When tongue rings get in the way

'Ask Angie' is the Daily's weekly advice column. E-mail questions to ask_angie@tuftsdaily.com.

Q: Due to her monthly cycle, my girlfriend has recently become unavailable. As a solution to this temporary problem, she has recently been providing me with a lot of oral sex. The problem is that the area around her tongue ring has

gotten really irritated lately. Should I feel guilty about asking her to continue in spite of this problem, since after all it is her fault that she isn't available down there? Thank you very much

_ A concerned student



A: Excuse me? Her fault?! The decision you made to start dating women came with the understanding that it's perfectly normal and natural for them to receive the monthly menstrual visitor. It's no one's "fault" (besides, well, Mother Nature), and you should certainly be more understanding if she's in major discomfort! I'm not quite clear on something _ is her tongue ring irritated BECAUSE of the oral sex? That's the impression I'm getting. You say she's providing you with a lot of this sexual gratification _ okay, so cut it down a little bit. She's obviously willing and happy to perform, but she'd probably be just as happy to perform a little bit less often. That way, you're still getting your kicks and her tongue's got some time to heal. With all the bloating, cramps and ugly stuff that comes along with her period, you're lucky to be getting any in the first place... she sounds like a keeper.



Q: Angie, my boyfriend here at school keeps talking about how he wants to join a fraternity maybe next year. I want to support him but I am afraid if he joins one it will be too hard on our relationship. Should I tell him not to join one??

_ Greek girlfriend



A: Well, this isn't really your decision to make, now is it? Sure, you can put in your two cents on the subject, but you can't tell him whether or not he should join a fraternity. It seems like he's really set on this idea _ does he already have a certain one in mind? Make sure he knows about the new financial and social responsibilities that come with this decision. Tons of people on this campus are dating members of the Greek system and have few problems because of it. You may find yourself with new, fun social activities that come along with his involvement in his brotherhood, or even with some new friends. You may also find that he is around less, which is entirely possible. Maybe it's better to prepare for this ahead of time. If he's still up for "rushing" when next year rolls around, then you should have a talk about your concerns. Tell him you're worried that you'll see him less, and try to set aside some time that you know you'll have together. As

important as his fraternity may become, you'll be incredibly important to him as well, and he'll know if his commitments are making your relationship too strained.