How often do we roll our eyes when our friends come to us with problems? I know I'm a culprit of the, "you're being dumb, just listen to yourself!" face. But reverse the tables and where do we stand? How many times have we ignored our own advice given to others when we're in a similar situation? It makes me wonder why we can be completely rational and firm with others, yet the exact opposite with ourselves. Time after time, we fall into the same situations others were in. It's time to get ourselves out of these traps by taking our own advice.
What happens when your friend gets a bad test grade?
You say: It's going to be okay! That test was only worth 20 percent of your grade and this professor is really nice so maybe if you talk to him he'll be able to throw out some questions, or give you partial credit! You can still make an A in this class!
What happens when you get a bad test grade?
You think: I'm going to fail this class. Oh my God, I'm going to have to drop this class and retake it again next year. How's this going to influence graduation? Am I going to be a sixth year senior? Maybe I'll just stay in it and make a D. Wait, no -- I can't make a D. I'll lose my scholarship. What's my GPA? It's so low! Maybe I'll just stick it out a few more weeks to see if I have to drop.
What should you think when you get a bad test grade?
You think: Wow. Okay. Not my best. But did I actually put all of my effort into this? Next time, I can put a few more days into it and get my grade up. It's only worth 20 percent of my grade and I can talk to my professor. I'll be fine.
What happens when your friend thinks she's forever alone?
You say: You're such a catch! The problem is there aren't any good guys around here. You're so smart and pretty, you intimidate men. After graduation, though, you'll move somewhere amazing where guys will flock to you because you're so amazing! Trust me, you'll be fine. You just have to wait it out until the right one comes along!
What happens when you think you're forever alone?
You think: I'm allergic to cats. I'm going to have to be the crazy gecko lady or something! Why doesn't anyone like me? I'm intimidating in the bad way! This degree makes me look intimidating! Guys are stupid. Why aren't there any good ones? I'm fated for an eternity of solitude.
What should you think when you think you're forever alone?
You think: It's just a dry spell. I'm a hot, smart woman who someone will find fascinating, one day. The wait is worth it. The wait is worth it. Until then, I'll be awesome and do my thing.
What happens when one friend is angry at the other?
You say: Don't worry, she'll get over it. You two have been friends for years, now! She won't toss away a friendship like that because she loves you too much! You two are practically an old married couple. Maybe you should just talk to her! I bet she's feeling the same way you are.
What happens when a friend is angry at you?
You think: That was my best friend. I don't have a bestie anymore. Who am I supposed to go to dinner with? I have nobody to tell me if I look ridiculous when we go shopping. Nobody is going to cuddle with me anymore when I'm sad. I'm fated for an eternity of solitude.
What should you think when a friend is angry at you?
You think: I was kind of a jerk. I should probably go apologize first since she apologized first last time. We've done this before, and we'll do it again, but I can't toss away a friendship like that! I love her too much!