11 Ways To Respond To ‘Why Are You So Quiet?’

Posted on 21 April 2022 by Mabel Kwong

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If you’re an introvert or usually not much of a talker, you’ve probably been asked, ‘Why are you so quiet?’. You’ve also probably wondered how to respond to this question.

You might feel this question is annoying, rude or not polite, feel that you’re being judged for being quiet or silent. Or judged for simply not being in the mood to talk in a world that favours extroverts and sees quietness as weird and not normal.

Some ask the question because they are concerned you are too quiet. Or they want to have a conversation with you to get to know you. Whatever the reason, it can be challenging to come up with a response.

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7 Differences Between Asian and Western Beauty Standards

Posted on 10 February 2022 by Mabel Kwong

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Every culture has their own perceptions of beauty. While there are similarities, Asian and Western cultures often have very different beauty standards.

Certain looks are often favoured in Asian cultures. In Western cultures and for many Caucasians, the ‘ideal look’ can be very different.

Having lived in both Asia and Australia, I’ve noticed different people and cultures measure beauty differently. What is attractive and beautiful to someone may not be to someone of another background.

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Why Does It Take So Long To Write A Book?

Posted on 2 December 2021 by Mabel Kwong

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Writing a book takes a lot of time and effort. You don’t write a book overnight, let alone publish one and become an author in a day.

Whether you are writing a novel, self-help guide, travelogue or memoir, it can take months, years or even a lifetime to write a book. Depending on the nature of the narrative, some books take longer than others to write.

As a writer or author, you might feel frustrated, annoyed and discouraged at how long it’s taking you to write and get a book out there.

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7 Reasons To Give Gifts On Birthdays

Posted on 5 August 2021 by Mabel Kwong

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Giving gifts on birthdays is a universal custom all around the world. It’s such a normal part of birthdays and birthday celebrations today.

Why do people give birthday gifts? How is the act of giving presents important on birthdays?

Birthdays symbolise the anniversary you came to this world. They mark the significance of your existence, contributions and unique personality – and perhaps what others have sacrificed for you, which you may not always agree with.

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Why It’s Time To Stand Up To Anti-Asian Hate Now

Posted on 3 June 2021 by Mabel Kwong

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The recent rise in Asian hate crimes is alarming. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many Asian communities are facing a lot more racist attacks and discrimination, fearing for their safety.

Asian-American health workers have been spat on and accused of spreading the ‘Chinese virus’ in the US. Six Asian women were killed in the Atlanta spa shootings this year. In New York, an elderly Asian woman was kicked on the streets as bystanders watched on.

Such harassment has also been felt here in Australia. 8 out of 10 Asian Australians reported facing discrimination during the pandemic. Chinese Australians experienced verbal and physical assaults going about their day.

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11 Creative Ways To Answer ‘How Are You?’

Posted on 8 April 2021 by Mabel Kwong

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You probably have been asked the question, ‘How are you?’ a fair bit in life. On some occasions you may have wondered how to answer it.

It’s a classic, common question you hear when meeting someone for the first time. It’s a question someone uses to introduce themselves to you and start a conversation. It’s a question where your friends ask when you’re catching up.

There are different variations to ‘How are you?’. For instance people also say, ‘How are you doing?’, ‘What’s going on?’ and ‘What’s up?’ and mean the same thing.

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