It is election season again. For most people, it means annoying TV commercials, trashy yard signs, and a long line at the voting booth (if you are a part of the 59% that actually do vote). For political science majors, it means enjoyable debates, a surge in class tangents, and a chance to make your voice heard. For friends, family, and significant others of these political science majors, it can be a test of your relationships.

So for all those in the latter category, I apologize for the next year or so. On behalf of all the politically minded, I would like to apologize for what will happen as primaries soar and our focus shifts. We honestly aren’t crazy – we like to call it passionate patriotism. So bear with us, love us through it, and remember we have the best of intentions.

No matter what side of the political aisle your political person is on, they are sure to participate in some of the following 9 behaviors:

1. TV Stealing

This is often accompanied by shushing you if you happen to speak while we are watching the TV. This is because political debates are crucial to the political cycle. Why? Because this is how we determine who is electable. It also gives us a chance to laugh at candidates we dislike. Often, we will argue with the candidates (yes, we know they can’t hear us). Think of this like our football. My dad yells at the players, and it makes him feel better. Well, when I tell Donald Trump he is the WORST POSSIBLE CHOICE, I also feel amazing.

2. Social Media Posting

We have really really strong opinions. We like to share those opinions. We even like it when people comment and disagree (mostly because we then get the chance to tell them they are wrong). We know deep down that our posting doesn’t actually change anyone’s mind, but we like to exercise our Freedom of Speech.

3. Political Paraphernalia

Ah, another right: the freedom of expression. Yes, we love that bumper sticker, and chances are we are judging other people for theirs. It is a way to let the whole world know that we are Hillary supporters or Rubio fanatics. Shirts? Chances are we have at least 10 shirts from campaigns we have sweat blood for, and now is the perfect time to wear them again. If you share a living space with one of us, there might be a poster or even a bobblehead (ask my roommates – I have a bobblehead President Bush, and it’s because I can).

4. Voting Lectures

If you aren’t registered, we will look down on you with pity. Apathy is our enemy. However, we aren’t content to simmer quietly. We will lecture you until your ears fall off. We are the type of kids who considered getting fake IDs to vote, so it’s safe to say it’s important for us, and for our loved ones. We will also offer rides to take you to vote.

5. Uncomfortable Conversations

Well, for you anyways. Everybody and their cousin’s friend’s fiancé knows our political viewpoints and who we will vote for. So, naturally, we want to know yours. IF you decide to tell us, we will either smile and shake our head with pity, take a deep breath and bite our lip, flat out tell you are wrong, or grin and think we were the ones who enlightened you. IF you don’t tell us and we faint, do not fear; it is merely a lack of comprehension of how one could not think like us.

6. The "If I Were Them" Conversations

We may not have our degree yet, but we know more than the politicians (or at least we don’t have any interest groups or corporations to pander to yet). Therefore, we clearly would do things differently. We also are all politicians at heart and would like you to know that we would be better suited than most of the people who are running. It is best in this scenario to just nod your head.

7. Shouting Matches

I mentioned earlier, we call this debate, often, even friendly debate. We may complain about our Socialist or Tea Party friend, but deep DEEP down we are glad they exist, so we can tell them why free college or fair tax is a bad idea. If you spend a lot of time with your political person, you may get caught in the middle. This can occur literally anywhere, grocery lines, dorm hallways, eating establishments. We have no shame in our thoughts. If you find yourself the recipient of our argument, placating won’t help, just find a way to leave, or change the conversation.

8. Political Jargon

Each side of the aisle has different terms for things. Democrats call illegal immigrants undocumented workers, Republicans often call them illegal aliens. Chances are, we have our own set of terminology we think provides the best connotation. However, our peers may not. So we will correct your speech during this time of the year, and if you choose to disagree, refer back to number 7.

9. Post-Election Emotions.

This has two possible outcomes. One, our candidate wins. All is right with the world. We are most likely elated with the potentially promising future. Even the political pessimist will have to (at least) smile. I promise, we do our best not to be sore winners, but we aren’t perfect. Two, our candidate loses. Prepare for the drama, pessimism, and musings about moving to Canada, Germany, or Australia. We will be sore losers, especially if you voted for the other guy.