Getting over the VDay Blues

http://www.interaksyon.com/lifestyle/631
By Ana Valenzuela · Tuesday, February 14, 2012 · 12:11 pm

February 14 is day of the year that singles shun the most. Comments such as “why celebrate, it is not even a holiday?”, “everybody’s got somebody but me,” and “kapag ba single malungkot, bakit lahat ba ng taken masaya?” would fill social networking sites.

After all, what makes this day so special? Why spend your hard earned money on roses, chocolates, and what not’s just to profess your undying love for someone. Isn’t Valentine’s Day supposed to be a saint’s feast day not a commercial hype to promote love and couples? According to research, $1.7 billion have been spent on flowers on Valentines Day in the US alone and $116.21 is the average money spent on a Valentine’s dinner date in 2011. Couldn’t you say that you love them each day and make those memories memorable?

Hey, I’m not being bitter. Even though I’ve been single most of my life, I get to enjoy Valentines Day with a date. Since high school, I’ve been spending Valentines Day with my barkada. It’s just us girls, the four of us together.

I remember the first time we spent Valentines together at my friend’s house, our usual tambayan. We cooked pasta, carbonara, and had chicken, and a bottle of wine. Last year’s date had a little bit more of tweaking as we were already working. We met early as we decided to do something special—feed and take care of children at the House of Joy in Tayuman. Afterwards, we had some pork-silog at one of my friend’s favorite carinderia at the University Belt, and got all made up and headed to Cloud 9 in Antipolo, to get a view overlooking the city.

There we were surprised by one of my friend’s partner. She had with her flowers, not only for my friend, but for all of us. She gave Mela a dozen hand-tied bouquet of roses, and to each of us, a single long stemmed rose. Now, I wonder, what is it that made this day so special that Doris would go out of the way to track us down, wait for the right moment to surprise us, particularly Mela, with flowers?

Especially since flowers cost more than a movie ticket or two on the day of hearts. On Dangwa Flower Market, a bouquet of assorted flowers, ranging from Malaysian mums, gerberas, and stargazers, would cost from P200 to P450. A bouquet of roses would run from P300 to P650 depending on whether you would like a teddy bear and a balloon to go with the flowers. A bulk of roses, usually two dozen, would cost P200, however the vendor did warn me that the price would increase by night and as Valentines day approaches. Apparently the cost of the flowers rises up three times the regular price.

If you are the type who does not like to haggle and order from a flower shop like Paraiso flowers, which has a store at Waltermart Makati or online through manilablooms.com, a dozen flowers cost about P2,500 to P8,000 depending on the type of flowers and the arrangement.

People go all out and spend thousands of money on Valentines Day and they make it so special like it’s their anniversary. (Heck, some people don’t even celebrate their anniversary.) A great tasting chocolate bar lik Machiavelli costs P125 per 25 grams. A room at the Manila Hotel runs between P7,250 to P18,250. You could also buy an airplane ticket to a local or Southeast Asia destination with that.

Khay, one of my barkada, spent her Valentines a week late last year. Her boyfriend of more than four years gave her bouquet of assorted flowers. Then, she and her boyfriend went up to Tagaytay and enjoyed the food and also each other’s company at the Greek Taverna. Although the celebration for the day of hearts was delayed, they still made the effort to do so.

It might be more than the smile that you see on your loved ones’ face. Couples would not save their money and look for the best gifts, reserve in the best restaurants so as to have a memorable evening together. It’s more than the cliché-ish answer: love, or to be more exact, part of that is.

Even though you are single, you are still expecting something out of February 14. Maybe from a secret admirer or maybe even a smile or a “hi” from an office crush. If not, then why bother with all the fuss about Valentine’s Day.

I may not feel the way couples feel on Valentines—so much in love with their pupils dilating. But, at least I feel special without having the need to spring for a high cost bouquet of roses or a Valentine’s gift for anybody. I maybe the only single person in the group, since time immemorial; still I thank my friends for making me feel that Valentines day is not all about the couples, but also a day to spend single blessedness. Who knows what we would do next this year?

Some Like You (review)

Nope this is not a review of Adele's famous song, which I love by the way, but of a movie released in 2001 with the same title that stars Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman.

It is not just about the usual romance, nor the comedy, but what we get from the plot. I believe some of us know of it already, but often times we needed to be reminded.

You would think that Jane Goodale (Judd) has everything going for her. She is a talent scout in a popular talk show which has recently gone nationwide and their new dashing executive producer, Rey (Kinnear) has her asked out. What makes her life more unbelievable is that Rey has said I love you only after six weeks, and has asked her to play house with him.

After picking out the right apartment, wanting to sign the contracts and having her current place rerented, Rey suddenly backs out, not answering any of Jane's calls

Enter womanizing colleague Eddie, who had asked Jane once before if she would think about being his roommate, and there right in front of Rey, Jane says she will move in with Eddie.

Jane then now has a new place to live, and also a hobby to pursue on which is why men are the way they are. Apparantly, less than five pecernt of the male species are monogamous. And she also come up with a theory called the new cow. A bull makes love to a cow only once. Even if that cow's smell may change, the bull knows who that is.



Her bestfriend Liz turns this hobby in to a living by proposing she becomes a columnist in the men's magazine that she is working for. Jane then becomes an overnight sensation, with the penname Dr. Charles.

Not knowing of her journalistic success, Rey tries to make peace with her.

Jane is a cynic, and with all her cynic ways she then finds out that not all men are alike. As clicheish as it may sound. You can find the nicest guy in the unexpected places---like in a hospital room, telling his wife how beautiful she is even after an accident.

I did get to watch this great film in the movie house and I have it on VCD. I recommended it on my friend who is still hung of on her ex, and I do hope that she did get to learn a thing or two from this flick.

Selfish

Why are people selfish? It is not just all about the excess love of oneself. It is a different kind. The lack of concern for someone. We see it. Yeah maybe, that they are giving to others, but then to us there is always a barrier of what it is they give. They expect so much from us, be it in material things or emotional investment. They always expect us to bend over backwards---to always admit to them that they are always the ones who are right, to give what should have been ours, because after all we earned it. We sacrifice our own happiness just to see that certain person smile. But, then we do not even think about how many times have that person done the same for you?

Friends with Benefits (review)

Some may think that this might be a rip-off of the Ashton Kutcher-Natalie Portman starrer as it involves two friends casually having sex, no strings attached, ehem. The main story line might be similar, but how the plot and the story runs are completely different.


Dylan (Justin Timberlake) is a top art director who is headhunted by Jamie (Mila Kunis) to work for GQ in New York. Being new in the city, the only friend he has is Jamie. They somehow agree on having a relationship based on friendship and sex, without comprising and overlooking the former. To the point that they even went out with other people.the chemistry between the two leads give the movie a whole different twist. The Ashton movie involves him having feelings from the start with Natalie, however, the two leads here only realize their emotions after a series of events.

Patricia Clarkson, Jamie's mom is a delight. I've first noticed her in Easy A, where she took on another mother role, but hey, this is another mom role, where in she is a whole different person. She makes you guessing (or maybe not) and laughing on who Jamie's father really is.

The on going plotlines of friends casually having sex, only reflects on how today's society works. Somehow, it is like that. There are people who operate like that who do not have that five date rule and would call on a friend when he or she is in need of a good time. Well, this may not be the first time this happened, as one character commented, 'this is like the 70's'. Free love.

One Day (Review)

This is the story of a boy and a girl, Dexter and Emma, who after graduation met, had an intimate time, but then decided to be friends, or to be more exact the best of friends. Scenes are shown through out the film centering on the improvement or the pitfalls of the two leads in one day (July 15th) for every year since that day they met.

Since the poster clearly suggests it to be a romance, me as an audience would always wonder when would they get together? Would it be when they vacationed, just the two of them? They went skinny-dipping. Would it be when Dex's (Jim Sturgess) career hit a snag?

When the two leads do get together, it somehow made me think that it is for ever after. Well, that's what my friend thought and she quickly commented," that's it, corny."

But then, it does not end with the big kiss. All there is a foreshadowing of things to come, but still an awfully big surprise of how things end up with Emma (Anne Hathaway, who played the part British).

I guess somehow, the movie gave me a few realizations of my own, that cliche-sh time is gold. Apparently, love does figure in that age old saying. No one wants to be lonely, maybe that's why sometimes we pretend to be happy--with ourselves, or even with someone. But the at the end of it, we are yearning for something else. You may never know it, but the one who's meant for you maybe your bestfriend and you might be taking him or her for granted.

Fairy Tales Do Come True

Duchess Catherine Fairy Tales Do Come True By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA MOD June 2011 Some fairy tales start with “Once upon a time, in a faraway land...” This one starts in 2001 at the University of St. Andrews where William, second in line to the throne of Commonwealth realms, was taking up geography, and Catherine Elizabeth Middleton was studying History of Art.

Kate and William were only friends, taking up a subject or two together, up until Kate modeled in a student fashion show that made the prince notice her and tell a friend, “Wow! Kate’s hot!” A year after, their friendship blossomed into something special. They shared a flat for the last two years of their college life. Although they broke up in 2007, their friendship remained intact, as they had often been seen together. The couple announced their engagement on November 16 last year. Prince William proposed to Kate at a secluded lake by Mount Kenya. After years of romance, the couple said “I will” at the Westminster Abbey, where William’s grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, was wed, last April 29, 2011. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Rowan Williams, officiated the ceremony. Like everyone else, William noticed how Kate looked in her Grace Kelly-inspired gown by Sarah Burton from Alexander McQueen. “You look beautiful,” William told his bride when she reached the altar. Kate followed the old adage. She had something old—the lace of her gown came from a 19th-century Irish tradition; something borrowed, which is a 1936 Cartier Halo tiara and was Queen Elizabeth II’s no less; something new—her diamond earrings were a gift from her parents; and something blue, which was a ribbon of blue interwoven into her gown. Meanwhile, William wore his Irish Guards Mounted Officer’s uniform in Guard of Honor Order with a Forage Cap. He had on a red tunic which featured the Irish Guards’ arrangement of buttons in groups of four, a gold and crimson sash, and gold sword slings, although he did not carry a sword. “We were supposed to have a small family affair,” Prince William said to Kate’s dad, Michael Francis Middleton. Unfortunately, their celebrity status forbade them to do so. Two thousand of the couple’s friends and family, and dignitaries watched them inside the abbey, and an estimated two billion from their television screens around the world. Kate’s wedding promise was similar to Princess Diana—“Love, comfort, honour, and keep” him, omitting the word obey from the vows. Kate’s sister, Pippa, was her maid of honor, while Harry, William’s brother, stood as his best man. People were trying to match the two up, but it seemed like they weren’t hit by Cupid’s arrows. Prince Harry reportedly told his on-and-off girlfriend, Chelsea Davy, “You’re next.” After their wedding, the newlyweds were given the title Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. TOTAL ESCAPE! THEIR wedding may be so public, but William and Kate, now known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, managed to escape to the islands of the Seychelles—specifically to the North Island—for their honeymoon. The Duke and Duchess weren’t the first celebs to seek the solace of Seychelles. Among those reported to have enjoyed the privacy of the romantic destination were Bill Gates, who was on Fregate Island; Paul McCartney and ex-wife Heather Mills on Cousin, another island in the Seychelles; and Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt on North Island. David and Victoria Beckham have also vacationed there. The islands boast of private villas, each with its own guest relations officer, a butler, and a chef all ready to give you, well, a royal treatment. Kate and William spent their first night as husband and wife at the Buckingham Palace. Then, days after, hand in hand, they walked to where a helicopter waited for them to ferry them to their honeymoon escape. Kate donned a light blue dress, dark jacket, and platform shoes, while William wore a casual pale blue shirt and navy jacket. The union of William and Kate has revitalized the British monarchy as hundreds of thousands cheered the couple throughout their wedding rites. Millions more watched the royal spectacle on television, witnessing the couple pledge “I will,” during the nuptial ceremonies at the Westminster Abbey, and delighting over the couple’s much awaited kiss—two kisses, actually—on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. Kate, escorted by her dad, rode a Rolls-Royce on her way to her altar date with William. At that exact moment, the sun lit her way, a sign, television hosts exclaimed, that the heavens must be blessing this royal union.

‘A good teacher has high hopes for her students’

‘A good teacher has high hopes for her students’ By ANA VALENZUELA Photography by EDMUNDO SANTIAGO Published MOD May 2011 DEALING with kids, those screaming little tykes running around and refusing to give in to their whim, can be tough. Imagine doing so with children with special needs every single day. Michelle Arriola happily experiences just that. A Filipina born in the United States, Michelle is a teacher at Cardenas School in Chicago. The school is located in the Mexican-American community known as Little Village. Michelle took up Early Child Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).

“I wanted to be a teacher because I love helping children learn and fulfill their dreams,” she says. Michelle plans to take up her Master’s degree in Education and English as a Second Language (ESL). “English is the second language of most of my students. I want to learn more about how to teach English Language Learners (ELLs) so I can meet my students’ needs.” That will be in the coming school year. Meanwhile, Michelle is enjoying her summer vacation in Manila with her relatives. She shares with MOD her insights on education and the challenges of teaching. Different levels of learning. “I teach children with special needs—those with Autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, speech delays, cognitive delays, learning disabilities, and a lot of different kinds of disabilities—in preschool and kindergarten. Teaching kids with special needs is different from teaching kids who are typically developing because they are at different levels, mentally. I might have a three-year-old, but mentally, he is nine-month-old. So I need to make a lesson plan that he would be able to understand. In my classroom there are also children who are non-verbal. They have no speech at all. These students are most likely the ones to be screaming, crying, and having a tantrum because they are frustrated that they cannot express what they want or what they need.” Help them learn. “There are kids with Autism who need to follow an exclusive schedule. A regular teacher won’t be able to do that, because she has 25 other kids to worry about. I’m lucky I have a small classroom. I only attend to 10 students in the morning and 10 students in the afternoon. I think that’s helpful in their learning, too. I’m also fortunate to have two aides in my classroom to help me.” Know what is important. “My parents raised me to believe that education is important. I want to teach kids, and teach them that learning, being educated, and going to school are really important.” Patience is a virtue. “A good teacher is someone who is patient with the children. She teaches to the best of the abilities of the kids. If a kid is a visual learner or an auditory learner, the teacher will adjust for that student. I think a good teacher tries to understand the student, where he comes from. Most of all, a good teacher has high hopes for her students.” Magic moments. “Teachers aren’t supposed to have favorites. I have a bond with all my students, and I would say that I have favorite moments with each of them. For example, one of my students just learned how to write his first and last name on his own. Another student learned to sing the ABC. Those are two different things, but they are both favorite moments.” Rewards plus. “The most rewarding thing about being a teacher is seeing the kids grow, learn, and understand the concepts that I am teaching them.” Do your best. “I hope that my students will be able to go the next grade, learning the best that they can. I try to teach the basics—colors, shapes, and letters, spell their names. I just want them to know that they can try their best.” Kids as teachers. “I have learned from the kids that every day is different, and to look at challenges as something that can be overcome. Most important, they taught me to have fun.”

Love is a choice

Thoughts to ponder:
When you get into a relationship, this is something to think about. Think about the choice that you made, why did you say yes to that person, and continue to do so.

I Am Pretending That My Baby Is Adopted’

I Am Pretending That My Baby Is Adopted’ As told to ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA Published MOD May 2010 THE first time that Mirdianne* learned that she was pregnant, she cried-but they were not tears of joy. At 28, Mirdianne was at that stage which many would consider the right age to have a baby. Also, she had a stable job working for the finance department of a retail company, so she could provide for her child. But she and Lito, an officemate who worked for the logistics department, were not ready for parenthood. They were just having fun, they succumbed to their passions, but they were careful... or so they thought. At first, Mirdianne noticed her menstruation skipping. But she didn’t bother about it because after all, she had an irregular pattern. But five months after, she still didn’t have that monthly visit. So she decided to have a home pregnancy test. The test turned out positive. She didn’t know how to tell Lito. Things were complicated. They weren’t formally a couple. People in the office didn’t even know that they were going out. Nevertheless, abortion did not cross her mind. Yet, she did not know what to do. So, she searched the Internet for answers. She found emotional support. The first person she told about her pregnancy was a pro-life minister, whom she met online. Later on, she found the courage to tell her mother and sister, who were both in the province. She went home and told them, but they decided to keep it first from the rest of the family, including her father. Their plan: she would live in a home for women in crisis until she gives birth. Then she will legally adopt her own baby. She will tell people that the baby belongs to a less fortunate woman and that she’s adopting the baby out of charity. Today, Mirdianne is one of the women housed at Grace To Be Born. She found a refuge in this non-government organization which helps women in crisis, especially giving shelter to pregnant women who do not want to resort to abortion. At Grace To Be Born, she is learning how to take care of babies by looking after babies of other women in the home. Now she has accepted her baby-a boy-wholeheartedly and plans to name him Samuel, a character from the Bible who was adopted by a priest. Things are still complicated with Lito, though. He still sends her text messages, but he doesn’t give any financial or emotional support, which Mirdianne is not hoping for anymore. Mirdianne is on maternity leave, even as her officemates still do not know who the father of her child is. She has to work to be able to provide for her baby, but she plans to look for a job in another company. “I will raise him up as my adopted child,” Mirdianne says of the baby she will deliver anytime soon. “But when the time comes that he can already understand, I will tell him the truth.” Note: *Although events in the story are true, names of places, persons, and some circumstances have been altered to protect the identity of those involved. Any similarity to actual names of places and persons, whether living or deceased, is purely coincidental.

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Sexual Harassment: The Horror, the Horror

Sexual Harassment: The Horror, the Horror

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

Published MOD October 2010 Halloween Issue

IT might happen in school, in the office, or even at your home.

“Sexual harassment is any behaviour or verbal expression that one find offensive,” according to Dr. Genuina Ranoy of St. Luke’s Medical Center. “It depends on the perception of the person. For some people, it is not sexual harassment because okay lang na ginagawa yun.”

A simple act of putting one’s arm over the shoulder when it is inappropriate and makes one of the parties involved uncomfortable can be an act of harassment.

MOD Collection

Check the Signs

Behavioural. There are times that it might seem obvious, like one’s stare might make you feel uncomfortable or has the interpretation of sexual advances. Or one creates a situation wherein you would be uncomfortable. Sometimes the victim cannot say anything because the harasser’s position is higher.

Verbal. “One example is being called in some terms of endearment, or maybe in a way that has a sexual connotation and inappropriate for you. It would only be sexual harassment if you do not like it,” says Dr. Ranoy.

Actions. “If a guy touches your private parts and he says it’s accidental but for you its not, that’s sexual harassment,” says Dr. Ranoy.

How To Cope with Harassment:

Say it. Dr. Ranoy says that you really have to say what you feel, like “’You’re going beyond boundaries,” so that the person would know. Tell him, because some people are not even aware that they are harassing other people. “

File a complaint. “Tell the authorities,” advises Dr. Ranoy. “That way, they would look into what you are saying and have the proper venues to discuss it.”

Don’t feel guilty. “People often say that it is the victim’s fault, especially if she dresses in a sexy way. ‘It is their fault as they are inviting,’ harassers would often say,” says Dr. Ranoy. “No, it’s not your fault. Don’t feel guilty about it. You did not like what was done to you.”

Check yourself. “Check the way you behave. Certain verbal expressions may be seducing. Maybe unconsciously you are being seductive,” says Dr. Ranoy. “Especially if there is a pattern that wherever you go you are being sexually harassed, ask yourself why. It is not necessarily the way you dress up, but the behaviour also. People might think that to you it is okay because you are inviting.”

The Vain Game When Your Man Is Prettier Than You

Love lowdown:

The Vain Game

When Your Man Is Prettier Than You

By ANA KRISTINE B. VALENZUELA

‘HOW do I look?’

Today, this seems to be a question uttered not only by women but even by men—men who are not necessarily gay, but are by all means straight.

Meet the metrosexuals-- men who pay more attention on their appearance. They are particular with their looks, be it the number of facial creams they use or the hair removal products that they have tried. Metrosexuals pamper themselves and shell out money, not only on cars and gadgets but also on their beauty products.

The thought of being with a man prettier than you may sound uncomfortable, but worry not. Here are the pros and cons of being with a metrosexual:

The downside: Metrosexuals are picky, even with little stuff such as their cologne and even—gasp—your lipstick color. Sometimes you find yourself trying to measure up to his appearance.

The upside: His being looks-conscious means he has a lot to offer, like being well-groomed and well-spoken. You can proudly show off your guy to either your friends or your ‘rents and not worry about what they would say about his appearance.

The downside: His prep time is longer than yours. You don’t know if it’s the number of hair products he uses or the number of times he changes clothes -- you still have to wait for him as you both get ready for the movies.

The upside: Salon bonding time. More men now prefer going to the salon rather than their trusty barber. Maybe it is because of services like hair spa, manicure, and foot spa, or maybe because they get to spend time with you.

The downside: Gay guys hit on him. Face it, not only is your guy good-looking, he also dresses well, attracting a lot of women and gays. Because of this you’ve already thrown more than dagger eyes to a lot of gay men for mistaking him to be a homo.

The upside: He is fashionably aware. This does not necessarily mean he knows the trends—if he does then he might just be with the gay guys flirting with him. Because of this, he can give you advice on what looks good on you!.

letting go

Last Monday night( to tuesday morning) I had one of the most wonderful dream. I think I told you about it, Cy.

Remember Lesson 1 and Lesson 2.

Well lesson 2, we were in a van of some sort. When the class was near to an end, you, Cy, told me that you had someone waiting for me.

I asked, of course, who?

You told me that it was Tortilos.

There he was, standing, on where our class-van would stop. Reaching out for my hand, with his smile.

A long dream filled with awful conversation of a romance that lasted a lifetime. We were talking about career, plans, why he quit. He was answering questions that I did not know. I woke up that day with an importnat questioned (for me lang naman) left unanswered.

I wanted to go back to sleep and lull away to dreamland. I wanted to know the answer to my last question. Unfortunately, work was calling via my two alarm clocks blaring loudly.

Even though there was still a question hanging i felt:
1. happy because well I dreamt of him, it was a dream that, hopefully propethic, told me of a wonderful future
2. renewed as to that I haven't been much thinking about him then this
3. and at the same time, perplexed for this was the first time I dreamt about him

Although, i have to face my mundane life, I was still half-asleep into that dream. Yup, I am guilty of wearing a silly smile last tuesday. On our everyday office siesta, I wanted nothing more but to go back to my-tortilos world.

Unfortuantely it would only be in night time, when Tortilos comes to visit again. This time (tuesday eve, wed morning) we were grocery shopping. We were comparing prices, arguing on what brand is better and buying things for our everyday need.

This dream got me even more hopeful. Somehow, I believed that he was dreaming of me too. Crazy, right?

I mean where would I get all those answers. So when I saw him online last wednesday, I braved up to him and said hello on YM.

He did not snob me at first, he replied with 'heya!'

So I asked him about his art show and why he wasn't eating lunch yet. Then it came to me, like a big thump.

I haven't slept at all in days

It's been so long since we've talked

And I have been here many times I

just don't know what I'm doing wrong

What can I do to make you love me

What can I do to make you care

What can I say to make you feel this

What can I do to get you there

There's only so much I can take

And I just got to let it go

And who knows I might feel better

If I don't try and I don't hope

What can I do to make you love me

What can I do to make you care

What can I say to make you feel this

What can I do to get you there

No more waiting,

No more aching

No more fighting,

No more trying

Maybe there's nothing more to say

And in a funny way I'm calm

Because the power is not mine

I'm just gonna let it fly

What can I do to make you love me

What can I do to make you care

What can I say to make you feel this

What can I do to get you there

Love me..

That heart wrenching empty space on YM made me realize that, infact, all of these was make believe. Those few shared conversations on YM, that meaningless yet making-my-day smile which he offers when I see him at a mall are all in my head. Most importanlty, My dream is MY dream and only mine. It is not shared. Life is not a scene from a fantasy chick-flick.

His subtle(hehe) rejection was enough wake up call from reality. (Come to think of it my crush grew when he first rejected me. ) I imposed upon myself a punishment. Whenever I click on his name on my YM list and opt to start a conversation, I will be my sister's (or even yours cy, if you read this) slave. She can order me around. She can order me to but things for her even (within budget)

My world, like my dream, is different from him. The Tortilos living in the real world is in fact different from the Tortilos living in my head and making me smile .

bring me back to reality

i have this friend who usually complains about her boyfriend and then she says she loves him.

the number of times they've broken up can actually equate all the Chinese people, even those who just look Chinese.

Not a week, nor day, and I'm not exaggerating, has passed that she tested me for a complain.

And they usually have a spat over the smallest things. Just because she was not able to watch an episode of Entourage, which her BF is a fan. Or just because she's been talking to a friend whom her BF does not approve of.

It was the holidays! it would be mean not to greet!

What more, the guy picking out your friends, tsk! Tsk! Even her parents don't do that!

Leave the guy already.

She reasons that she can't because she loves him, she can't stand to be alone.
I wonder does she really love him or perhaps she just loves herself?

If ever this happens to me, I won't leave a guy despite all the bad things he has done, can you slap me and bring me back to reality.//