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
A new kind of wedding
Dear Robin,
I got invited to my friend’s live-stream wedding for next month. What is the etiquette for virtual weddings these days? Do I still have to get them a gift? Do they actually care if I watch the live-stream?
Sincerely,
Wedding wondering
Hello,
There’s a lot to talk about here, so let’s dive right in. Yes, weddings are great and everything, but let’s be real here: when the wedded couple provides me with a nice dinner and a (hopefully) open bar, I will then provide them with a nice gift right off their registry. That’s the understanding. Therefore, if I’m not receiving a $60-per-plate dinner, I’m probably not going to go out of my way to order a gift and get it shipped to their house. So if this friend of yours that’s getting married is very, incredibly dear to you, sure, get them a gift card for Bed Bath & Beyond. If not, send your congrats via text or however they invited you, press “attending” to the Facebook invite, carry on with your normal Saturday when the day comes along, and maybe send a virtual gift card for a grocery store their way. Because of COVID-19, the couple is likely just doing a little wedding — as opposed to a big, expensive one like we used to do in the good ol’ days — which doesn’t cost very much to put together; therefore, they’re probably not as in need of a Le Creuset casserole dish as they would’ve been if they threw a massive, lavish wedding.
Robin
Drowning goldfish
Dear Robin,
My roommate left for a family emergency for a few days, and his goldfish (which was in my care) just died. He comes home in two days — what should I do?
Sincerely,
Concerned caregiver
Hello,
Oh honey, I love that you’re asking for advice on how to deal with this, but I know that you already know. You just simply don’t want to do it, but you must. Head to PetSmart now and grab a fresh $0.19 goldfish. This doesn’t need to be more complicated.
Robin
