Story by Maya McBride
LETTER 1
Dear D.R.P,
I really like this girl in my psych class. We’ve been texting for a while, and I want to ask her out. The problem is, I have no clue where to take her. Any suggestions?
Sincerely,
Romeo (hoping to swoon Juliet)
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Dear Romeo,
Lucky for you, there are many places in Moscow you could take her! My first piece of advice is to learn what she would like to do. What are her hobbies or favorite foods? It all depends on what you would enjoy and the level of casualness you’d like to have the date be. Going to a local café, thrifting, or simply walking around campus/downtown are all great options for a relaxed springtime date. (Fun fact: the One World on campus in the Jansen Engineering Building accepts dining dollars; so, if you’re really strapped for cash, take ‘Juliet’ there)! If you want a more formal date, (and your wallet is willing), take her out to Maialina or Nectar, or another sit-down restaurant. All said, the most important thing is that you have fun and learn more about each other. If your intentions are in the right place, it should be a good time either way!
Best of luck,
D.R.P
LETTER 2
D.R.P,
My roommate and I are freshmen. They don’t have a car, so I’ve been driving them around everywhere. I’m fine doing it, but they’ve never offered to help pay for gas. I haven’t said anything because I don’t want to ruin our friendship… but it’s gone on for too long and it’s starting to bother me. What should I do?
Please help,
Free Uber
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Dear Uber,
Before sending that Venmo request, consider having a conversation about it. These things can be awkward and scary, but in order to preserve relationships, boundaries are necessary (and healthy)! Next time they ask to go somewhere, ask them if they mind pitching in with gas, since you’re driving places you typically wouldn’t be going. I suggest having this talk in a calm, relaxed setting and using the handy dandy “I” statements so that it doesn’t seem accusatory. Something like: “I love hanging out and being able to help you, but I’m realizing that I’m paying a lot of money in gas that I wasn’t anticipating on. Do you mind helping me out a little bit?” If your roommate is truly a friend, they will understand. You’ve got this!
Sincerely,
D.R.P
LETTER 3
D.R.P,
I’ve been in a ‘situationship’ for about a month and I feel so confused. I think about him all the time… I am catching more feelings than I should. When do I have the “what are we” conversation? Do I even bring it up?
Sincerely,
Worried about ruining things
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Dear Worried,
In ‘situationships,’ even specified noncommittal elements can still leave you with confusing feelings. It’s really difficult to dance the line of caring just enough, but not too much about the other person. If you find yourself thinking about them very often, it might already be a faux relationship: keeping one another at arm’s length but still being intimate and vulnerable. That is neither fair to you nor them. Commitment is scary… but life is too short to be nonchalant. Take those risks! Loving is not embarrassing; it is the crux of humanity. If the other person isn’t in the same place, that’s okay—you didn’t fail by showing interest. If you’ve treated this situation with consistent communication, a conversation about future expectations might be in order to protect both your feelings (and sanities). Be honest about your development of feelings.
Live your truth,
D.R.P
LETTER 4
Dear D.R.P,
It’s my second semester of college, and I feel like I haven’t made any friends. Am I the problem? How do I meet more people?
Best,
The Ghost
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Dear Ghost,
I’m sorry you feel this way. As lonely as it can feel, you aren’t alone. Nobody really talks about how isolated your late teens/early twenties are. There are people around at all times: the dorms, class, campus, dining hall – but they may not be your people, if you know what I mean. Making friends can really take you out of your comfort zone, but it is so worth it! If there’s a classmate you get along with, ask if they’d like to go to the ISUB or study with you after class. If you live in the dorms, attend your floor traditions or any events going on. There are also tons of clubs on campus – see if any interest you! I believe in you.
With love,
D.R.P
LETTER 6
Dear D.R.P,
I matched with this guy on Tinder, and he wants me to come to his apartment in Pullman for our first date. My friends tell me it isn’t a good idea, but he seems nice over D.M.s and he’s a really cool person (I stalked his Instagram). Should I go?
Sincerely,
Smitten
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Dear Smitten,
Don’t. Hope that helps!
(But if you think he’s really that cool, suggest a meeting in public. Let your friends know where you are and when you expect to get back. If he’s disappointed by that, major red flag.)
Be safe,
D.R.P