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
Relative relationships
Dear Robin,
It turns out my aunt harbours a lot of racist views. She’s been posting some pretty horrid stuff on Facebook, and I’m tired of getting into passive-agressive arguments with her in the comment section. How do I help her see that her views are extremely harmful while not losing my temper at her?
Sincerely,
Niece of a Karen
Hello,
Instead of spending your evenings for the next however long commenting on her offensive Facebook posts, I recommend preparing for the time when your arguments will truly count: Thanksgiving. This will be the time when your family will all be gathered, your Aunt Karen will get a little wine drunk, and she’ll most likely spew out some incredibly rude things. So spend the next four months preparing for how to respond with compassion, care, truth, and whip-smart wit to Aunt Karen’s comments. She won’t even know what hit her.
Robin
The family home
Dear Robin,
I’m having a tough time swallowing the fact that I won’t be moving back to Abbotsford in the fall for university but instead living at home with my family. I don’t know how I’m going to survive doing another few months with them. What should I do?
Sincerely,
Smothered
Hello,
No matter what stage in life you’re in, living with your family can be difficult. Since post-secondary education will probably be online for the rest of our lives, you might as well face the facts and move out now and move out for good. Apply for a student loan to pay the bills, and go nuts on renting a 300-square-foot bachelor apartment for you and your hamster. If you want to get further away from your parents, just go to a different city than them and “accidently” block them on social media so they can’t see how great your life is without them.
Robin
