Dear Christine,

This is in response to last week’s question about the guy who was
trying to lose weight, but his girlfriend was getting in the way.

My roommate has gradually been gaining weight since freshman year.
It’s like he gained the freshman 15 and hasn’t stopped. I’m really
getting worried about him — he doesn’t do much except go to work, class
and sit around.

I don’t want to come right out and tell him he’s fat, but I don’t
want this to get any worse.

—Concerned Roommate

Dear Concerned,

As long as you’re truly concerned about him (and not doing this for
any selfish motive, such as you don’t want him to make you look bad), I
think it would be OK to try to be proactive.

Is he sensitive about his weight? Does he seem down on himself? Be
very careful about what you say and how you say it, because you don’t
want to hurt his feelings.

If you don’t feel comfortable having a discussion with him, try
getting him involved. Maybe mention to him that you’re trying to lose
that beer gut you’ve accumulated over the last few semesters and ask
him if he’d be your workout partner. If he feels like he’s helping you,
he may be more willing to do it.

Also, instead of carpooling with him to class, suggest walking
together. When you guys would usually play video games, suggest going
outside and tossing the football. Try cutting down your daily fast food
trips to maybe once or twice a week — go to the grocery store together
instead.

If you help him with these little changes, he may be less
intimidated at the thought of losing weight. Most importantly — if you
notice that he’s losing weight, let him know he’s looking good. A
little encouragement goes a long way.

—Christine

Dear Christine,

I think it is so gross when people come to class coughing and
sneezing all over the place. The other day I was in class, and a girl
was coughing so loud that I could hardly hear the professor’s lecture.
Is there any way to ask these sick people to leave?

—Trying to stay healthy

Dear Healthy,

Despite the fact that I feel your pain, I don’t know if there’s much
you can do about it. Some professors have such strict attendance
policies that people can’t afford to miss a class.

If you’re in a class without an attendance policy, you could always
offer to take notes for that person and e-mail them a copy. I’m sure
that the sick student would be eternally grateful — I’m almost positive
he or she would rather be in bed. Consider it your good deed of the day.

Other than offering to help, there’s not much you can do except
protect yourself. Be sure that you’re washing your hands, getting
enough sleep, some moderate exercise and taking a vitamin. Keep your
immune system strong, and you’ll be less likely to get sick.

—Christine

Christine Walsh can be reached at advice@cm-life.com.

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