Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Taking a Break

"My boyfriend and I have been dating for around 2 years now. But lately it feels as if were drifting apart slowly. After confronting him, and getting into an arguement we both decided to go on a break. I guess college got in the way we are both busy now since high school. The arguement was just about time management. We both agreed on the break. Was that a good idea?"

~Anon

Dear Anon,

I think it's better if you end things cleanly and mutually now before it gets complicated and messy later. Most people leave their high school sweethearts once they get exposed to the outside world (college, travelling etc.) They may have been the most awesome person in your High School, but not necessarily the world. And maybe you both have just realized this. There's nothing wrong with that.

Just break up. If you don't meet anyone, you can always hook back up. But if you meet someone during a "seperation" it creates a messy situation if/when the other person doesn't. Also creates the assumption and jealousy of being "cheated on" even if you say you don't "mind" if they date. It's a clear set ending that says, "We are through. If you want to date, go date. If you don't, don't. It is no longer my business."

What might be harder for you now, will make things easier in the long run.

~S

US Draft???

"I got a letter from United States Government Selective Service System, and basically it said now that I am 18, I have to register. And if I don't I can face a fine or imprisonment. I didn't know what it really was, so I went online and googled it and read some stuff on it. And so I basically now have to fill it out and such. But I have a question, by filling all this stuff out what does it mean exactly? If there was a draft or something, does it mean I will be drafted into the US Army?"
~Anon

Dear Anon,

It is US law that all men at the age of 18 (and if we can get it passed, women too) have to sign a SSS Draft Registration. It's like registering to vote, but mandatory. All it means is that as long as you have no children, are unmarried and are not the only child in your family that you might, in the event of WW3 nuclear holocaust be called to defend your country. But as it stands now, these chances are minimal. Here's how a military drafting works in 2009 (any references to Vietnam will hence be ignored as the laws have changed since then.):

1. Active duty troops
2. Reserve Troops
3. Military basic Training Units (still in training, active duty troops)
4. Reservists basic Training Troops (still in training, reservists)
5. National Guard/Coast Guard
6. Retired/Former Military Personnel
7. Military Schools (West Point, USAFA etc.)
8. Other ROTC Programs
9. Avg Joe Citizen***

***there are many exceptions, see below:

High school students - A high school student younger than age 20 may postpone his induction as long as he is a full-time student doing satisfactory work. High school students who turn 20 in their senior year may also postpone their induction.
College students - A college senior may postpone his induction for the remainder of the academic year. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors may postpone their induction until the end of the semester.
Religious ministers - Practicing religious ministers are exempt from military service. Ministerial students - Full-time students working toward becoming ordained ministers in a recognized religion are deferred from service.
Armed forces on active duty - Military personnel, including active National Guardsmen, Reservists, and select personnel in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or the Public Health Service, are deferred from induction as they are already serving the country.
Select men with dependents - If a man's induction would cause extreme hardships for his dependents, he may be eligible for a hardship deferment.
Select government officials - Judges and a range of elected officials, including governors, mayors and legislators (both state legislators and U.S. congressmen) are all deferred.
Select aliens and dual nationals - Certain groups of aliens, as well as U.S. citizens who also claim citizenship in select nations, may be eligible for deferment.
Conscientious objectors - Men who are opposed to engaging in combat or serving in the military at all due to deeply held religious or moral beliefs may be specially assigned.

for further information see: http://people.howstuffworks.com/us-draft2.htm

~S