Welcome to Ask Clare, our advice column. Have a question, dilemma, or quandary? Send it to Clare in an email or on her Facebook page.
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Dear Clare,
I’m camping at Coachella with a friend of mine, Ana. We made the plans a few months ago for this to be a girls’ weekend. We were both in relationships at the time, but Ana has since broken up with her man. Now, all Ana wants to talk about is finding a guy to hook up with. I am still with my boyfriend and not really eager to be her wingman. Today, she was trying to figure out how to alert me if the tent is ‘in use’ for her escapades. How can I direct some of her focus back onto the concert itself and our weekend together?
– Tent troubles
Tent troubles,
Go through the lineup together and talk about fun things you can do while you’re there. You should also plan to have some alone time or to meet up with other friends in the event that Ana met her match. Your friends’ lives change and their priorities change with them. Try to embrace who Ana is and what she needs right now without letting it affect your weekend. Also – knowing if the tent is occupied is rather helpful information. Keep your sleeping bag tied up in a garbage bag until you’re ready to tuck in for the night.
– Clare
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Clare,
Despite growing up in the valley, I’ve never been to Coachella. I finally bit the bullet and bought myself a wristband for weekend one. The advice I get from festival veterans varies so much. How should I know who to trust on these matters? I want to have the best possible weekend.
– Coachella newbie
Coachella newbie,
The festival is as diverse as the crowd it draws. Take advice from friends with similar tastes. Review the lineup and determine what you can’t miss. Try to go with the flow and not to set expectations. Also – check the weather and plan accordingly. Sun hat, raincoat, breathing mask….accessories galore.
– Clare
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Dear Clare,
My cousin offered to sell me her wristband cheap because she couldn’t go anymore. I was stoked and sent her the money on Venmo right away. Two weeks ago, I got a Venmo from her for the same amount followed by a text that said, “Sorry, I am able to go now. You should definitely try to find something on Craigslist.” I had already spent hours planning, essentially bought a new wardrobe and now tickets are selling for double what I paid her. Should I just sit at home and stew or cough up more than I can afford?
– Cruel cousin
Cruel cousin,
If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is. That being said, you can and should give your cousin shit for this. You should try to find cheaper tickets for weekend two online. I wish you the best of luck – be sure you’re getting the real deal.
– Clare
