To all my trusty readers, I did this weekend what I call, "people fasting". That is to say I simply decided to be alone all weekend. I have been around so many people over the last six or eight months that I thought, I just need a break. It's good therapy. I think it also helped my column as well. However, you may see a more serious feel to it this time around. I lost a friend last week. That didn't help. But, no worries trusty readers, I'm still the snide, fun loving asshole that I've always been. I have noticed one thing though. Since the inception of Dear Rockett, the letters have gotten more serious each time I get a batch. This is cool because it indicates that there are some people who actually really want advice from me. Why me? Because I'm here, I guess. I only hope that you realize that it's just my opinion and nothing more. I am not responsible for anyone being responsible or not. I actually genuinely care about people and if my advice actually helps someone, I am more than happy to give it. But just remember, I'm still just the dickwad drummer in Poison. I'm an entertainer, not a real doctor and if you have really serious problems, do yourself a favor and get real help.

Dr. Rockett

p.s. The Sex and the City thing is going really well so far. Keep sending those letters! Thank you!!!

Dear Rockett,
About a year ago (I'm 19) I met this guy through my job (I do public relations for a video game website and he used to do it for a game company). He had a crush on me for the longest time, but I didn't pay much attention since I had a serious boyfriend at the time. He came to my hometown on business and we got together and sparks just flew. Three months later I ditched my boyfriend for him. A month later (we live on opposite sides of the country), I flew out to meet his parents and BAM, he proposed. He's older than me and I was kinda freaked out since I'm just a college student, but everything happens in it's own time. So we're engaged for 7 months and he's trying to get a new job so I can move out w/him. After months it finally happens and I move out there. Within four days he's telling me he thinks I should go home because he feels like he can't offer me what I deserve (I left a full ride at college, friends, and family to be w/this guy). Then it dwindles down to "I'm not sure what I want anymore, but I'm still in love with and want you in my life." He says he's really confused now, and all he does is spend his time working at the office, like 12 hours a day. So I go home and rebuild things here, while he plans on coming out to visit often. He hopes he's going to work through all this so we can be together, though he says he feels like he doesn't deserve me, no girl can compare to me, I should be treated like a princess, blah blah blah. It's not like my looks changed or anything or I stopped putting out; I've been told I'm gorgeous (like Drew Barrymore with Sarah Jessica Parker's hair) and me and my guy have amazing sex. I could get a guy soooo much more gorgeous compared to my boyfriend, but I'm totally in love w/my boyfriend and don't want anyone else, even though he says it's not fair for me to wait on him. I know he's not cheating because he's at the office 24/7 (we talk online from there and he sends me e-mails, so he's completely truthful...plus he's not a cheater since it's happened to him so much). My heart tells me I should give him the time and space he needs and it'll all be good. My question is, what the fuck is going on here? I've talked to all our friends about it, they just tell me to be patient and he'll snap out of it. If he absolutely didn't want to be with me, I could understand more, but he just doesn't seem to know what he wants now. It's like he's just completely consumed by his job. What should I do? Any advice?

Sad & Confused Undergrad

Dear Sad & Confused Undergrad,
There is an old saying, "You don't marry the person, you marry the relationship". It seems to me that he isn't holding up his end of the bargain so far. Imagine what marriage might bring since during the courtship he has trouble holding up a deal with you. After all, that is what a romantic relationship is, a deal with someone whom we happen to be romantic with.
My advice? No matter how much it hurts, don't allow him to get away with it. You are doing a great disservice to you and him allowing him to control the situation solely. You made a commitment and now he's balking. So, move on with your life and if he wants it to happen, it's his turn to make the move or whatever would bring the two of you together. If you give up slack here, you will set yourself up for being disrespected in the relationship from here on out and possibly future relationships.
If you believe at all in feminism and equality in a relationship, you must act equally or at least act on what you and your partner agree upon. Anything less is disrespectful to you. You shouldn't take that as a human being.
Now I know what you might be thinking... Rikki Rockett preaching feminism in a relationship? But look, if I went out and screwed four different women tonight, I promise you it would be because WE agreed to have sex, not just one of us agreed. This isn't just about sex, I know, but I am making a point to negate the sexual influence of feminism out of the picture here and get to the nitty gritty of relationships. That is, communicating and sticking to agreements.
Look, no matter if you move on in life or stick around like the fiancé in waiting, he'll either snap out of it or not. The real question is, where does it leave you as a person at the end of the day. If you are going to continue on and get married, get a counselor now, not after you have problems once you are married. I believe this whole heartedly. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Doc Rikki,
I'm a 35 year old woman, married and a working mom. I'm attractive, I'd say (I sent a pic). I've known my hubby for 15 years (we've been married for the last 10). My "problem" is this...Nothing is ever enough. I'm not talking money. I'm talking sex. Fun. Thrills. You know how most women cringe when construction workers give catcalls? I wanna know why I don't get more. I totally get off on it. This is a fairly recent development.
No, I have never cheated (physically) on my husband since the day I met him. However, what I have been doing is getting off with some dudes in cyberspace. Of course, I never give my real name (or even location) and I play it as safe as possible. I get off, they get off, and it's strictly for fun. Plus, I get to take some of what I learned back to the bedroom and the hubby benefits, too!
My question is this -- am I cheating? I've spoken about it with some of my girlfriends, and they are divided on the issue. Some say yeah, it's "emotional infidelity". Some agree with me, it's like my own little phone sex hotline without the phone, strictly porn. I want to know your opinion.
Please keep in mind these facts:
#1 I don't want to leave my hubby -- we totally rock, in bed and out. He's amazing, and not only do I love him, but I really like him a lot, too.
#2 While I do have a stable of chat-guys (at least, I *think* they are guys! ha ha) that are "regulars", I don't know anything about them, don't want to know, and am certainly not interested in meeting any of them in person (if you catch my drift).
#3 I have had lots of opportunities during my marriage to have sex with other men (and even some women), but am not interested (well, the women kind of interest me, but that's for another letter...).
#4 When I am with my hubby, I am totally there, 110%.
Why do I thrill at spending my lunch hours at work online getting off with guys I don't know? My job is very stressful (plus it doesn't end when I get home to my toddler either!) and this activity of mine is an amazing stress-reliever. One other positive aspect is that I am getting to be even more outgoing and adventurous in the sack (which, trust me, is saying something....) I don't know, I guess I'm just feeling guilty that my man isn't enough to satisfy some part of me. I am an outrageous flirt, but he knew that when he married me and it has never been a problem. Even though I look at the menu, I always look forward to going home to eat...
Tell me, Doctor, should I be feeling bad about my extra-curricular activities, or am I just going through a phase? Is it okay when there is no emotional involvement, or am I kidding myself with the but-honey-he-means-nothing-to-me-mentality? I'd love to know what you think. And it's killing me not to flirt with you right now in this letter, by the way. But I digress....

Take care, and rock on,
"Very Lusty"

Dear Very Lusty,
This is always an interesting topic. The question is, like your friend said, is it "emotional infidelity". To me the answer is clearly a yes. Why? Because I think we draw a line at simple fantasies and masturbation when the we start to physically involve someone else. That is to say, when we are interactive in some way with some else.
For instance, what if your hubby was frequenting one of those places that you jerk off while watching some chick through a window in a booth? Or, better yet, bustin' out with the credit card to interact with some chick on a web cam? What about the good old sex phone-lines?
Look, far be it for me to judge your relationship and how to handle such things because you may have an agreement that allows you to do such things. I seriously doubt it, though. Other wise, this would not weigh on your mind.
Since you are asking me, I'd say that if my chick was getting off with some other guy(s) online, yeah, I'd be pissed! I'd be hurt too. Granted, it isn't like you are actually fucking the guys, but again, it's that "emotional infidelity" issue. As I have said before, only 15% of sex is really physical, the rest is a head trip. So, you are giving 85% of yourself to someone other than your husband in effect. It is "safe sex" in the purest form, but is it safe for your relationship? Only you, can answer that.
The other obvious question is: Will it ever go farther than just online sex? I think eventually one of these guys will want to actually see you in person. What then? Will you? I bet you've already considered it, haven't you? Be careful my dear!
Here comes my famous last words... On the other hand... If you seriously think that this is actually helping your relationship with your husband, go for it and have a good time. (Like you haven't been!) My only sticker still remains though, I just can't see your husband feeling good about this going on. Remember, there are tons of real world examples of this virtually ruining relationships.
Again, be careful my dear...

Dr. Rockett

Dear Dr.
I have been married for five years to a woman that I am still very much in love with. I'm 29 and she's 31. All is very well with except one thing. I'm looking to push the envelope sexually. Our sex life is very fulfilling according to her, however I feel there is need for growth. I would really like to try things we've never tried such as anal sex, sex toys, etc... She has zero interest in any of my suggestions, she says she's never tried these things and never will. Rikki, I'm going insane!! I constantly have women throwing themselves. (I'm a drummer in a band and a hairdresser, you understand, right?) I've been very loyal so far, but (no pun intended)............
Thanks,
ringworm

Dear Ringworm, (great name!)
Simply put, your woman should be more inclined to attend to your wants and needs. You aren't asking to bring another person into the relationship or anything potentially harmful, so she should at least be willing to try some things. I believe that people should try and accommodate each other in a relationship at least to the point where it won't grate against them morally.
Don't threaten her with other women and cheating though. This will just create more of a gap. She already knows that there are other women out there and will just remind you that she too, can get fucked some other place. This gets you nowhere in a discussion. That just becomes a "Mexican stand-off" and nothing more.
Start by asking her to wear something different in the bedroom. even get it for her. Tell her it's for "us". Then slowly push the envelope and see what happens when she realizes that it's all just fun and you aren't becoming a perv or some shit. Hope this helps.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Dr. Rockett,
Hi I've got a big problem that I hope you can help me out with. I've been married for 6 months. I'm 32 and she is 40. I've always been insecure about myself because as a kid I was fat. I sliimed down when I was 18 but I never lost thatt fat insecurity. I have a better body now .People say I look like Matthew Broderick or Patrick Dempsey I look about 21 seriously. My wife is fat 5 ' 7 " 220 . Whle we were dating (7 years ) It didnt bother me. Since we have been married all of a sudden it's an issue for me . I can't help it , and I don't know why. I beg her to go on a diet. She always says no. I criticize her constantly . I really feel badly but I can;t seem to control it. I guess we look a little wierd together but I never thought so until after our wedding. Recently at a friends wedding a cute girl asked me if my wife was my sister , When I told her she was my wife the girl gave 2 double takes. since then I've been extra depressed and I feel very guilty about all of this . I love my wife deeply . One day I got so depressed I thought of telling her diet or I can't take be with you . I could never do that though. I couldnt imagine how that woud be I know she would threaten to hurt herself and I would be miserable. At this point though it is very hard for me I almost have panic attacks when we go out together in public. I don't know why I feel like this or what I should do. I appreciate your help .

PS If you need pictures I can foward them

PPS Just saw your pal CC with his band . They were great.

Dear Used To Be Fat,
I think her being fat has less to do with your obsession with her loosing weight than you might think. You now have the confidence that you may not have had before marrying her and you may feel that you deserve better in the looks department now. Fair enough.
On her side... You accepted her the way she is from the get go and now you want her to change. Don't expect a real answer from her about it. She is clouded with feelings of rejection. I promise, deep down where she might not want to talk about, she would rather be thinner. She probably has feelings of failure or the inability to not meet goals when it comes to her weight. It is a very, very tough thing to deal with for some people.
The fact is, and I stand by this, fat people should loose weight. Just like smokers should quit smoking. I say that not in jest, but the facts are, both are harmful to our health. Let's just start and end there for this discussion. Now before someone fat tears me a second asshole, let me just say that you and I both know if you are fat, you aren't happy that way.
If you are fat, should you be loved? Yes. Should you be respected? Yes. Should you be made fun of? NO! I stand by that too. On the other hand, I think that America and similar countries are way too obsessed with looks and being thin and it's only getting worse. But, don't blame the magazines or the thin models for your inability to commit yourself to a healthier lifestyle. (And don't blame Marilyn Manson for Columbine while your at it either!) I believe people should get healthy for reasons other than vanity alone.
Let your wife know that because you care about her, that you are concerned and that you have been thinking and decided that this isn't the way she should be and it's important to you that she sees it your way for the both of you. She is 40 years old and that is a perfect time for a lifestyle change.
You can do this lovingly. You aren't asking her to get a nose job, tit job and an ass lift so she looks like a Playboy model! You are asking her to take care of her self for you and her as a team. Good luck.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Dr.Rockett,
I'm a freshman in college. I met this chick about a month ago that also goes to my school. She's really cool, and is exactly what I've been looking for. She showed a great amount of interest in me, and I thought everything was going to lead to a great relationship. I didn't want to smother her, so I kept a little distance so I wouldn't come on too strong. About a week ago, I told her I wanted to be with her. And I got a "I really like you a lot, but I just want to be friends. I'm an independent girl, and I don't really want to date a guy right now." She broke my heart!!! What should I do?

Rock N' Roll Chris

Dear Rock N' Roll Chris,
It's quite simple really. She said she "just wants to be friends". So, just be her friend. That's what she wants. You can't force it Chris. She'll respect you more this way.
Believe me Chris, I know the "Just wanna be friends" thing sux ass. However, This is what can come of a "Just friends" relationship.
1. That's all that will ever happen. You are "Just friends". (Who knows, maybe ya get to know her better and are glad that it never went any farther.)
2. She may say to herself later down the line after being "Just friends" for a while, Hmmm, this guy rocks, "Chris, will you please make a move, I'm horny!" (Ya never know.)
3. She introduces you to a friend of hers that blows the chick in question away and sparks fly. (The chick in question gets jealous, the ultimate!)
4. She was simply blowing your ass off and doesn't even like you in the least. (Naw, I'm just fuckin' with ya.)
I say be her friend Chris. If she gets comfortable enough ya may get to at least see her naked. This is such a guy ploy. So what? All is fair in love and war!

Dr. Rockett

Dear Dr. Rockett:
I have a dilemma and I'm hoping you can give me some sound advice.
I am a very attractive girl of 26 and I have a boyfriend for about 3 years, he is in a pretty popular hard rock band and I love him. I'm still attracted to him. Lately I've been thinking that if I can be with him then what is stopping me from being with other rock guys that I find sexy! I'm 5'8", 36-29-38 and really cute in the face.
I don't want to leave him and have no particular interest in anyone else but every time I see someone hot I wonder what it would be like to have unbridled, hot sex with them. Also, I still have sexual feelings for man but can't seem to follow through! What's wrong with me!

confused

Dear Confused #1,
Ahhh, the B.B.D. (Bigger Better Deal) Please girl, this letter sickens me. I'll tell you why...
I once took the advice of someone and went for a "good old Mid-Western girl" instead of trying for the prima donna Hollywood types that I was accustom to. Cool, maybe a good thing. Well, during the "Open up..." Tour, I was smitten with this one chick's good looks and gracious attitude. She seemed so happy to be with me and constantly told me how lucky she felt to have me. I had a genuine normal-mid-western girl! She was very hot and after I bought her clothes, took her around the country and other countries and gave her the confidence that she was better than all those other chicks back in L.A., she turned on me. She figured the exact same thing that you are thinking. If I can get him, who else can I snag? Well, she went for it. Guess what? Last I heard she has two kids to some guy, no husband and strips on the weekends. Good goin'!
Forgive me for being so jaded, but I've been there, done that. If you wanna fuck around, fine. But don't use your current boyfriend as a benchmark for your "possibility meter." This is so disrespectful and ugly. You should dump your boyfriend and go have a good time until you settle down and know what you want. Be big enough to tell him the truth and you'll be a better person for it. Other wise, if you use your good looks to simply propagate the possible, you'll be as ugly as a troll in the long run.
You say your guy is in a pretty popular band? Well, give him a break then, so he can enjoy this time of his life without the worry of wayward wondering eyed chick.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Rikki, Several years ago, I became acquaintences with a guy that I worked with at the time. Not a best friend type of thing but somewhat a pal I suppose. After a little while, his wife starting becoming friendly. I am married also. Before I knew it, she was calling me and e-mailing me all the time and telling me the kind of things that she wanted to do to me. In the mean time, her husband changed jobs, so it made it a little more easy to deal with, not having to see him on a daily basis. So she started offering oral sex, any time, any where i wanted, a blow job, that was it, nothing in return. Being a man, i liked this. I liked this alot. Well it went on for quite a while and finally they moved and I felt relieved that I wouldn't be in that situation anymore. Now she drives hours just to come to my town to suck my dick and leaves. I know, I must sound like a fool for complaining about this, but I am not comfortable with the situation. She is a very attractive women and a freak in all of the wonderful ways, but I love my wife and hate the fact that this whole thing ever started. I have tried to end the "relationship" several times, and she always pulls a fatal attraction on me. How can I get out of this?
signed,
CONFUSED

Dear CONFUSED #2,
I know ya don't wanna hear it, and I'm certainly not going to preach religion here, but why take a religious oath if you aren't going to respect it? However, you are a man dammit, flesh and blood. We all make mistakes and I and many, many others are not immune.
This reminds me of this dude who was fucking some chick on the side while he was married. The side chick got the clap and low and behold, so did he and God forbid, he was sure his wife would too! Eweey! Ugly fuckin' sitch, huh? He ended up telling her that he had a flu bug and that she should take what he was taking so that she wouldn't get the flu too. It worked and she never got a symptom of the clap before the antibiotic knocked it out. It was a very close call and thanks to a very understanding doctor, he got out of the situation clean. (Want to add nauseum to that story? Just substitute the clap for AIDS. Can you imagine?)
There is a lesson to be learned here. You don't need me to tell you that. So, how do we get you out of this mess cleanly? This ain't gonna be easy. How fatal attraction is she actually? I mean, if she blew your cover, wouldn't she be blowing her's too?
You are both married so unless she doesn't give a fuck about her husband finding out, she should consider this "uncomfortable" thing a threat to her relationship too. Maybe tell her you are feeling guilty now and if it doesn't stop you'll have to come clean with both her husband and your wife. If you think she'd actually call you on it, I say ride it out. She'll finally tire of it I'm sure. Be really, really cold about it. Maybe even tell her that you are fucking someone else now. Think of ways to really turn her off to the situation. Don't be nice at all anymore. If you are, you really aren't ready to give it up at all.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Doctor Rockett,
I am a 21 year old Virgin. I have never slept or touched a guy in that way only kissed. A lot of people say that that's good, but sometimes I feel so weird. I don't know why but I just feel really uncomfortable whenever a guy ever tries to do something.
I do like guys so that's not the problem. I just see everyone around doing it and I think, what is wrong with me? My so called best friend even went so far as to call me a bitch for not sleeping with my last boyfriend. I do want to wait for the right person but I don't mean to be so uptight. I had a guy touch me or make me touch him when I was younger about 6 or 7 but I can't really remember shit from that. Could that be it, or am I just uptight and weird? Thanks,

Confused

Dear CONFUSED #3,
What is right for one person is not always right for another. Who cares if you are 21 and a virgin. You just haven't found the right situation just yet. Relax, it's no big deal.
Maybe the thing when you were young really did have an impact on you. If that is really the case, you should seek counseling. There is no shame at all in that. Counselors even have counselors sometimes. We all need someone more versed in certain things to help and sometimes friends aren't the best answer. It doesn't mean you are sick. You may just be a little "stuck' on this issue.
Having sex for the first time is usually scary for chicks. At some point, you'll just have to take the plunge. Just be ready for it and not do it because someone calls you a bitch.
Take your time if you have to and I'm sure the first guy will be very lucky to have you.

Dr. Rockett

Rikki,

I have a big problem, ok a couple of years ago I caught HPV-veneral warts. At the time i got it I had only been with 5 guys. The guy who gave it to me never told me he had it and denied he had it but i know it was him cause the incubation period is like 1-4 months and i was with no one else at that time. Around the same time I had met my boyfriend who i was with for 2 years,, we had unprotected sex when I knew I had an outbreak --the out break is like a super tiny pimple not visible to the human eye,, I mean I asked him to use a condom and he persisted we didnt but I didnt tell him I had HPV. I wanted to sooooooo bad but i felt hed never wanna see me again if i did. So anyway we broke up cause he cheated on me and I know he has it cause when we were together i saw it on him --hes probaly not sure who he got it from since he was slutting around. But now im with someone new and we didnt use protection and I didnt tell him but i havent had an outbreak in a long time. But I feel the right thing to do is to tell him I just can bring myself to tell him. I know i sound really selfish for not telling these guys but im ust scared that ok either they will think im a slut -not wanna see me anymore , or theyll be thinking about it when we have sex!! What do you think should i tell this guy or any other guy about this in the future or just keep it to myself ?

Dear Wart Girl,
Do I think you should tell him? Of course I do. Look, this is what proliferates the spread of STD's. This is the year 2000 and people still act like they should be ashamed of sex. If you have sex, shit can happen.
If some friend had the flu and gave it to you, I'm sure they'd not only own up to the fact that they had it, but they'd probably offer a possible treatment or something. Why isn't it any different with STD's? If we are going to wipe out these problems there is only one way... educating each other about it. Fuck this "I'm ashamed" bullshit. Yeah, when ya get something, it sucks! And it isn't something that you want to scream from the rooftops. But at the same time, acting like it isn't a problem REALLY makes it a problem.
Tell the guy what you are telling me. It will really suck, I know, but in the long run, it will be the best solution. If you "hit and run" it will probably catch up with you and then you'll be more than just someone who made a mistake, you'll be a person who made a mistake and isn't big enough to own up to it. Did your parents not teach you better? Anyone out having sex will probably have to face some sort of infection or STD at some point. It is estimated that 1 in 3 college students will get at least one STD before graduating. It's simply a fact of life. Again, the only way to minimize the spread of this stuff is to talk about it and be educated about it. It isn't so simple as it once may have been where the worst thing was getting pregnant or getting the clap.
I have had my fun on the road being in this band, so I'm not immune myself. I have had a few STD's over the years but, thank God I never got the big one! All of the STD's but one, we can live with. That's the good news. If everyone was honest, we would certainly minimize the problem.
Further more, if any guy or girl would call you a slut or some such shit for getting something from a guy that didn't tell you that he had something, is a narrow minded asshole! Fuck him and anyone like him who isn't grown up enough to deal with real life problems like this. If you tell the guy and he can't handle it, it's his problem, you were big enough to be honest and join the people who are capable of changing this stupid mentality of hiding from STD's. Because you can't hide from them! Denial is a disease unto itself.
You made a mistake without meaning to. You are human and I'm sure you are a good one. Don't make another mistake...

Dr. Rockett

Hey Rikki,
I'm going to ask about a scenario that doesn't involved sex. I know that with your infinite metaphysical wisdom, you'll be able to help me out (/asskissing mode off).
I run a college newspaper. As a matter of fact, I'm the editor-in-chief. I went into this academic year hoping to have the paper rise above the mediocre, homogenius fluff it has presented the past few years.
So, the first issue comes out. I'll admit, it was controversial (mostly involving internal school stuff). The problem is, we pissed off a lot of high-up people in the Student's Council. Two hours after our first issue hit the newstands, it was seized and destroyed by the president of the council.
The council now wants to see all proofs of the paper before we go to press. They have said they will dictate what is published, and what is not. As well, they wants complete control over the paper's finances and editorial board. My staff and I have been fighting this vigorously, but it seems the only way out of this mess is to make a deal with the devil, and deliver the paper that Mr. Fuckhead president wants.
So, Rikki: Do I stick true to my guns, or do I sell-out and join the mainstream assholes who comprise the council I so dearly hate? Thanks!

Editor-In-Distress

ps - BTW, my paper also has a huge music reviews/interviews section... and we reach 30 000 students every month. If you ever want some press (we've interviewed John Corabi, MxPx, In Flames, Hammerfall, No Motiv, and unfortunately, Sebitchian) let me know!

Dear Editor-In-Distress,
I know how ya feel. I had a comic book company and I too wanted to deal with very adult content at the risk of my books ending up in a brown paper bag under the counter where no one would know they were there.
Society as a whole is terribly afraid of what people are really thinking. This is why the net is so wildly popular. But alas, it too is being censored more and more every day. There have even been people who have said, "Don't even think of that notion!" What? Thought police? What kind of a sick country are we living in?
We live in a world where underage girls are swaying their hips on MTV and being more seductive than Madonna. Hey, but don't think those thoughts you sick bastard! Funny thing is, it's usually the same old farts who probably jack off to Britney Spears pictures that their kids have laying around.
So, what do you do? The fact is, this paper isn't actually yours. If you worked for a magazine or paper in the outside world, you would have to follow rules that define the publication as a whole also. It is a school based paper. You are only going to get away with so much. Is this that much of a surprise to you? If you believe in what you are writing, fight for it. It won't be easy as you can see. Just watch "The People vs. Larry Flint". Till this day, Larry fights for the freedom of the press.
Keep in mind though, you are offering your services as an editor to the mass of students who'll be reading it. Don't be too self-centered about it's content even though it may at times seem boring.

Dr. Rockett

Dear Dr. R
Last summer I hung out with a girlfriend that I went to high school with over a year ago. She's only been a girlfriend in the "friend" sense. Nothing more. I've known her for years but didn't think she liked me in any other sense but friendship.
I've wanted to ask her out on a real date but, she didn't put out any signals, and barely ever flirted with me.(she did with other guys though)
Well, one day I was with her, I overheard her tell my friend that she was going to ask ME out! I heard him ask her when she was going to, and she said that she didn't know when. To make a long story short........this inflated my ego. I started acting different around her, because I thought I was already "in." I usually was the worst around my friends. She stopped likeing me and never asked me out. I didn't know what I was doing was stupid at the time, and now I wish I could start over again.
She thinks I'm a total jerk, but that's not me, I tried to explain that to her the last time I talked to her . I really miss her but we haven't talked to each other for like 6 months. Is there anything I could say to her? Has it been too long already? Should I just give up at this point?

A jerk in California

Dear Jerk In California,
You have just told me what I think you should be telling her. No, there are no magic words that will fix it. You have to tell your story to her and if all goes well, she'll come around. If not, she'll at least understand what happened and have a healthier view about you. I really think it's that simple. Go for it...

Dr. Rockett