Ask Ana

Ask Ana is a weekly advice column featuring questions from the students and community of Slippery Rock.

To send a question to Ana, send her an email at askanagraham@ymail.com or send her a message on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/askanagraham.  

Question:

Dear Ana,

What do you do when you feel inferior to everyone around you?

Self-conscious

Answer:

Dear Self-conscious,

I've felt this way before and it can be a rough process to get rid of this thinking.

Personally, whenever I feel this way, I ask myself what or who – and it is usually a "who" – makes me feel this way. I then question the logic I use that makes me feel that I am inferior. Am I comparing two unlike things on an unfair scale? Is this what others want me to feel, or have I just convinced myself that this is true?

After I crush my logic, I then do what I think will validate my feelings of equality or even superiority. Sometimes I do this by working harder and accomplishing more in one way or another than the people who I felt inferior to. Sometimes I do this by crushing my enemies physically with a club or mentally with Jedi mind tricks - this option varies according to the situation.

Finally, I come to terms with the fact that I am different from everyone else and that everyone else is different, too.

I find one can take solace in the fact that many people do feel this way from time to time, including those we feel inferior to.

Question:

Dear Ana,

I am a woman who don't need no man. However, I have a small problem. I compulsively cook, clean, and crochet doilies. How do I hide my housewife?

Closeted Housewife

Answer:

Dear Closeted Housewife,

I don't understand the stigma domestic activities have with this modern-day crowd. If you like something, then embrace it. There is nothing wrong about a woman - who labels herself independent - or a man, enjoying any of these hobbies.

There is no need for you to hide your activities for others, because your hobbies are not indicative of your personality - only very shallow people would assume you're a stereotypical, old-timey, barefoot-in-the-kitchen kind of girl.  

Also, you shouldn't hide what you enjoy, because it is a part of you that your friends should know about – especially the cooking part. No one will ever think twice about your hobbies if you cook them good food.

Question:

Dear Ana,

I have an 8 a.m. class for the first time in my college career. To most people, this is just annoying because they can't sleep in, but for me this is going to be more than annoying because I can't wake up.

I've always had attendance problems with my 9 and 9:30 a.m classes, but I know this is going to be worse. I sleep a good ten hours per night and nap during the day, and I need all of this sleep or I can't function at all.

What should I do to make sure I don't fail my 8 a.m.?

Rip van College Student

Answer:

Dear Rip,

That is a ridiculous amount of sleep and I hate you because I do not have the time to sleep that much. However, it doesn't seem right for you to need so much sleep. I seriously suggest you get that checked.

You didn't say anything about using an alarm, but I am assuming you use one. If you don't, then for heaven's sake, buy one. Make sure your alarm is nice and loud and obnoxious (as a side effect, this may also solve any rude neighbor issues you may have).

There are alarm clocks with intentionally annoying alarms out there. If you use your cell phone, pick a song that you hate to be the alarm ringtone.

If you honestly believe you need that much sleep, then in order to wake up you may just have to go to bed earlier, whether you want to or not.