As many of you know by now, life is full of complexities. Everything we do has its pros and its cons. Sometimes it's hard to know if you are making a good decision or if you are about to ruin your life. You know what I mean - should I buy a house right now? Should I apply for that PhD I've always wanted? Should I drop everything and become a 1990s revival lesbian folk singer? Other questions have smaller stakes, but they still take up valuable mental energy. For example - should I eat this entire pack of cookies? Or how about that age-old question, "Can I actually wear this many prints in one outfit and still take myself seriously?"

I've been thinking about these complexities a lot recently because I am trying to make good decisions regarding some of the above questions (I mean, come on, have you seen this incredible piece of artistic genius???). The other day, Ally - the other part of The Wet - said she was searching Queer Martha for advice on how to prepare for a big trip a week before you leave, and she was disappointed that I only have advice for what to do the day before. Naturally, I have never prepared for a trip earlier than one day out, so I didn't have much to offer, but it got me thinking that sometimes you just need someone else to distill life's complexities down into something palatable no matter how under-qualified that person may be.

I figured that I could be that under-qualified person. And since there is nothing on Earth more palatable than a flow chart (except, perhaps, a Venn Diagram. Love you, Venn.), I would like to present you with Queer Martha's "Is This a Good Decision" Flow Chart. Please feel free to print this out and keep a copy with you so that you never have to waste valuable mental energy on difficult decisions again.

Here is an example of the chart in action.

My question: Should I go to New York this weekend?

Is it reversible?: No

Can I actually afford it?: Yes, if I stay away from that goddamn Albertine bookstore.

Is this food or drink?: No

Can I blog about it?: Sure

Do I care if my mother reads about it?: No

Solid decision! Look like I am going to NYC this weekend!

One thing to note: the question, "Can I blog about it?" is not exclusive to folks with actual blogs. Think of this question as another way of saying, "Would it make a good story?" or "Would it make me feel more interesting?"

I hope this helps anyone in the midst of a major (or minor) decision. Good luck!

#QueerMarthaAdvice #LifeQuestions #FlowChart #Adulting