Shanghai-ed - complete guide to life & business in China's greatest cityclassifieds
Shanghai-ed - complete guide to life & business in China's greatest city

Ask Aunt Daisy

Ask Aunt Daisy

We all have moments of doubt and uncertainty. When we need someone to turn to for advice. Here at Shanghai-ed we take our personal problems to Aunt Daisy. Now you can too.

Click here to send your personal message.

Mark it: "Dear Aunt Daisy". Replies will appear below.


Dear Aunt Daisy,
I am having trouble with my Chinese. The waitresses in the restaurant can never understand me though I have studied Chinese for two years now and I speak clear and standard mandarin. What shall I do?

Dear puzzled,
There are two explanations: either your mandarin is not as clear and standard as you think or else there is some PERSONAL reason that is making the waitresses reluctant to acknowledge you and your efforts at communication. If it's the second, corrective measures are for you to consider. If it's the first, perhaps you should make a change and move to Argentina.

love and kisses

Aunt Daisy


Dear Aunt Daisy,
I haven't been back to Shanghai for more than six years. From what I am reading at Shanghai-ed and what my mother and relatives are telling me, Shanghai has changed tremendously since my last visit in 1991. I will be back in Jan. 1998, by myself. I would love the visit the club scene, but don't want to do it solo (none of my cousins are the right age for partying). I'm used to going clubbing with friends in New York. Got any idea who I could hook up with to show me a great time?
Jules

Dear Jules,
All of the really cool people these days seem to go to the Park 97 restaurant in Fuxing Park, I am sure you would hook up with someone there pretty quickly.
Aunt Daisy

Dear Aunt Daisy,
I'm a fifteen year old expat who has a big problem. School really sucks and all the boys are really ugly. I met May-May a few weeks ago and she totally sympathised, but told me that you were the one with all the good advice. How can I meet some nice guys to spice up my life?
Louise

Dear Louise,
Everything sucked when I was fifteen, which of course, wasn't very long ago (Ha Ha -Ed's note). If I'd been worrying about boys then, my mother would have fed me maggots for dinner - although it is nice to have a bit on the side, it isn't something you should be worrying about. Have girlie nights and forget all about boys! As it is, the more you're out and about as a bunch, the more likely you are to meet eligible boys. And no matter what May-May may have told you, she didn't have a boyfriend when she was fifteen. Just have fun, and when the time is right, Mr. Right will come along.
Aunt Daisy

Dear Aunt Daisy,
I 'm a 22 year old woman and have recently been having difficulty controlling my weight. All the restaurants that I've been going to after seeing them on this website are making me fat! Is there a way I can keep up this lifestyle without having to buy clothes in a bigger size?
Big Bum

Dear Big Bum,
As a fellow female I can assure you that I have been through the same thing. May-May is constantly dragging me out to all these great places where she stuffs me with all kinds of delicious foods. There are several alternative solutions to your problem. Exercise is always a great way, I hear that walking backwards in Fuxing Park is becoming a bit of a craze in certain trendy circles. Choosing healthier meals at restaurants is a similarly effective way to handle it. When May-May tries to brutally force chocolate cake down my throat, I opt for a plate of fruit. A healthy, balanced diet is always the way, and if I can do it with that vixen around, so can you!
Aunt Daisy

Dear Aunt Daisy,
I Have Been Living In My Home Town For Nearly 30 Years, And Now Get Bored. There Are Alot Of Other Great Cities Out There In The World, And I Think One Of Them Should Be Shanghai. To Be True, I Lived In Taichung, Taiwan For 5 Years, Lawrence ( Kansas ) USA For 2 Years, And LA (USA) For 1 Year, But I Don't Like'em Much. I Visited Shanghai Several Years Ago, Found Her Really Crowded And The People Are So Energetic Comparing The Neighbor HangChouw Of which With All The Naive People Living In Such A Beautiful Environment. I Need To Have A Choice Of Moving. Where Should I Do ? Is Shanghai A Great City For Business & Life (Cultural & Friendship )?
Janis Halim

Dear Janis,
You sound as if you're difficult to please, but your lavish use of capital letters suggests an extrovert personality. Shanghai could be the place for you. It is indeed crowded, and I wouldn't describe the environment as beautiful. Yes, to answer your direct question, Shanghai is a great city for Business & Life. Whether or not it is for you, who knows? But if you are bored with life where you are, if you have no other more attractive prospects before you and if you have the opportunity, why not get on the plane?
Aunt Daisy

Dear Aunt Daisy,
I need one good girl friend. Can you help in this regards? Awaiting your comments. I am staying in Shanghai. With regards,
Th

Dear Kent,
You need one good girl, and not two. That's a start. But what do you mean by "good", I wonder? Let's presume you're looking for a young lady with serious intentions of establishing a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with her. Well, you won't find her in DD's that's for sure. The answer is to engage in activities that will give you exposure to ordinary Shanghai girls in relatively normal circumstances. Your work mates are a good starting point, but aim to get to know their friends rather than going out with your work mates directly. It will make your life far less complicated. Good luck!!
Aunt Daisy

Dear Aunt Daisy,
I have a problem. My negative body language is too loud. I seem to make it too obvious what my feelings are about people who I don't think much of. I think this is losing me acquaintances and more importantly, business contacts. What should i do?
(signed), D.P. of Hong Qiao

Dear Negative Body Language,
Hmmm. Well, as much as I am a devotee of the truth, it sounds as though you are taking this ideal to its unattractive extreme. The good news is you already are aware of what you are doing. It would be simple to say, simply, stop it! But, if that worked, you wouldn't be seeking advice. Maybe it's time to take a look at why everyone else's human flaws are so apparent and objectionable to you. In my experience, that often has a lot to do with your own insecurities and and need to convince yourself that you are OK. Here's a tip: You are OK. And so are they. Start with the mirror, sweety and work from there. Good luck!
Aunt Daisy

Shanghai-ed - complete guide to life & business in China's greatest cityclassifieds
Shanghai-ed - complete guide to life & business in China's greatest city