Ask Sara… #2

Editor’s Note: These questions were gathered from an anonymous account (ask.fm/AskSaraToga) and were then answered to the best of “Sara Toga’s” ability.

 

How do I maintain a strong friendship with my best friend when we go to different colleges and can't meet often?

It’s hard to answer this kind of question, because there really is nothing you can do but stay in touch. An email every so often, or a text once in a while, goes a long way. But you and I both know that college will be hard, and finding time will be even harder. I can tell that you value this friendship, and your will to sustain it will keep it alive. Remember that growing up doesn’t mean growing apart. Just have faith in your friendship; I know you guys will make it.

Is this the Krusty Krab?

No, this is Patrick.

 

How do I drop an egg on concrete without cracking it?

A dropping egg has a certain momentum, which cannot be changed from a given height. Change in momentum, which is equal to impulse, is equal to force times time, according to the impulse-momentum principle. Force and time are inversely related. Therefore, you should aim to increase the time it takes for the egg to hit the ground in order to minimize the force exerted on the egg. The integral of force is equal to —

You know what, just scramble it.

 

Joseph Campbell said, "The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek." This treasure can take many forms. But given the risks involved, is love itself really worth pursuing? Or can one find fulfillment in life solely through other avenues like philanthropy or the pursuit of knowledge?

Emotional vulnerability is a common counterpart of love. The nature of love is that it forces you to open your heart and cherish another and risk trusting reciprocation. But the rewards are obvious and perhaps worth it.

As you point out, the treasure in question can take many forms; love is not the only way to lead a “complete” or “fulfilled” life. If philanthropy satiates your needs, go right ahead. If pursuing knowledge makes you happy, no one can stop you.

It’s important to know that Campbell also said, “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” Anything you wish to pursue will have its drawbacks and its rewards, all in the same right. Choose what you want, because there is no better choice.

 

I want to convince my friends to go to dances like Homecoming, but they never seem to want to go. I know how much fun it is, but they just don't seem to be into that kind of stuff. How do I convince them to go?

Music, food, friends, random hopping on the balls of your feet — what’s not to love? Remind your friends that dances are a fun way to just let go and have fun. And if they still don’t want to go, then go without them; dances are another great way to meet new people.

But come on, you don’t like movie nights?

 

I have a friend who always acts like a queen bee in our group of friends and is very self-centered and two-faced, but you have to be really close with her in order to find out who she really is. How should I deal with her?

Buy her a mirror and leave her alone. You have things to do and people to see; no need to waste your time with her. It seems like you have already figured out what she is really like — self-centered and two-faced — and I think that’s enough reason to keep your distance.