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
Bestie kindling
Dear Robin,
My roomie and I have been living together for over a year and have barely had a conversation together. He keeps to himself and so do I, neither of us really hanging out in the common areas of the apartment. We didn’t even become buds during the initial lockdown. I’d really like to become friends, or at least be friendly with each other. I think it’d just be fun to know the person I live with. Any tips on how to spark some friendship flames?
Sincerely,
Roaming roomie
Hello,
At least this isn’t the other way around where you both grew to despise each other during lockdown, eh? You can only go up from here! Puzzles are a great way to get to know someone. I suggest starting one on the coffee table so when he comes home he’ll be intrigued — there’s just something about a partially finished puzzle that is like a moth to a flame. When you see him working on it later, casually join in on it, and offer him a beer while you’re at it! Puzzles are perfect for getting to know someone because when the conversation dies, you can just go back to puzzling. If that doesn’t work, start baking cinnamon buns to buy his friendship.
Robin
Tinder dead ends
Dear Robin,
A lot of people I chat with on Tinder are all green lights for texting and snapping for days but when I suggest going for a walk or grabbing sushi they always reply with “I’m actually keeping my bubble small right now.” What gives? I’m not desperate to get laid, but I’m starting to get a little desperate for any sort of face to face conversation. Help, please.
Sincerely,
Straight up desperate
Hello,
I feel for you. I really do. But even if they’re totally lying to you about keeping their bubbles small, you can’t argue with it because if you do they’ll probably just assume you don’t think COVID-19 is real and/or you’re an anti-vaxxer — two things not many people want to be labeled as. I’d suggest easing into the hanging out part of dating. Start with doing a Netflix Teleparty where you both watch a movie or something together and gab about it on the website’s sidebar. That’s a fun way to chat about something you’re both experiencing together at the same time. If that goes well, maybe ask to FaceTime. If that goes well, ease your way into asking to actually spend time together in person — outside of course. If they reject that offer, then this person is actually super committed to keeping their bubble small and not just hesitant about meeting a new human being for the first time in months.
Robin
