This Is Me Magazine Issue Two

Life's Like Animal Planet

So I was walking the other day, and I couldn't help but feel like I was watching a nature documentary on Animal Planet. I'll explain.

As you may know, most sidewalks are only made big enough to fit two people walking side by side comfortably, right? So how does this effect a group of friends? Let's call them a pack- I will be using the term 'pack' a lot in this.

For the pack, I was observing that there were five people. (Now you may be asking, was I stalking so hard that I really remember how many there were? Well, yes, but what can I say- they caught my interest. Any-who, back to the topic at hand.) In this case, the buddy system was being used. We all know how the buddy system works, right? Ok, good. This makes it easy for friends to walk and talk comfortably on the sidewalk as they proceed to their destination.

However, if your pack has an odd number, like the one I am referring to, you would have an 'Omega, which is a loner or outcast in the pack.

For the 'Omega,' life is a constant struggle. They tend to be the one who is squashed into the wall, or pushed off the sidewalk. They are constantly moving around and trying to be included in the conversations going on with the others. Their life is unpredictable, and they are constantly hoping for the day they move up the hierarchy, or rank. 

It is a constant struggle for most if the pack are all fighting for the 'Beta' position. Why not the 'Alpha' position, you may ask? Well, the 'Alpha' position is automatically given to the leader of the pack. The person showing the right qualities from the get-go will be voted as the 'Alpha' subconsciously by the other pack members.

However, on the not-so-rare occasions within a pack of girls, the 'Alpha Female' can find herself losing her position- although this lasts only for a short period of time. They will almost always immediately claim their rightful position once the issue at hand is resolved. During a fight between the pack, it's well known that the hierarchy will change. Meaning, a change of positions for the 'Omega' to secure a new spot further up the hierarchy. This also causes a new 'Omega' to emerge from the pack.

The hierarchy between friends is a complicated and unpredictable level of ranking. My advice to you is try your heardest to secure your spot within your pack, because as an 'Omega' life is troubling and dangerous. If you are unfortunate enough to be the 'Omega' of your pack, the best chance of your survival is to kill your 'Alpha'....

Ha, just kidding. The best chance of your survival is for a new member to join, giving you a buddy and making your pack equal.

Column by Im_Feeling_22