Ah, Lent. The season is coming soon for us Catholics. Let me describe certain situations that all of us have fallen victim to. Let’s start at Ash Wednesday. I will be attending mass and receiving ashes. Please ask me what is on my forehead instead of staring at me with crazy eyes and snickering to your friends about me. Despite what Beyoncé says, I did not wake up like this.

If you ask me to spend my Friday night with you, I will politely decline. It is not anything towards you, but I cannot eat meat on Fridays. This means that I do not want to sit at a dinner while you stuff your face with steak and I eat a measly Caesar salad. Plus, I don’t want you to think of me as one of those girls.

Lastly, I give up alcohol every year for Lent. If you text me asking me to go out to the bars to turn up, I will not text you back. Everyone knows it sucks going to the bars and being the only sober person there. But, if you call me at 2 a.m. I will gladly come pick you up, take you to Taco Bell, and make sure you get home safely. After all, isn’t that my duty as a Christian?

So, moral of the story: Catholics are normal people. Not all of us participate in Lent. If you know someone who is Catholic, ask them about Lent. We love talking about giving up something for 40 days because it makes us look like we have great self-control. Learn to be sensitive towards your friend during this season. If she gave up chocolate, do not call her asking to pick up a carton of Ben & Jerry’s Fish Food because you and Steve got into another fight. Call Becky so she can enjoy the ice cream with you.

I urge you to take a second and learn about someone else’s religious beliefs. It will make the bond you share stronger and you might be amazed at what comes of it.