Life is tough and confusing and weird. We all need help sometimes, and when you need an expert opinion, you turn to an expert opinion-giver like Robin Halper. Whatever problem you’re facing in life, Robin will have a solution. ***The Cascade cannot guarantee the effectiveness of Robin’s unique approach to life, but if you’re in a jam, get some advice by writing to halp@ufvcascade.ca
Airplane problems
Dear Robin,
I’m going to be doing some air travel pretty soon, and I am already feeling anxious about the small talk the people next to me will want to engage in. I have tried travelling with headphones, pretending I don’t speak English, faking being asleep — but my main issue is that the snack cart will come and my need for snacks will cause me to become wide awake. Then when I talk to the snack person in fluent English the jig will be up, and my seatmate will want to banter with me as we enjoy our juice and pretzels. What can I do?
Sincerely,
Silent sitter
Hello,
It always confuses me why people want to talk to strangers on planes, and I’m sorry that you’ll be a victim of this travesty in a short while. Obviously wear headphones at all hours, even when you go to the bathroom. It doesn’t matter if they’re connected to your phone or not, just have them on. Headphones are like poison to the social butterflies — they will always stay clear of you. But when the snack cart comes around, just point to what you want, smile and go with it while keeping your mouth shut, and keep those headphones on!
Robin
The next step
Dear Robin,
This spring I’m graduating with my BA in English, and I’m only realizing now that I’m qualified in absolutely nothing and have no special skills to get employed. Help!
Sincerely,
Uncontrollably unqualified
Hello,
Many people are in the exact same boat as you, so don’t fret; you are not alone. If you’re not skilled or qualified for anything then why bother trying to join the workforce? You can take out another loan and stay at UFV for eight years like the rest of us. Then you’ll be able to take all those random classes you’ve always wanted to take. If you don’t want to do that, then have a baby (if you’re able to) or adopt a child. A kid gives you an excuse to not work for a while because you’ll have another life to care for. If all else fails, maybe attend a workshop or something that will teach you how to use MS Word; that should help in some way.
Robin
