Ask Karl

What’s the best way to make my mom cry over the phone?A: Wow, what a great question. That’s one of the best ways to get your Mom’s attention if you think she’s forgotten about you. I’ll help you out with a few one liners that get my mom to cry.“Mom, I don’t know where my retainer is. I think I left it at home, maybe.” Cue silent sob from your mother. “I think it will still fit probably, it’s only been 3 months.” This strategy works by getting your mom to go through your old room and dig around for a retainer that’s really been in your dorm room the whole time. When she looks up from under your bed and sees your Little League team picture... WOW, will she miss you.“Mom, my neck hurts. I can’t get out of bed—it just clicks a lot. I’m scared, something feels loose. Ever since I let this kid in my dorm twist my neck until it popped, it hasn’t felt the same—“ By now my mom would be sobbing!“Mom, I want to audition for the musical—but you know I can’t do that. You don’t remember? Well that one time I played a shepherd in the Nativity Scene on Christmas Eve, well Dad took me aside and told me to never show my face on stage again… (Wait for it). I know I didn’t have a talking part but I just really know I messed up.” If executed correctly, this one will get your Dad involved too (super plus).Don’t let your mom become complacent. Make her feel like she’s made a mistake sending you to boarding school!