Tuesday, June 28, 2011

How to deal with a difficult housemate?

How to deal with a difficult housemate?
I think difficult might be an understatement. Here's a little background info. Basically, I'm a first year at Uni, and I have moved into a big house with 20 other people, of most I get on with really, really well. Apart from one girl. To be fair, she started off as normal, but now she just scares all of us and we aren't quite sure what to do with her. She steals all our food (her cupboard is completely empty, and she waits until everyone but her is out at college, so we know it is her) We have even caught her red handed doing this (we all came in from a night out and she had my friends food freshly cooked in front of her) But she still insists on blaming it on whoever she can. She smokes in her room, which first of is against the rules of the house, but it stinks out our side of the house (I live above her) and no-one else smokes in this side! So it is quite annoying. We have asked her to stop several times but she hasn't Also, she is always drunk, off our alcohol, might I add. However, all of this was (almost) bareable. But recently she has upped it a notch. She was sick last week on the stairs, (someone Else's rice and curry, nice) and she still hasn't cleaned it up despite notes on her door, people coming up to her and asking nicely, people asking her not so nicely, and so on. The other day we all got woken up at about 4 in the morning, to her throwing all her alcohol bottles out of the window, into the back yard. (I say her, of course I mean the ones she has stolen from us) This went on for about an hour. And then last night, she went around banging on everyones doors at three in the morning, asking for a lighter. I have also heard these stories from the people that lived her about a week before me (because they have come from places like norway, ireland, romania etc, and came over a little bit earlier than those of us that just had a three hour drive) Apparently on one of the first nights that the irish moved in, they were all getting drunk together, which was fine, until they decided to go to bed. At which point, this girl decided to go around all their doors (they all live in the same part of the house) banging on the doors and screaming and shouting and kicking. They don't know why she was doing this. It terrified the life out of them though. She also is constantly telling me how someone in the house is trying to kill her because they have been putting death threats under her door. Now I know for a fact this isn't true, because she insisted it was on red paper and cut out from magazines, and all of us have got far too much work to be doing to bother with something that complex, and when we aren't working, we'd rather be out and having fun than trying to upset her. We have all been discussing what we can do with her, we don't want to live with her, but we don't want to get her kicked out either (shes been thrown out of her mums house, and her friend also kicked her out because she was stealing money from her) We don't wanna make her homeless. We were just wondering if there is a way to deal with her, or just get her some help, because she really needs it. Also, I live in England, and I'm going uni in Blackpool if that helps. This isn't university accomidation (our uni is too small to have any) but it is university approved accomidation. Also, everyone in the house agrees that she definatly has some sort of mental issue, which is why we don't want her to be thrown out on the street.
Mental Health - 4 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
No. She is not your responsibility. You are not her mother. You should not feel bad. "Home" is a place where it is very important you feel safe. Living with a nutcase is not helpful to a successful college career. She is interfering with your feeling of safety, stealing food and disrupting your studies. Kick her out. It does not matter what happens to her. Don't feel bad. I had this happen in college. This girl moved in and seemed totally fine. She understood the house rules, etc. Then she proceeded to smoke marijuana all over the house, ruined my pots and pans, broke our dishes, let the cat outside (where there are mountain lions, coyotes and other hungry wildlife) and had strange druggy boys over, one of whom broke into my room and tried to rape me. I have a gun (unloaded) so he did not rape me. So, I kicked her out. The girl lasted one month in my house. I don't care what happened to her. I packed all of her stuff up, kept the next months rent and threw her out. In the end, there are 20 people in your house. I'm sure everyone agrees that she is not fitting in. You guys need to consider the wellbeing of those 20 people. It is not fair that you should all suffer because of 1 person.
2 :
you all need to have a house meeting with her and confront her as friends!!....she has no one and is probabally using drug as well. Let her know she has a home but has to abide by all the house rules..where does she get money for smokes and not food?...does she buy food? maybe you all can show her some help/love and she will change everyone can pitch in for a short time and helpher with food/toiletries...but she must abide by all the house rules end the meeting with a group hug..if she feels like everyone is against her then shewill get meaner...Contact AA for advice on her drinking and have a rep come to the house
3 :
If this is a school sponsored housing unit I would contact the dean of students and see what can be done. Otherwise I'm afraid there isn't a lot you can do unless she chooses to move out.
4 :
Whilst it is admirable that you show feelings of care and responsibility towards her I'm afraid that these might be misplaced. From your description I think that the behaviour is so ingrained that any attempt to intervene would be wasted. Firstly contact the welfare officer through your student Union or if they don't have a suitable union officer perhaps the collage/uni does? Maybe a support office or a counseling service? They will be able to give you guidance as to an appropriate approach and perhaps suggest other alternatives. I would have thought that her course leaders would also have concerns as the behaviour is unlikely to be limited to the house issues. Secondly get the house together without her. Discuss the issue openly and honestly and see what the general feelings are. Try and not let it get personal, and try and focus on what you, as a group, can do. Locking away alcohol for instance, would be a start. Whilst in the short term it may be a pain, in the long term it will be worth it. If you don't come up with a suitable answer then you have to complain to the landlord. It is not your responsibility to "fix" this girl. If her family has had enough think how bad it can get.



Tuesday, June 14, 2011

What makes you qualified to ask about socialized medicine?

What makes you qualified to ask about socialized medicine?
What makes Americans think they are qualified to pass judgments on socialized medicine? When it comes to health care I have received care in countries where there is socialized medicine such as Norway, Canada and Denmark. In the US I have been a member of Etna, Scott White, Kaiser, Health Plan of Nevada and others. The main difference between the HMO's and true health care is that HMO's practice medicine for money. While most doctors practice medicine for the betterment of society and their love of humanity the HMO's make it tantamount to "love for sale". In other words comparing the two systems is an insult. This insult is further exemplified in the lies about waiting time where socialized medicine is available. I have never to wait for service in other countries like I have in the US. The scare tactics employed by the HMO's is only indicative of the desire the HMO's have to line their pockets in lieu of medical coverage. With the worst health care of any industrialized nation we also pay the most: How long will the American public have to suffer listening to lies instead of truth and facts?
Other - Health - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
A Government big enough to give you everything is big enough to take it away. I believe Gerald Ford said that.


Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Parents still will not let me backpack in europe at 16, what to do to change their mind?

Parents still will not let me backpack in europe at 16, what to do to change their mind?
When I am 16, I want to backpack through Europe on my own for about 4 months. I can get the money needed but how can parents be convinced to let me do this, on my own. I am very responsible person and do not try and get into bad situations. I speak some French and some Russian so would that be any reason to let me do what I want to do, This will be only chance. Parents still not wanting to let this happen, what do i do now? The countries that would be seting foot on are. So how how much would I need to bring , money? Would being with my best friend make them more likely to let me go At 16 can I legally do what is wanted without permission? Dublin, Ireland Reykjavik, Iceland Oslo, Norway Stockholm, Sweden Tampere, LS, Finland St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow, Russia Yerevan, Armenia Jerusalem, Israel Chisinau, Moldova Athens, Greece Tirana, Albania Belgrade, Serbia Podgorica, Montenegro Budapest, Hungary Zagreb, Croatia Rome, Italy Malta Madrid, Spain Andorra La Vella, Andorra Paris, France Brussels, BRU, Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands Should I be allowed to do this?
Other - Europe - 8 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
Ever seen "Hostel?"
2 :
no you shouldn't. when your 18 or 19 yeah, but you don't understand how young you still are when you're 16.. even when you might think you aren't and you might think you know everything.. those 2 or 3 years makes a big difference to a person mentally and physically....so why don't you just keep up your hopes for backpacking but save up some money get a job and just make sure its what you want to do not to mention the fact that you're probably only wanting to go at 16 because you think you can 'do whatever you want' at that age. which may be true.. but there are alot of laws that limitate you past that. and if you don't know how much money you're going to need.. and you're asking if letting your best friend go with you will make a difference. i think its another sign that you need to wait acouple more years.
3 :
Wait until you are older. It is not because you are not responsible or untrustworthy- it has more to do with the world- you are going to be exposed to a lot of criminals who all they do is prey on people like you and you may not have the experience to keep yourself safe. Life is long and you will have more than this one chance to do things. It shouldn't be about legal age (which I think is 18) and unfortunately that is not something you will understand until you are a parent- give them the benefit of the doubt and put your trust in them this once.
4 :
hmmmmmmm if you want to go maybe you should try to take an enrichment class. you know like school related, make them think that it is school related and then maybe you can go. Also think of ways that it could benefit you, such as in school, personally, etc Try to make the point that this is helping you in more ways than one and through in, "it will look good on my college application" good luck P.S.Some community colleges have study abroad programs that will let you travel to Europe and other countries while you study
5 :
For a start, that list of countries is too long. You could backpack round that lot forever. That would cost an awful lot of money. I know you say you can pay for it, but if you get into trouble or run out of money, the first thing you'll do is phone your parents. I was 16 once and wanted to see the world. Well, it didn't happen like that. I did travel and it was gutty. I worked and travel led. it never happened for me. It does happen for some. You need to be tenacious and tough. I do not know you, I have no idea how you will cope. I am now in my late 60's. I've seen many parts of the world and I've retired abroad. I have a great life, but to do that I had to work for it. My advice to you is to work towards your dream of seeing the world. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "The future belongs to those that believe in their beautiful dreams". I'm a parent. My kids are in their 40's. Yes, they are still kids to me. I worry just as much today as I did when they were growing up. Don't blame your parents, they just want the best for you, but above all else, they just want you to be safe.......ok?
6 :
What kind of a 16 year old is able to finance such a trip? You've either seriously underestimated the cost of travel, or you're into some pretty shady business, or have a vast inheritance. A trip like that would cost thousands of dollars. Perhaps your parents might feel more comfortable with a more structured approach, and it might be more beneficial for someone your age. There are short-term volunteer projects of many different types in nearly every country of the world. Program costs are low, and it's a great way to get more immersed in a culture, something you definitely won't be able to do with the agenda you've planned. Bring a friend along, or go on your own. The catalog of programs can be found at www.vfp.org.
7 :
You've already asked this question 7 times; how many times do you need to see the word NO before you realize that your parents are right and you are wrong? What fallacy makes you think this is your only chance? That is total nonsense. Your list is ridiculous for a single trip of a seasoned adult traveler; it is total insanity for a child. Most of those places won't permit to stay in a hotel alone; some won't let you enter the country unaccompanied. The cost will be astronomical; £10.000 to £15.000 easily, maybe more. The travel to all those places will be huge, and accomodations - even a hostelry - for 4 months (120 nights) would be thousands. Perhaps you should ask your parents what it cost them to have you in their home for 4 months - the answer will shock you! The visas you will need will cost hundreds, and if they knew you were traveling alone the would deny the visa - especially Russia. So you speak a little French and a little Russian - enough to get around? Or only a few random words? What about Flemish, Spanish, Maltese, Croatian, Serbian, Albanian, Greek, Moldovan (Romanian), Hebrew, Armenian, Finnish, Norwegian, or Icelantic? To answer your quesion: NO - you should not be given permission to do this. NO - you are forbidden by law from leaving home without permission. You will be labelled a runaway and hunted down like a fugitive. Even asking such a question proves you lack the responsibility or maturity to be let out of your home without supervision - let alone out of the country.
8 :
Have you ever been in Europe before? If I were you,... this year I would ask my parents to come in a short trip - doing this, I would test how "difficult/easy" it is to travel in Europe. A good destination would be France, especially because you can understand the language and you can improve your knowledge. Russian language cannot help you too much in countries like Spain, Italy, Belgium... :) As European, I must tell you - we have laws here too and at 16 you are not considered adult. You cannot do what is forbidden in USA...if that was YOUR wish! And one more thing, I must tell you I feel offended you have selected Moldova and not Romania, because here you have some extraordinary things to see: - Bran Castle, Bran, Romania; - Peles Castle, Sinaia, Romania; - Danube Delta - Romania - House of People - Romania.


Wednesday, June 1, 2011

How to convince parents to let me backpack through europe at 16 ( forget to mention something)?

How to convince parents to let me backpack through europe at 16 ( forget to mention something)?
When I am 16, I want to backpack through Europe on my own for about 4 months. I can get the money needed but how can parents be convinced to let me do this, on my own. I am very responsible person and do not try and get into bad situations. I speak some French and some Russian so would that be any reason to let me do what I want to do, This will be only chance. The countries that would be seting foot on are. So how how much would I need to bring , money? Would being with my best friend make them more likely to let me go At 16 can I legally do what is wanted without permission? Dublin, Ireland Reykjavik, Iceland Oslo, Norway Stockholm, Sweden Tampere, LS, Finland St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow, Russia Yerevan, Armenia Jerusalem, Israel Chisinau, Moldova Athens, Greece Tirana, Albania Belgrade, Serbia Podgorica, Montenegro Budapest, Hungary Zagreb, Croatia Rome, Italy Malta Madrid, Spain Andorra La Vella, Andorra Paris, France Brussels, BRU, Belgium Amsterdam, Netherlands Should I be allowed to do this?
Other - Europe - 12 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I don't think at sixteen, you will be legally allowed..unfortunately.
2 :
Wait two more years, then you can do as you please.
3 :
Hi, it is legal but your parents need to sign a document, I'm from Belgium btw and I see you're going there ^^
4 :
ive been around the world when i was 14 i'm sure you could do it at 16.
5 :
wait two years.
6 :
Yes, what is two years difference going to make? People mature at different ages, some never mature at all. It sounds like you're a mature, responsible young man, enjoy your trip.
7 :
Oh, ME too! I so wanted to do that and my parents wouldn't let me. Some of my older 17 year old friends did it in the summer. So, what did I do? I joined the American Field Service and became a foreign exchange student. My parents went for that. It wasn't backpacking through Europe but it WAS a foreign experience. They have summer programs and full year programs. I've been a host mom, too. Youth for Understanding is another program that I've worked with as well.
8 :
You might be responsible enough to do it, but there is bad people in the world and your parents are just trying to protect you. It's not that they don't want you to have fun, which you probably think. No you can't go w/o their permission. And proposing that you want to go with your friend will most likely lower your chances, if there is any chance.
9 :
I think that you really show them that you are able to protect yourself against unexpected dangers, can take care of your health and can refrain from sex with strangers. Life is very precious and we want our children not to lose or damage it for fake adventure. We trust them but still we can not stop caring about them. We don't care if this pisses them off but the main concern is that we want to be sure that they are going to get through the hardships and become responsible for their actions. I think you should wait two years. It is going to be more fun.
10 :
I don't think 16 is permitted ....
11 :
I depends on your maturity, but it would be better if you can wait until your 18. Your nightlife options will be very limited at 16. Russia will require a tourist visa, they are valid for 30 days only. Looking at your itinerary, I hope your parents have deep pockets. Best of luck.
12 :
You've already asked this question 7 times; how many times do you need to see the word NO before you realize that your parents are right and you are wrong? What fallacy makes you think this is your only chance? That is total nonsense. Your list is ridiculous for a single trip of a seasoned adult traveler; it is total insanity for a child. Most of those places won't permit to stay in a hotel alone; some won't let you enter the country unaccompanied. The cost will be astronomical; £10.000 to £15.000 easily, maybe more. The travel to all those places will be huge, and accomodations - even a hostelry - for 4 months (120 nights) would be thousands. Perhaps you should ask your parents what it cost them to have you in their home for 4 months - the answer will shock you! The visas you will need will cost hundreds, and if they knew you were traveling alone the would deny the visa - especially Russia. So you speak a little French and a little Russian - enough to get around? Or only a few random words? What about Flemish, Spanish, Maltese, Croatian, Serbian, Albanian, Greek, Moldovan (Romanian), Hebrew, Armenian, Finnish, Norwegian, or Icelantic? To answer your quesion: NO - you should not be given permission to do this. NO - you are forbidden by law from leaving home without permission. You will be labelled a runaway and hunted down like a fugitive. Even asking such a question proves you lack the responsibility or maturity to be let out of your home without supervision - let alone out of the country.