time again...

Spring. It's here. And with it comes registration, finals, an eagerness to be outside, and of course the inevitable drama that only the end of these last 8 months can bring. I've found, in my MANY years of college, that these things are unavoidable, but in the end very easily resolved. So here, for your reading pleasure, I present Emily Maguire's 10 Step Guide To Ending The School Year Drama Free.

1. Just be nice. Now is not the time to drag out all of the petty problems you've been having with people since October (unless of course one of you is graduating or transfering, and you're guaranteed never to see that person again). Keep things pleasant, avoid topics that would bring up animosity among members of your inner circle.

2. Pay attention to your classes. If you're busy studying like a madman, there's less of a chance that you'll say/do something to cause controversy. Besides, who wants to add a bad GPA onto friend drama? Not me, that's for sure.

3. Remember that everyone can read your away message. I'm guilty of this little gem right here. Sure, a witty, well timed away message can be effective in getting your point across, but once you put it out there you can't take it back. I know of several friendships that have ended because of away messages, and one great situation where away messages are the prefered method of conveying one's distaste about their current living situation to the world (including the people it's directed, very obviously, towards).

4. Make aure your friends know exactly where they stand with you. Personally, I don't hate ANYONE right now, and am glad to say there isn't a single one of my friends I need to confess bad feelings to. But I have worked hard at this, and I urge you all the do the same. Keep in mind number 1, but if there are big issues with someone, let them know. More than likely it's something they should know, so just be honest. Make sure to acknowledge their feelings as well, though. Chances are they've got something they need to talk to you about.

5. DO NOT under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES ask your friend why they are walking in a certain direction if it is in any way out of the ordinary. Especially if she is off her meds. This just leads to getting kicked off the island...

6. If you feel like you are about to explode, take some time for yourself. The weather is great, go read a book outside on the lawn, get away from people and reflect on what is bring on the A-Bomb feeling. It's probably something that can be easily solved and conflict avoided. Think before you blow up. Besides, while you're figuring out how to make your next move, you can get a killer tan. And who can be mad at a tan person? Strike that last question...

7. Wear happy clothes. This doesn't seem like it makes sense, but if you're wearing clothes that make you feel good, it instantly puts you in a better mood, which puts everyone else in a better mood. And besides, if you wear clothes that make you feel good and you end up spreading that, you could even get a date. Or at least a booty call...

8. Stay active. Keep busy, get involved, follow a friend to a club meeting, start a pickup game at the park, anything to keep moving. Because as we all know, excercising increases endorphins, and endorphins make you happy, and happy people just don't kill people!!

9. Dance it out. A spontaneous dance party is one of the best ways to get out any residual anger, and just have a good time. Laughing is good for the soul, and unless you're hanging out with Mikhail Barishnikov there will probably be something to laugh about. This also plays into number 8. And you know what, sometimes it just feels good to get sweaty and exhausted...

10. SLEEP!!! It's good, it's good for you, everyone loves a good night's sleep. Whether 4 hours or 14 hours puts you at your best, get the sleep you want. And hey, dreams are cool, and everyonce in a while, when you're not being chased by giant spaghetti o's or watching your friends turn into Ted Dansen, something symbolic may pop up that you can use later.



So there you go, my suggestions for keeping things easy breezy this April. And I appologize for the *ahem* step by step detailed-ness... it just seemed appropriate. haha.