“I didn’t have time to do the reading, so I sparknoted it.” “I googled all of my boyfriend’s ex-girlfriends.” “She spent all day youtubing Laguna Beach clips.” “We weren’t home, but Dad tivoed it.”

“Verbing nouns,” i.e., using derivational morphemes to convert nouns into verbs, is an entirelly natural part of the English language. Shakespeare did it when he wrote “Grace me no grace, nor uncle me no uncle.” I do it when I complain or adulate about having to blog on Sunday mornings. Verbification is an example of a “functional shift,” and cognitive scientists report that functionally shifted words result in a sudden increase in brain activity. As long as you don’t bring up the word “impact” around language prescriptivists (who insist that “the only thing that can be impacted is a wisdom tooth”), verbification is hunky-dory.

Read Full Post

Dear Indy,

My parents want to take my 15-year old sister and I on a “family vacation” and told us to suggest places to go. Where can I go that will be fun for both the two of us AND our parents?

–Vacayyyyy

Hey Vacay,

There are a ton of places that you’ll be able to go where you can have fun with your entire family! As much as that sounded like a commercial for some cheesy family-time vacation spot, there really are a lot of places that’ll cater to everyone’s needs. First, I would consider Florida. Especially at this time of year, Florida will be great for everyone. There are a bunch of spas and resorts to choose from, and Disney World is always a winner for South Floria vacations. If you want to be courageous and head up north this time of year, I would suggest Colorado. Known for its snow sports and lodge-like atmosphere, Colorado will cater to anyone’s needs! Mom and dad can read by the fire while you and your sister spa it up/go skiing/go snowboarding or snowtubing/whatever! And if you REALLY wanna get crazy, I’d head out west! Places like California and Arizona are great this time of year for a relaxing, fun vacation. There’s tons to do, from visiting the Grand Canyon to seeing Disneyland and Hollywood to just RELAXING! I hope this helped!

Dear Indy,

My sister just got her license and wants to drive me everywhere. The only problem is, she’s not a great driver and I’m, like, AFRAID to get in a car with her. What do I do?

–Bad Driver :/

Heyyy,

Okay, let me answer this by starting out with an anecdote. When I first started to drive, I would accidentally run red lights, make left turns on red, merge sporadically–the works. I thought I was doing amazingly, but it wasn’t until my OWN sister proclaimed that I was a “crazy driver and needed to chill out…A LOT” after which she slammed the door to my car and ran out that I realized I needed to change certain habits. That said, I’m not suggesting you do EXACTLY what my sister did (It was mean!) BUT I do think you should talk to your sister about her driving. Be gentle–she’s probably really proud of herself right now for passing her test and for actually being able to be on the road–but be direct, too. Once you talk to her, hopefully she’ll get the idea.

Dear Indy,

There’s this boy in one of my classes that I really like and there is definitely mutual attraction. The only problem is that I never see him outside of class. What do I do?

–Tempted to Touch

Dear Tempted,

That’s a toughie. First, I’d say friend him on Facebook. It’s an easy and fast way to say “I know you” and it’ll give you a more non-confrontational way to approach him. Next, I’d message him or go up to him in class and ask him what’s up or what he’s doing this coming weekend. It’s not as weird as you think–if someone you knew asked you the same thing, you’d probably respond and not think twice about it. When he responds with his plans, consider what he’s doing. If he’s going to a large-ish party, feel free to stop by! If it’s something a little more private, you’ve at least started to make conversation, which is super important! After the weekend passes, you have the ability now to totally ask about how it was and make EVEN MORE CONVERSATION! As avenues are opened, you’ll both get to know each other a lot better. So the best advice I can give you is to not be afraid and try to start talking to him as soon as possible! Good luck.

Dear Indy,

There’s a guy that always stares at me when I go to Leo’s. He’s really cute, and we have these really intense staring sessions sometimes. Should I try and talk to him?

-Kinda Awk

Hey, Awk–

The problem with situations like this is that you don’t know how the other person feels since you guys don’t really know each other. The next time you see him, though, smile! If he smiles back, then the next time you can maybe say hi. THEN, the next time you see him you might even be able to stop and talk to him! Until then, however, I would lay low. I only say this because there are so many guys out there who will MAKE A MOVE. This guy either seems too shy to or too much of a wimp to make a move at all, so if he doesn’t, then find someone else! If he’s truly interested then he’ll try to get involved. I hope everything works out!

Dear Indy,

I just bought some sex toys to use with my boyfriend, but I don’t know how to introduce them to him.

Help!

Hey Help!

Sex toys are always a fun way to spice up a relationship. How long have you guys been dating? If it’s been a while, I’m sure he’s okay with everything that you’ve got cooked up. However, if it’s been a short period of time, maybe you should wait to bring in the uber-risky romance. While he’ll obviously appreciate the notion that you want to get closer to him, certain objects may create awkwardness at the start of a relationship. That said, there’s no reason you shouldn’t want to explore a little more! Talk to him frankly about your thoughts and your ideas–there’s no reason that he’ll be against anything! Good luck with your escapades; also remember that you guys will have fun no matter what–sex toys not necessary.

Read Full Post

Dear Indy,

My boyfriend is coming to visit and is going to meet my friends. I really want them to like him…what do I do?

–Awkward!

Hey Awk,

Don’t worry about a thing. Your boyfriend is coming to visit YOU, not your friends. If you have a good time with him and if you show him how fun your friends are to hang out with, there’s not going to be an issue at all! I understand wanting your friends to like your boyfriend–they’re the most important people in your life! But, if you really want your friends to like him, just tell him to be himself. Clearly you like who he is, and your friends like you. Thus, hopefully they’ll like him too! But most importantly, just relax and have a good time! Good luck…have a fun time!

Dear Indy,

My boyfriend’s ex hates me but the’re still friends. I really want to get to know her because she seems sweet.

–Help!

Hey Help,

First, assess your motives. Do you really want to be friends with her? Or do you just want to get to know her because her ex is now your boyfriend? Keep in mind that though he may still be friends with her, he’s DATING you. Don’t stress out about it too much. If you really do want to be friends with her, though, it may not be as easy as you think. The ex probably doesn’t like you, on the surface at least, because you’re dating the person that she’d been dating–but consider how long they were dating. If they were dating for a while, it’s clear that she’s still hanging on to this relationship or might not want to think about it-thus, she might not want to be friends with you (yet). Play it cool, at least for a little while, and see what comes of this. For now, just hang out with your boyfriend and don’t worry about any crazy exes.

Dear Indy,

My boyfriend has facial hair. I hate it. How do I get him to shave?

–Ew

Hey Ew,

I’m not really a big fan of facial hair either. I have two suggestions. First, ask him straight up to SHAVE! If he’s too attached to his stache/beard, though, there’s always option number two. If/after he refuses, you can cultivate an equally annoying habit/facet. For example, does he hate it when you whistle? Then whistle away! Does your puppy hate him? Bring your puppy with you whenever the two of you hang out! If he brings it up, tell him “If you didn’t want to shave for me, why should I do this for you?” Depending on the level of annoying activity, this should do the trick. Good luck!

Dear Indy,
I’ve made it clear that I’m into this guy at my job. He seems interested but hasn’t asked me to do something outside work. He’s shy, so I’m afraid he’ll never make a move. Should I make it instead?

-Work Relations

Dear WR,

First of all, make sure you want to put yourself into this kind of a relationship. Work-play situations can often get awkward if you two are on different levels in the company. Even if you’re not, if you end up dating and then breaking up or things get weird, you’ll have to see him every day at work. Awk. That said, he may just be a little slow on the uptake. You say he’s shy—maybe he just doesn’t GET IT! Or, perhaps he’s thought about the complicated-ness of a work romance too, and is a little hesitant to start one up.

Read Full Post

Got an issue that you just can’t solve? Ask The Daily Monthly! Preeti Krishnan (COL ‘11) is here for you with What’s Your Problem? Send questions to indy@georgetown.edu!

from pbs.org

Dear Indy,
I really like this guy. We’ve been hanging out a lot and having so much fun but I don’t know if it’s just as friends or if he wants something more. The problem is, he’s really good friends with my ex. I really want to pursue this, but I don’t know what to do! Will I come on too strong?
Help!
–Ex Drama

Dear Ex Drama,
Well. It’s always awkward to be put in the I-like-you-but-I-dated-your-best-friend situation. Here’s what I’d recommend. Consider how long it’s been since you guys broke up. If it’s been more than three months, go for it (boys are good at hiding their feelings anyway)! If it’s been less than three months, I’d wait (they’re not THAT good). Also, keep in mind that if anything happens, it’s a two-way street. That is, your crush is going to be valuing his friendship with your ex too, so if you both decide that it’s acceptable, it’s not at ALL like you’d be at fault. If you guys have been hanging out and/or flirting a lot, I see dates/snuggle-sessions in your future! In reality though, things seem to be going the right way…so wait and see what happens! It seems like the two of you have really been getting to know each other and in time, you’ll be able to see if he wants more or not. And worst comes to worst (i.e. you get sick of waiting!), ask him out (even as simply as, “hey, do you wanna grab dinner sometime?”)! That way, you can REALLY judge whether he feels the same way. If he doesn’t, get your hot self out and go meet a new, better boy!

Read Full Post