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Reasons To Wake Up Early
Early mornings. Some of us like them and have our reasons for waking up early. I’m not a fan of waking up early. Don’t like waking up before 9 a.m. But since I have a day job, I have to and grudgingly drag myself out of bed at early on weekdays. And I’ve come to…
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Why We Love Summer. And Why Some Asians Don’t
When we think of summer, we think of sun. The beach. Blue skies. Cool drinks. Our swim suit coming off as we swim in the strong yet warm ocean waters. Summer’s my favourite time of the year in Melbourne – December through to February – for many reasons. I’m sure I’m not the only one…
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When To Hug Someone. And Why Asians Don’t Always Hug
Hugging. Some of us like to be hugged, and some of us don’t. I don’t mind being hugged. Don’t mind giving hugs either. Crushing bear hugs. Soft two-second hugs. Group hugs. One arm hugs. Whether we hug someone or not depends on how we feel about them. And how they feel about us. We hug…
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What Is Happiness?
Growing up in a Chinese Malaysian family, I’ve been told studying science, landing an office job and getting married in that order is the road to a happy and fulfilling life. Learning maths at university was dull for me.
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Why It’s Odd And Okay To Be Alone
“Why are you going out alone?” That’s what my mum said when I lived at home and headed out by myself for some “me time” on the weekends. No, it’s not because she’s concerned for my safety. Melbourne is a pretty safe city in broad daylight. Rather, my parents – and many of my friends…
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Why Moving Is Hard
Growing up, I never liked moving cities. When I was a kid, I sobbed at the airport in Malaysia after getting off the plane from Melbourne for the last time in a while, bewildered by strange faces and the sticky air. Touching down at Melbourne Airport years later, jet-lagged me jumped when a Caucasian security…
Mabel Kwong 