Ask Erin & Andie
Dear Erin and Andie,
I love sugar!!! Everyone says don't eat too much sugar! Why is it bad for you? I love chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate candy bars, and Fudgsicles! CHOCOLATE!
From,
Brooklyn Free Sugar
Dear Brooklyn Free Sugar,
There are many ways huge consumptions of sugar can be harmful (even when it feels good – a common symptom of addiction*). Too much sugar can lead to obesity, which increases the chances of getting diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, some types of cancer, and more. That's not to say that sugar doesn't have benefits, such as its common use in the art of cooking. But, just listening to what you're saying, it seems like it would be really helpful for you to ask a doctor about sugar, and what's a good amount for you personally. The amount of sugar you should be eating varies from person to person. Also, I love all the chocolate foods you listed! It's great to be so enthusiastic about stuff you love. And I know there are times for myself where I feel like the only thing I want is chocolate. One thing I do when that happens is pay attention to how I'm really feeling after I eat it. Sometimes I feel zestful, attentive, clear-headed, and calm. That's great when that happens! Other times I feel dissatisfied, headachy, sick, and thinking one more bite will make it better. That's when I know to stop. Trust your thinking! From, Erin *An addiction is when someone is obsessed with doing something and can't stop to the point of hurting themselves physically and psychologically. Everyone gets them in some form or another, whether it's from going on the computer, drinking coffee, or even more serious stuff. |
Dear Brooklyn Free Sugar,
I am TOTALLY on your side. What’s wrong with all the foods you just listed?! CHOCOLATE IS SO GOOD. EAT ALL THE CHOCOLATE YOU WANT! As someone who is a sugar addict myself, I would advise you not to listen to me. (View Erin’s Column) On a serious note, too much of anything isn’t good for you. I would say eat what you want, but in moderation. Know your limits. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
If I like someone who is very reserved and on the shy side, how do I, A. know if she likes me back and, B. ask her out?
Sincerely,
Frodo
Dear Frodo,
One thing you have to know is that people aren't always shy and reserved. We act differently depending on whom we're talking to, and I think the common case with "shy" people is that they haven't gotten the chance to know you yet. Either that, or they have difficulty warming up to people, no matter how long they've known the person. This is something you don't need to worry about. Because, surprisingly enough, shy people do date. One common thing with people who are generally shy around you, is that they may be asking for friendship first. If she likes hanging out with you, that's a great place to go on. One thing to keep in mind is that if you act relaxed and comfortable in her presence (and not too pushy), it may give her the space she needs to let her guard down. Approach her! And don't be heartbroken if you're rejected. There are a lot of girls in this world. Date a few, get some practice. From, Erin |
Dear Frodo,
Don’t stress out! We all feel shy around people we don’t know so well. Or, we don’t like opening up so quickly. People tend to open up when you start getting to know them. Friendship is a great way to start a relationship. Something to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t rush into anything. If she feels uncomfortable, she’s going to push you in the opposite direction. Here are some tips:
GOOD LUCK! From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
Can people eat bugs?
From,
Tired of Honey Nut Cheerios
Dear Tired of Honey Nut Cheerios,
Totally! The consumption of insects, or entomophagy, is very common in many parts of the world. Some of the more popular bug delicacies include ants, crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, and more. In fact, I've even been offered chocolate-covered ants (which I turned down). Insects are super nutritious and a great source of protein, and it's a shame entomophagy is so tabooed in Western culture (also I'm really scared of them). From, Erin |
Dear Tired of Honey Nut Cheerios,
You can definitely eat bugs! In many places around the world it’s completely normal to have insects as part of a meal. Personally, I wouldn’t want to consume something that crawls around on the ground. Also, I’m biased in this situation because I think Honey Nut Cheerios is the absolute greatest cereal. EVER. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
I am nervous about an interview that I have. What should I do?
– Nervous
Dear Nervous,
I know how you feel! And I have some great news for you: so does everyone else who has ever been on an interview. If you aren't able to channel confidence, channel excitement. It's common to get nervous on an interview when you really, really want to be picked or hired. And interviewers want to meet people who are glowing with excitement at the thought of even being considered. Keep a steady voice, good eye contact, and good posture. There's even a study that shows how just by standing strong, you literally become more confident. Just remember to not be hard on yourself. From, Erin |
Dear Nervous,
You are NOT alone. Everyone gets nervous for interviews and there are different ways to prepare yourself before your interview. Whether your interview is in the morning or afternoon make sure you have a good meal before you leave. It will make you feel more awake, and the extra boost will be helpful to focus on the interview. Don’t stress yourself out. By over thinking or rehearsing what you’re going to say, you’re going to go into the interview more nervous than you were before. Confidence is key. Give yourself a little pep talk. Naming all of your skills (big or small), and repeating to yourself “I am confident”, will automatically make you feel more confident. It might sound strange to do, but from my experience, it definitely works. People can’t be confident in you if you’re not confident in yourself. Don’t forget to be yourself and good luck! From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
Is it better to be rich and have lots of cool stuff like computer stuff and other things, or just regular (like just enough stuff)?
From,
Richy
Dear Richy,
Let me tell you a true story. One summer, I stayed four days at the beach mansion of my extremely wealthy aunt. At first I was thrilled to get to stay in an overwhelmingly comfortable, visually stunning utopia that was this house. It seemed like I had everything I would ever need, and more. But I was also the loneliest I've ever felt in my life. I came to a depressing realization: living like a millionaire can make you desperately starved for what you really need, like love, affection, and closeness – three things I have never received from this particular aunt, unfortunately (but I still let her take me to Broadway shows). I completely understand where your confusion comes from. Classism affects everyone, sending out false messages that say in order to have a good life, you need to be wealthy. While it's okay to own cool stuff, know that it's not an improvement on someone's character in the slightest. From, Erin |
Dear Richy,
It’s sad to see that the world we live in people define happiness by how much stuff you have, what car you drive, or how big your house is. Having everything you want may have it’s perks at times, but in most cases I’ve seen, those people end up with no friends because they think they are better than everyone else. I don’t think either one is considered better; what you have is what you have. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
My sister always blows her nose through both nostrils at the same time, and it makes a snort sound. She does it every morning, and it drives me crazy. How can I make her stop?
-Grossed Out
Dear Grossed Out,
Your sister is probably putting too much pressure on her nose, causing that loud snort sound. Doing that can also be bad for the skin around her nostrils, which will most likely become red, flaky, and irritated. Usually you should not need to press both nostrils at the same time in order to clean it better, despite this being a common habit among people. If this is just a cold, it probably won't last as long as you think. But for now, you can ask her to blow her nose in the bathroom… far away from you. From, Erin |
Dear Grossed Out,
It’s probably not good for your sister to be blowing her nose like that. Constantly blowing her nose with both nostrils can irritate her nose, and cause it to get dry and red. First thing you should do is take the nice approach. Ask her nicely if she could blow her nose in the bathroom, or ask her to stop. If that doesn’t work, let her see what it’s like being in your shoes. Is your nose running? Maybe you need a tissue. ;-) (Hint Hint) From, Andie |
Dear Erin & Andie,
How do I learn to fly?
From,
Earthbound
Dear Earthbound,
Attend flight school. From, Erin |
Dear Earthbound,
Nowadays I’m sure there is an app for that, but if not, go to flight school. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
How do you keep an energetic 7 year old quiet?
From,
Tired
Dear Tired,
Play Hide and Go Seek with them, and then don't look for them. From, Erin |
Dear Tired,
Give them a 500 piece puzzle to do. I’m sure that will keep them entertained for a while. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
I have a group of friends who I really like but sometimes I notice they talk about me behind my back, what should I do?
From,
Talked About
Dear Talked About,
I’m so glad that you asked this question. I know this may be a hard thing to accept, but if friends of yours are talking badly behind your back, no matter how much you like them, they’re probably not very cool people to be around. That’s not to say they aren’t good people, and I’m sure you recognize that in them, which makes you a strong friend. I think you need to be more forward with them, and tell them when they do something that upsets you. Don’t shy away; if you really care about them, it shows when you let them know they need to be more thoughtful towards you. And just because what they are saying is not directly to your face, doesn’t mean this is not a form of bullying. Also know that you can always gain allies, or even friends who won’t lash out in such a hurtfully indirect way. Just keep in mind that leaving this hard place you are in right now is a lot better than always having friends who talk about you behind your back. I hope this was helpful. From, Erin |
Dear Talked About,
I went through the same thing and understand how difficult this must be for you. Although it may be uncomfortable, you should definitely sit down with your friends and tell them how you’re feeling; it’s never good to keep things bottled up inside. If you don’t feel comfortable doing it by yourself, ask an adult to help mediate the conversation. It’s always good to get your feelings out in the open so your friends understand what you’re feeling, and can work on not having that same situation happen again. If you have talked to them and feel that it’s still happening, then maybe those aren’t the best people to be hanging out with. Friendship is a two way street, and you shouldn’t have to settle with being unhappy. I don’t think you should drop them completely because they are still your friends, but maybe try to distance yourself and gain other friendships with people who won’t make you feel this way. There are many ups and downs when it comes to friendship, and you have to remember to stay positive. Also, don’t forget that as difficult as this is for you, in the long run it will be better than having friends who always talk about you behind your back. From, Andie |
Dear Erin & Andie,
How do you commit the perfect murder?
From,
Contemplating Killing
Dear Contemplating Killing,
Great question. So, basically there is no such thing as the perfect murder. You can definitely get away with murder, but the fact is that there will always be evidence left behind. As technology gets more advanced, it will always become more difficult to leave behind an unnoticeable amount of evidence. Any murder depends on your motive and method. Maybe make your question more specific next time, because there are multiple brilliant ways to commit a murder and get away with it. From, Erin |
Dear Contemplating Killing,
Make it look like an accident. I would definitely recommend finding out the person's habits and schedule to find out how and when is the best way to do it. Also, the greatest murders are the ones where you don’t have to be there when it all happens. Drug overdose, deathly allergic reactions, and drowning, can be accidental in anyone’s home. Just saying. From, Andie |
Dear Erin and Andie,
How do you kill house centipedes?
– Human Centipede
Dear Human Centipede,
I have never directly dealt with house centipedes, and often run away when I encounter one. Usually I don’t ever see it again, but if you come back and it’s still there, throw a shoe at it. Not your own. From, Erin |
Dear Human Centipede,
I have never had house centipedes so I don’t really know. Usually if I see a bug I’ll scream and beg someone in my house to kill it, but if I’m alone, killing it with a rolled up newspaper normally works. From, Andie |