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In an attempt to respond to as many people as possible before the semester is out, I will be responding to an earth shattering FIVE letters today. I know, right? In turn, they will be short and sweet, but nobody reads this to hear what I say anyways… They just want to mock other people’s problems. Don’t look so innocent, get back to studying.

Dr. Date,
There is this girl that works at UDS, and I think she is wonderful. She is pretty, has a wonderful smile, and seems to be a hard worker. I would like to go out with her but I don't know how to ask her out. I don't want to be a creep, like some people are (I work in food too, I know those type of people), and I don't want to make a fool of myself and ask her out then find out she has a boyfriend! What should I do?
—UDS Crush

Aramark lovehole,
Wait until you see her around when she’s not working, say you recognize her from UDS and introduce yourself. It actually works as a pretty natural icebreaker, or compliment her on her smile.
Or you could wait outside of UDS for her and pretend to study. Then follow her home and hypnotize her. Pretty obvious.
—Dr. Date

DD,
What happens when you lose the game doc? I dumped my girlfriend a month or two ago because ... well ... I knew she'd stopped loving me. I didn't want to believe it so I made excuses for it at the time, but it was the fact of the matter that she could even admit to now. For me, it wasn't superficial in the least bit. I loved her with all my heart. I didn't just give her what she wanted, I tried to give her what I thought was best and right. But I always kind of knew that she had a bit of “puppy love.” And after a while, I saw even that fade. I gave everything I could. I don't regret anything I did because I don't feel like I did anything wrong. But...now I feel like an alcoholic. All I want is love, but it seems it only brings me tragedy, even when I do it right. Now I just want to be sober, to be done with it all. But that’s not human. Naturally she has been able to move on. But I feel so alone. What now doc? What next? ... And don't give me any lines about getting back on the horse.
—Pearly

Ron Pearlman,
Did you … yeah, you definitely just described the first half of “Hellboy” to me.
In your case, let Rasputin have her. Whatever. Or realistically find something productive to occupy yourself with. If your mind is focused on something you’re passionate about, it’ll make it easier to be more yourself and move forward. Model airplanes? Exercise? Masturbating? Whatever works best for you.
—Dr. Date

Dear Doctor Date,
So, I'm interested in this guy on the sailing team, let's call him Pony (he has long hair — sexy). I haven't dated many guys and I'm not sure how to approach him. Do you think I should join the sailing team so that I can be with him more? Or would that be going too far? Don't get me wrong, I like sailing, but I might get too aroused watching him work the sheets and handle the battle stick. Sincerely,
—Naughty Knots

Knothead,
Don’t join the sailing team. That’s the most ridiculous unnecessary roundabout bullsh-t I’ve heard since the last time I watched Bill O’Reily.
Try asking him to hang out. You know, something that doesn’t waste a ton of your time if he isn’t interested. Use the sailing thing as a conversation starter. Don’t obsess over idealized people in your head. Try finding someone you have an actual connection with.
—Dr. Date

Dr. Date,
I've been dating this amazing girl since we first met during the summer after we both graduated from high school. I've loved every minute of the past year and a half. We're great for each other; we trust each other deeply, the sex is amazing, and no one has ever made me happier. We're both very happy with each other. Of course, there's a catch (why else would I be writing?). Can two mature, driven college students have a meaningful relationship when one half of the relationship puts school first? Lately, my time during the week has been almost completely monopolized by various academic pursuits. We do hang out a lot on the weekends, but I feel she would like more of my attention. I don't want to look back on my time spent here and regret the time I spent with my nose in a book, but I'm also very dedicated when it comes to school. So what do you think, should I keep up with my studies and risk leaving her feeling left out or should I be happy with C's and give this sweet girl the attention she deserves?
—Committed nerd

Turd,
People who really care about each other understand their partners’ ambitions. Make time when you can and as often as you can, but worst case: C’s get degrees.
—Dr. Date

Dr. Date,
I am in need of some advice. You see, there is this girl who I see on the bus every so often who is absolutely gorgeous. We have had made eye contact once or twice so I would imagine she remembers my face. Anyway, I am wondering how to strike up a convo with her. I am really attracted to her and want to talk to her and possibly get to know her, but I don't want to be the creepy guy on the city bus, you know what I mean? I try to think of something to initialize a conversation but when we are on the bus together it is too crowded and we do not end up sitting near each other and we usually get on and off at different stops. What can I do to strike up a convo and not come off as creepy?
—Not so Smooth Talker

U-[p]ass,
Wait for something out of the ordinary to happen, then strike up a conversation about it. You know, when the guy that is totally inebriated yells out “White China!” at some dude, or when the bus driver misses a turn or something. Once you’re conversing, just keep the ball rolling. Next time refer to the archives, I’ve written about this like 69 times now.
—Dr. Date

Hey Networkia, this is it. The last day of class. One final hurrah. The homestretch. The — oh, NUTT clichés. Just go get drunk tonight.
Let’s get to some letters. I guess it would be cliché to start with a Network haiku, and I did say NUTT clichés. But you know what? NUTT you! We’re doing it anyway!

From Mercutio
Sleep is magical
Sleep saves lives and prevents wars
When do you sleep, Net?
Net: While reading your slop. BORING.

From Cthulhu
O Network the squid
amuse us with your wit now,
it's finals again
Net: Yeah, I ran two haikus — you wanna fight? How’s that for finals wit?

From StPaulSide
Yo Network, what's up? I must say the new Campus Connectors are wackadocious. Net: Mary Poppins would be horrified by your language, young man/woman/thing. I mean, what's up with the seating arrangements on those things? Net: Well, the seats are arranged so you can sit. Then you get up off your fat NUTT and leave the bus, vacating the seat for another passenger. Does that make sense now? You have to sit facing each other in half of the seats, so there's no room for your legs and, seriously, who wants to actually have to look at other people on the Campus Connector? Net: And God forbid you EVER had to talk to someone! Especially if it was a GIRL! Not many of those playing online games, huh, you noob?
On a completely unrelated note, how come when I click on Backtalk on the mndaily site it brings me to Dr. Date and not Network? That's BS. Net: That’s a good point you bring up. I’ll see to it that the dweeb designing that page is my lunch tomorrow.

From OwnedandPumbad
Net, you'll never believe what I just saw. Net: A sober Madison student? A smart Iowa student? What?! It blew my mind. Imagine perusing the internet and coming across something so funny that you roflcopter around the room. Net: If you use one more slang chat room term I swear I’ll … I went to a site failblog.org and had a lolgasm. Net: … rip your NUTTING head off! There was a video of a warthog and lion. This lion proceeded to suck at life and get NUTT slapped by the warthog. Net: Obviously, warthogs wear the pants in most relationships. Simple law of nature, there. This lion got owned eight times and then ran away. To funny Net: That you suck at grammar? That is TOO bad. Well, I'm off to fail finals, Net,. See you for four more years. Net: Well, at least you’re confident.

And last, but CERTAINLY not least.

From That One Zombie Kid
I like turtles. Net: You, my friend, are truly a profound individual. A real intellectual. dare I say, “Driven to Discover?” (I vomited in my tub as I wrote that. Sorry.)

Remember, Networkia: C’s get degrees, so don’t try too hard during finals!