Dear Shortie,
I’m starting to experience weird behavior from my boyfriend. He calls me names and degrades me in front of his friends. Is this considered a form of abuse?
-Scared Sally

Dear Scared Sally,
Even though your boyfriend’s actions may seem minor, please know that these are the signs of verbal abuse. Verbal abuse is a very common problem that attacks every human being at some point in their lives. It can be a very devastating form of abuse when the person experiences the attacks frequently. Verbal abuse cannot be readily seen like bruises, but it causes mental and emotional harm. Characteristics identifying verbal abuse are, but not limited to: inconsideration of a person’s feelings, using verbal abusiveness jokingly, belittling the concerns of others and consistently berating a person’s confidence. If the verbal abuse escalates, please make sure to call for help.

Dear Shortie,
Lately I have trouble falling asleep and I feel very isolated from everyone. I hear things and even see things that are not there. I am losing my friends because of my sudden hallucinations. What is going on with me? Am I crazy?
-Kooky Kate

Dear Kooky Kate,
You are not crazy. It seems as though you are suffering from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences, to think logically, to have normal emotional responses and to behave normally in social situations. You are showing many signs already, of the psychotic decree. However, there are some treatment options available. There are antipsychotic and narcoleptic medications, which help to balance the chemicals found in the brain. Please contact the Counseling Service Center to speak to a professional that may find the most effective treatment.

Dear Shortie,
When making love to my girlfriend, she says she gets too wet and doesn’t like it. I would like to know if there is anything she can do to lessen the wetness just a tad.
-Wet & Wild

Dear Wet & Wild,
There are women who expel large amounts of fluid upon orgasm, there are people of both sexes who pee a bit when highly aroused, and then there are those who are regularly wet when sexually aroused. However, for most, hot and juicy are synonymous! You and she may be making a problem over what is, at worst, an inconvenience. If she has an examination and there is no medical concern, you can try the "terry cloth approach." Keep a towel near the bed and use it to dry off your girlfriend during sex.