Ask Agony Aunt

AUNTIE ETHEL
Volume 1, Issue 11 (Originally Published 14 May 2012)
 
Dear Agony Aunts,
My non-law friends are starting to get annoyed when I say no to catch up plans. They refuse to understand that it's too close to exams and every time I try to explain my workload I feel like banging my head against the wall. What do I do?

Frustrated

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Dear Frustrated,

On the up side, banging your head against a wall for an hour burns 150 calories*, which can help balance your vast junk-food intake during exam time. On the other hand, to avoid the potential head-trauma, there are some things you could try:

1. Instead of just saying no, suggest an alternate date, when you are available. Even if that’s in a month’s time, it will make your friends feel like you are looking forward to seeing them (which hopefully you are).

2. Suggest a breakfast catch up. Breakfasts are short because people have to get to class/work/etc, and as an added bonus, it will weed out the friends who are more interested in whining about you being a bad friend from the ones who genuinely want to see you. Before you say you don’t have time for breakfast, remember that it’s the most important meal of the day, and if you can’t spare 30-45minutes one morning from your studies, you are probably working yourself too hard.

3. Stop trying to make them understand. If they are good friends, they will be around to celebrate the end of exams with you in 4 weeks despite their complaints.
​
Auntie Ethel
* true according to reputable internet sources
**
** may not actually be reputable