Dear Mother Matron,
The first week of pledgeship came and went. Shakeday was last Saturday, and it was like I was the king of the world. I was celebrated and introduced to fraternities, and I felt proud of my choice. The chill of pride went through my core, and at the end of the night, I thought I made the right choice. But, when I woke up, uncertainty fell on me like a weighted blanket. Some of my pledge brothers have reputations that follow them everywhere like a blood-sucking tick. Mother Matron… I was wondering, would people look down on me for dropping this Greek organization? Or, should I stay?
From,
Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now
Dear Should I Stay Or Should I Go Now,
The key part of pledgeship is that it is a test to see whether or not YOU – the pledge – still want to join the Greek Organization! Some organizations do this through certain traditions… some of the traditions are downright silly while others have a certain air of seriousness. At the end of the day, pledgeship and Greek Life are not for everyone. Luckily, you go to a school where every party is open. So, if you are not enjoying the experience, don’t force yourself to. Being a participant in Greek life should never be what someone gets judged about. This is your college experience. Make the most of your time.
From,
Mother Quincy of Quintard
Dear Mother Matron,
My friends and I are going through a rough patch in our relationship. I had to spend some time alone to attempt to fix some personal issues last semester, and my friends think I abandoned them. I want to support them now that I have the emotional energy to do so, but I think they’re afraid that I’ll need to leave again. I have other wonderful friends, but it doesn’t mean that our lost intimacy isn’t hurting me. I’ve offered to talk many times, but they keep me at an arm’s distance. How do I find peace?
From,
Afraid of A Friend Breakup
Dear Afraid of A Friend Breakup,
Friends are what we cherish most in life. They are our chosen family. The old adage goes, “Blood is thicker than water.” It is often misappropriated, my dear. The water in reference is the water of the womb, and the blood is in reference to the blood lost in war. Our friends are our comrades, our compatriots, our lights on dark paths. However, you cannot be a good friend if you don’t take care of yourself. You can only be available to your friends on your own terms in your own time. Recognize that your friends still love you. They just need time to see you and trust in your own stability. We are all better people when we open our hearts in vulnerability. Continue to offer it to them, but never allow yourself to feel shame. Find peace in knowing you are doing what you can. My dearest, you are a wonder, but you are not superhuman.
From,
Mother Claudia of Courts