Ask Caroline

Ask Caroline is a place where readers can ask questions and get answers. Want to know more about something on campus? Ask. Want to know more about politics? Ask. No question is too silly, so start sending your questions to Alternat@student.gvsu.edu.

My car is parked on the downtown campus and I'm worried about its safety with the break ins that have happened. What should I do to stay safe? - Worried

Dear Worried,

The Pew Campus Safety is working hard to keep the cars safe but it’s important that you take the necessary precautions. Campus safety officers suggest you remove all stickers that could advertise an expensive stereo system. Also, try and park in a well lit area and remove everything of value from your car. If your CD player has a removable faceplate, remove it. Don’t give the culprit a reason to break a window.

What color is a kumquat? –Curious about fruit

Dear Curious about fruit,                                                                                             

Kumquats are similar to oranges and, depending on the type, can be yellow or orange. They have a sweet skin with a tart inner flesh. Kumquat trees are native to China and Japan but are also grown in the southern states. They are usually grown for their edible fruit but it certain regions they are used for Christmas decorations.

As we all know it is no longer summer. Sunny days are rare and breezes cold, so what would you suggest students do to prepare for the winter months ahead?  Should we really invest in a pair of long underwear? -Chilly

Dear Chilly,

As college students we face many long walks in blizzard like conditions. It is a good idea to invest in a good warm winter jacket that will keep you warm. Hats, scarves, and gloves are also a good investment to protect your skin from the bitter cold. It’s important to eat healthy during the winter months also, as it’s necessary for the body to use more energy to keep you warm. Drinking lots of fluids will prevent dehydration from the dryness of winter. As for long underwear, it’s a great idea! It will keep you extra warm and your mom won’t mind buying it for you.

Why is it that when relationships end the excuse given by a woman is that they need to “think” about things? – Confused Guy

Dear Confused Guy,           

Usually when a woman gives an excuse it’s because she doesn’t want to state the real reason she’s breaking up with you. I know that when I break up with someone it’s hard and I often think that it will ease the pain if I say I just need time to think. As if maybe they won’t wait an eternity for me to come back. In all honesty though, when a woman says she needs time to think she really means “I need time so you can get over me.”

My boyfriend is really hard to shop for. I dread buying him a Christmas present because I can never find the perfect one. Do you have any tips? – Lost in the Mall

Dear Lost in the Mall,

I have found that personalized gifts are the best, especially for a significant other. As college students we already don’t have a lot of money so sometimes the best gifts are those made ourselves. Mixed CDs are a classic, my parents even like them, and picture frames with some sort of personal touch, like your names, are also an easy way to go. However, if you’re feeling a bit more creative go for something out of the ordinary. I once made my boyfriend a pair of boxers that said “Property of Caroline” on the butt. They were a real hit, even with his mom when she did his laundry!

Where did the tradition of Mistletoe come from? – Waiting to be Kissed

Dear Waiting to be Kissed,       

For years men and women alike have longed for a kiss under the Christmas Mistletoe. The tradition of kissing under the plant may have come from the Viking association with the goddess of love or from the ancient belief that fertility and mistletoe were related. It was also believed that if an unmarried woman was not kissed under the Mistletoe than she would remain single for another year.

If you find yourself caught under the mistletoe this Christmas there is etiquette to be followed. When a man kisses a woman he is to remove one berry. This practice should be repeated until all the berries are gone. When the plant is bare there can be no more kisses so you should get out there and start kissing before the berries are gone!