DEAR CHINA, MAIMAI AND TINGTING,
I’m getting married this December and I have one problem. I am overweight and I want to lose some of these unwanted pounds. I can’t have liposuction because I know it costs a lot and I’m not big on pain. Can you tell me what my best alternative is? What’s the best diet pill? I just want to look my best.
JING
I think doing your wedding preparations alone will have you losing some pounds. I don’t think though that popping a pill will do the trick. Pills have many side effects and some do more harm than good. I suggest you eat more vegetables and less carbohydrates. Stay away from fatty and oily foods. I also suggest you exercise regularly; take brisk walks. But first, see your doctor. He will be the best person to give you advice.
CHINA
I can’t recommend you any diet pill. Only your personal physician can do that. Why don’t you visit him? In the meantime, if you’re really overweight, a change in lifestyle might be in order. You might be eating the wrong food, not getting enough exercise or both. Assess your eating habits and your daily activities. The problem might just be staring you in the eye.
MAIMAI
First of all, you’ve already hooked your lucky guy and I’m sure that he loves you despite your being overweight. But I can’t blame you for wanting to look your best. Find out from your doctor how many pounds you need to lose and his recommendations on the best and fastest way to shed those unwanted pounds. But the best way to feel beautiful on your special day is the natural way. If you feel good about yourself, your aura emits it. There’s no pill in the world that can give you that inner glow.
TINGTING
DEAR CHINA, MAIMAI AND TINGTING,
I’m 15 years old and a junior from an all-girls high school. I am writing about my sister. She’s a year ahead of me and we study at the same school. We were never really close but we got along just fine. She’s always been the fun one and I, the good and boring girl. Although my sister is ultra-kalog, my family never had problems with her because she always knew her limitations. I never had a problem with her either, until last week when I caught her kissing her girl best friend on the lips. They didn’t see me and I haven’t told her I saw them. I am so confused. Should I tell her? Should I tell my mom? Or should I keep quiet?
CC
If I were you, I’d probably keep quiet about it. First of all, you don’t really know if your sister is really serious about this girlfriend of hers or if she is still in the stage where she is discovering her sexuality. Give her the chance to understand herself. It’s her life.
CHINA
She may be experiencing a phase common to teenagers who belong to an all-girls or all-boys school. Sometimes, they just want to experiment because it is at this age that most try to determine their sexual preferences. You said you’re not really close to her so I don’t know how she’ll take it if you talk to her about it. What I am sure of is that you shouldn’t tell your mother because it is really none of your business. When and if she’s ready, I’m sure your sister will tell you or your mother directly.
MAIMAI
Because it bothers you so much, I think you should talk to your sister. Of course, you must be ready for some resentment because you will be invading her privacy. You must also be ready for the truth. Tell her exactly what you saw and avoid sounding judgmental. If she denies it, then don’t push it. It’s enough that she knows you know. If she doesn’t deny it, then try to be more tolerant of her choice and help her decide if she wants your parents to know. Remember, it is not a decision you should make.
TINGTING