The Serensky Method: An Introduction

Dear Reader,

As I read your letter, I must admit “I’ve been thinking about old times a lot lately” (VIII.1.6). I thought about past relationships, when I worried like you do now, and “looking back it all seems so well, childish” (VII.4.8). I receive hundreds of letters just like yours from pathetic girls trying to hold onto boyfriends who do not want or appreciate them. Now, I know you probably feel confused and frustrated but “there’s no need for panic” (II.17.1). I know exactly what to do. I realized a long time ago “you just hadda be tougher” than others to survive (II.22.2). I have used the “Serensky Method” myself and as a result, I “regret nothing” because I “have lived life free from compromise” (X.22.6). Now, you have two choices, “either surrender responsibility…or… take control” (X.4).  I recommend the latter. Take control or one day you will find yourself fighting off your cats for the last bite of Double Fudge Brownie ice cream. Now, I will show you the “Serensky Method” to improve your life and move on from your inevitable breakup with your current boyfriend. First of all, do not fight the breakup. I realize you may experience “some animal urge to fight and struggle” to win him back (II.26.5). Do not. I know “when you’re desperate you’ll try anything” but no good can come from wasting your time on him (II.24.5). Right now extravagant and crazy plans most likely run through your head as you contemplate ways to get him back, but “you don’t want him that bad” (VIII.15.3). After all, “some things, once…busted…can’t ever be fixed” so that boy does not deserve the effort or time you would spend trying to get him back (III.7.4). You need to accept reality right now. You deserve better than someone who makes you feel so alone that you need to write to an advice columnist for help. He does not deserve your love. “Life’s too short” to spend with stupid people like him (III.25.8). “God knows what these people have instead of brains” (VIII.12.1). You can do better, but “I’m not here to speculate on the moral lapses of men;” I need to give you advice on what to do next (I.21.8). First, “react in a healthy and positive way to the world” (X.4). You say he wants to break up, fine, “time to...cut our losses” and let him (IX.3). Better yet, break up with the jerk first. The best solution to your problems remains to “forget all of it” and not waste your time clinging to the past (II.14.3). I know you probably want that “magical romance…they promise…when you’re a kid” but time to grow up (IX.7.5).  You just want someone to “wave a wand and make it all better” but no fairy godmother will come (VIII.22.3). Accept what has happened. “Real life is messy, inconsistent” but does that mean you need to get overwhelmed (III.12)? Of course not. After all, “Nothing is hopeless” (II.25.7). How did I come to know so much? “We’re all puppets…I…just… see the strings” (IX.5.4). Walk away from the relationship, no, run away, but remember not to reach for that celebratory buttercream cupcake. Nothing ruins a celebratory break up like realizing you put on twenty pounds in the aftermath. So run towards those salads and kale chips to the tune of some Zumba beats and get ready for your new life. If you follow my advice, I can turn YOU into an independent, successful woman who does not need a man to survive. Any girl can do it. “All best wishes and encouragement” (X.4).

Ms. Serensky

Steady As The Beating Drum

As an incredibly indecisive person, I struggled to choose only one movie to name as my favorite, so after brainstorming a list, I watched several trailers. One quickly stood out as the most uplifting one –one that brought me back to my childhood days and made me want to sit down and watch it again instead of doing any homework. I decided to choose Pocahontas, an old classic and a movie I have loved since childhood. While I love other movies for a few months or maybe a year or two, Pocahontas remains a rare movie I can honestly watch again and again over the years and never grow tired of. While brainstorming ideas for my blog, my younger brother began voicing his opinions about my choices, ranting about the historical inaccuracies in Pocahontas. Although many have criticized the film’s portrayal of Pocahontas, as a child I simply embraced the animal friends and talking trees. I will admit I felt (still feel) slightly jealous of her animal companions, a raccoon and hummingbird, and how she races down rivers and waterfalls in a canoe. Who does not feel uplifted as they watch Pocahontas and John Smith race through the woods singing songs like “Colors of the Wind?” I love the drama in the story, well as much drama as one can expect from Disney, as the two go against their families and everything they know to continue their relationship. Perhaps the most heart wrenching moment occurs when they fear the Native Americans will kill John and he tells her, “I'd rather die tomorrow than live a hundred years without knowing you.” Honestly, who does not secretly want to hear that? In the midst of the drama, the story still manages to create humor with the curious raccoon, Meeko, and the governor’s dog, Percy, antagonizing each other. However, in the end, when John must return to England due to a gunshot wound, their parting pulls at the heart as you wonder if he will return. The only consolation comes from hoping they will one day reunite. For this reason, though, I feel obligated to warn everyone to avoid the sequel. For some reason, the writers decided to become more historically accurate and destroy the relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith. As long as people avoid the horrendous sequel, they can fully enjoy the heartwarming classic, a movie that consistently brings joy to everyone no matter how many times they watch it.