The readers submitted some questions about life, love and everything in between. I answered them as honest as I knew possible. I’m here to keep it real with you when no one else is and to answer with no judgment because I don’t know you! I’m just a college junior who enjoys giving his opinion. Here are some of the questions I got this week:

Are girls obligated to plan dates sometimes?

Yes. Why shouldn’t a girl plan a date sometimes? You have to give a little to get a little. Come on now ladies, you can plan a movie and dinner. You could keep it super simple. I don’t think you’re necessarily obligated, but trust me sweetie whoever you’re dating will appreciate it once in a blue moon. Remember, what you won’t do, someone else will.

Does life ever slow down?

The answer to this question is simple, no. Well, it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re doing too much with your life, then slow down, but life itself is not going to slow down for you honey. You need to go ahead and grab a snack and prepare yourself for the ride.

How would you address the “importance” of gender roles in society, and do you think they are important or not?

Well, gender has always played a part in society. But as we progress these traditional and almost ritualistic gender norms and practices have become quite fluid. Women are now able to do things that only men would do and vice versa. The roles of your specific gender are becoming a thing of the past. That doesn’t mean that you have to abandon what you believe or how you think people should act. It just allows others to do and be what and whom they want and are.

Should I, as a man, feel obligated to pay for every date?

Depends on who you’re dating, buddy. Does the person you’re going on dates with work? Are they extremely independent? Also, who is asking whom on these dates? It’s not always your obligation to pay for a date. You can split the bill every now and then.

How do you stay motivated throughout the semester?

This is seriously a big struggle for me sometimes. I really have to sit myself down and remind myself of the bigger picture. Hard work pays off and the harder I work throughout each semester, the bigger my reward one day. It also really helps to have people in your corner supporting you and pushing you to always do your best. I must say that I am extremely thankful to have people like that in my corner. If you don’t, then you are hanging around the wrong people, kiddo. So remember this the next time you find yourself ready to throw in the towel with school. Your hard work will pay off one day and your glow up is coming baby. Just keep pushing forward.

To have your question answered, you can drop them off in the labeled box in the Parthenon lab for next week or tweet at MUParthenon with #XoxoMichael. You can also send questions to [email protected]

Michael Brown can be contacted at [email protected]