I live with a friend of mine who is really sweet, but she has one really annoying pet peeve that I can't stand. Each week I buy a 12-pack of Coca-Cola and she ends up drinking more than half of them each time. However, that is not what bothers me in the slightest, and I surely don't mind sharing. The thing that annoys me is the fact that she apologizes and says she'll replace everything that she drinks, but then proceeds to replace my wonderful Cokes with Kroger brand generic soda instead of the real deal. She even places them in the Coca-Cola box, which means that half the time I reach my hand inside to find Kroger Delight instead of what I originally expected. If she didn't apologize or even try to replace my drinks then I'd probably say something, but I'm not quite sure if I'm in the wrong if I make it a point to tell her that the substitute drinks are simply sub par. What do you think?
Sincerely,
Desperately Thirsty
Dear Desperately Thirsty,
I guess that catchy phrase "Always Coca-Cola" should have an asterisk next to it that reads, "Only when you don't have roommates ganking your drinks." Besides, "Always Kroger Soda" just doesn't have the same ring to it.
Unlike many of my friends, I am not as picky with my sodas. I won't scoff when waiters ask, "Is Pepsi okay?" in response to Coke requests as they frequently do here in Charlottesville. In fact, if I had a roommate replacing Coke with Pepsi I'd let it slide, especially since I usually enjoy a lemon with my soda, which makes the difference between the two less discernible. (Trust me, it actually tastes good and is not an attempt to be a pretentious beverage connoisseur as some friends assert.)
However, we aren't talking about Coca-Cola versus Pepsi, we are talking about Coca-Cola versus a Kroger special! In this case, I am on your side because your roommate should know much, much better than to try and pull off this one. It's like taking the Mona Lisa from the Louvre and leaving behind a bucket of paint and some canvas for a replacement along with a note that says, "Make do".
Sure, the general ingredients are the same, but you can't exactly replace the harmony that comes along with a masterpiece by just chucking down some half-baked alternate. The only time generic sodas can be consumed is at company potluck picnics and senior citizen bingo nights.
The next time your roommate apologizes and says she'll find a replacement, kindly tell her to spare the apologies and that her Kroger soda makes you retch.
Well, use a little more eloquence than that, such as, "I do not mind in the slightest if you consume my high quality beverages as long as you replace them with the same consideration that I used when purchasing this fine product." Well, actually, that might sound obnoxious and British. So somewhere in between the two should be just about right.
Dear Dockter Duval,
I live with a bunch of girls who are constantly sick and it's because they go out without being dressed very warmly each night. I do not want to be a second mother, but it's kind of silly to watch everyone get ill because they're trying to look good. Should I say something to them or just let it go?
Sincerely,
Maternal Central
Dear Maternal Central,
I think the most you can do is remind them it's pretty chilly outside and that they might want to bring a coat. If you start picking outfits for them and laying them on their beds the night before, you definitely would be meddling in their personal business. If they are more concerned with how they look than with staying warm and avoiding sickness, then, hey, more power to them.
I think the most interesting thing is the fact that some girls actually think they still need to be wearing spaghetti strap tank tops and really thin stretch black pants to look good in the cold. I think the way to tell if a girl is really attractive is if she can make you turn your head wearing a classy sweater and a scarf, and perhaps a nice pair of wool pants as well.
There's something really provocative about someone who covers everything up and is alluring at the same time. On the other hand, the girl who is scantily clad, endlessly shivering and adorned with purple lips and goose bumps galore isn't my idea of an ideal beauty.
But hey, like I said earlier, if that's what floats your boat, go right at it.
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