Libby Hill

Dear Libby,

I need some serious help before my roommate and I come to blows on Thursday.

The problem is our TV. Generally, we can sort of come to some kind of consensus about what to watch, but on Thursday night, all bets are off. We agree on watching Friends, but come 8 p.m., her television taste goes into the crapper and the conflict begins.

See, my roommate thinks that Will & Grace is the best show in the history of the world. I, on the other hand, think this opinion renders her borderline mentally unstable, and I would much rather spend my evening watching CSI, which airs at the same time. Typically this wouldn’t be a problem, but since the day rooms are now bedrooms, I’m out of ideas.

Neither of us are willing to compromise and I really don’t want this to ruin our relationship for the rest of the year. What should we do?

— Dont Want to Punch Her, But I’ll Do What I Have to Do

Dear Punch,

I feel for you, I really do. I feel that no one should be forced to watch that shrieky, unfunny mess of a television show against their will. Lucky for you (and your opinion-impaired roomie), I have some ideas that may work out for you.

First of all, let me introduce you to the VCR. It’s a radical little device that can record programs while you watch something else! However, if you are one of the approximately six people who don’t own one, I have a few other options.

For one, you could check out the Student Union’s televisions, since there’s always a chance that there will be an available TV to watch whatever you or she may choose. Or you could find a friend or acquaintance to watch with or even borrow the VCR of.

And hey, if all else fails, you could come bum at my apartment. The hubby and I live in a strict Will-&-Grace-free zone.