whether you are a new spring pledge, or a long time sister, dealing with your sorority sisters is one of the biggest challenges of being a greek! so many problems can be avoided if you can practice just a few of these sorority sister anti-drama tips:
1. choose your friends wisely
even though you will get to know and love all the sisters in your chapter, you will naturally be closer to some than others. pick your big, little, roommate and pledge class friends with care. it becomes clear very quickly which girls thrive on conflict, and which members have a level head.
2. cut back on the booze
probably 90% of emotional outbursts, tears, name-calling and ruination of relationships is fueled by overindulging in alcohol. inhibitions are lowered and drinking causes girls to do and say things they would never do sober. Less drinking = less drama!
3. hands off the boyfriends
keep clear of any sister’s current boyfriend, ex boyfriend, guy she’s interested in, or guy she’s even looked at. don’t flirt with the wrong guys at mixers, and don’t hook up with any male persons who are attached to your sorority sisters. period. find your own fraternity crushes.
4. keep busy, busy, busy
drama often comes from having too much time on your hands. an idle mind can blow things out of proportion and make a minor situation seem like the end of the world. stay busy with activities, academics, philanthropy, leadership and healthy relationships. you won’t have time to get involved in overemotional scenes.
5. get a thicker skin
whether you are the diva, or the one on the receiving end of a sister’s outburst, you need to toughen up! not everything is a criticism, or a stab in the back, or the ruination of a relationship. let things roll off your back. don’t be the one to find fault with every girl, or the one who has hurt feelings over everything. quickly let go of grudges too. consider sorority life as training for the real world.
6. be known as the calm one
if you establish a reputation of being a clear thinking, loyal, steady sister who does not engage in petty theatrics, then those who do, will not engage you. it’s no fun to involve a sister who calmly refuses to get all excited over the latest personal problem.
7. just say no to gossip.
gossip is the #1 killer in a sorority. don’t do it, don’t listen to it and don’t believe it. re-read your sorority creed instead, and remind yourself why you joined greek life. without being the sorority “goodie-goodie” try to promote anti-gossiping within your chapter. or politely walk away if a juicy gossip session is happening near you.
8. spread the love
replace the drama in your chapter with more positive experiences. if there was more love, respect, appreciation, kindness, and tolerance ~ the damaging drama would immediately plummet! recommend that your chapter increase the frequency of its traditions, rituals and bonding activities. sisters who feel the warmth of friendship are less likely to bicker.
9. don’t worry ~ be happy
happy sisters are contented sisters. is your chapter doing enough to just be happy? sometimes sororities get so bogged down with meetings, requirements, fundraising, deadlines and recruitment pressures that they forget to just relax and have fun. step up the fun-factor!
10. deal with the drama
this is especially true for sisters on the executive board, who experience extra sisterhood conflicts. as a chapter leader, you may need to listen to member’s complaints and problems, but you don’t need to be eaten alive by them! remain calm at all times and don’t become emotionally invested in other’s issues. recommend positive solutions with the aid of your advisors and fellow board members. don’t shoulder the emotional burdens of the entire chapter alone. seek help, deflect the drama and thoughtfully solve problems ~ before they grow out of control and do more damage.
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