1. Editing everyone's papers
"No, I totally don't mind..."
If you want to actually become an editor or teacher, this is great practice. Honestly, though, you've probably edited so many friends' papers at this point that you should be getting paid already. But you love your friends, so you'll always say yes to their request — no matter how big of a challenge it may be.
2. Being a real life spellcheck
"Hey, how do you spell..." is a question you most likely get often. Also, feeling like a failure when you aren't totally sure.
3. Resisting the urge to correct people's grammar all the time
Friends, strangers, family, anyone. This is especially bothersome when texting someone who doesn't use proper grammar. Because you using semicolons in texts frequently is totally normal, right?
4. Getting asked for book recommendations
This is normally my face when I hear "So I have this trip coming up, and I need something to read..." If you're anything like me, it probably fills you with joy to be given the heavy task of recommending reading material for someone. Knowing you can help someone enjoy their plane ride across the Atlantic or lazy days on the beach is a wonderful feeling.
5. Inviting friends to poetry readings, visiting authors, etc.
And if no one is interested in joining you, going by yourself anyway. Us English majors know the value in alone time (even if you're actually in the same room as a bunch of other people).
6. Getting utterly roasted when you make a spelling or grammar mistake
Of course, it's all in good fun, but everyone expects you to be perfect all the time. Hey, we mess up too, ok?
7. Instant kinship when you make a friend in the same major
You'll probably swap stories of professors you've had and assignments you've had to endure.
8. Having to explain a lot of your jokes
What do you mean, you guys don't understand my obscure Shakespeare reference?
9. Helping your friends write important emails or messages to friends, bosses, etc.
"Does this sound good?" "Can you fix it for me?" "Is this spelled correctly?"
But you still wouldn't have it any other way.
