I'm worried that I'm starting to get a reputation after a number of escapades last term with boys in my college. I never intended for any of them to happen, but after getting very drunk with friends on several occasions, one thing led to another. I don't think this is immoral, just weak; yet the judgements being levelled at me are completely unforgiving.

First of all, I don’t think you should be too hard on yourself.  These things happen all the time, and are not a sign of you being particularly ‘weak’ (As the great Shania Twain once said, it’s your prerogative to have a little fun). Perhaps looking at it in a different way will help: what are you supposed to do if all these boys keep throwing themselves at you?

Clearly your problem is that you are far too attractive to enjoy a casual night out with friends without finding yourself inundated with male attention. Therefore, drastic action should be considered.  

Ditch that flattering dress in favour of a shapeless brown number, and save yourself time before going out by neglecting the hair straighteners and foundation. “But what if this is not enough?” I hear you cry.  Further steps could involve employing some kind of buddy system, so that a trusted friend will launch themselves in the way of the subject should they spot you getting a bit too close to an admirer. If all this fails, you may have to admit to yourself that you’re just too attractive. Maybe it would be better for everyone if you checked into your local convent and began living a blissful existence in the style of Julie Andrews.

If you are genuinely worried about this sort of thing happening too frequently, and do want to put a stop to it, there are a few practical steps you can take. It’s fairly dull advice that you’ve probably heard before, but if you’re getting together with people against your better judgement, drinking less will help you to stay a bit more clued-up.  Perhaps, next time you go out with your friends, go somewhere new, somewhere not usually frequented by others from your college.  If it’s being the focus of college gossip you’re worried about, it isn’t the end of the world – you can at least console yourself that by next week it will be someone else’s turn.

In case you missed Becca's first column on lawful paths, read it here.

To bother Becca, send your questions to confess@varsity.co.uk