Dear Amanda, I am worried about meeting my boyfriend’s parents. They do speak English, but it isn’t their first language. How do I deal with a language barrier? What do I do if they serve unusual food? What should I wear? Do I call them Mr. and Mrs.? What are safe topics to talk about? […]
Ask Amanda: who are you again?
What is the best strategy for continuing a conversation when the other person clearly knows who you are but you can’t remember anything about this person — or why you should know him or her — for the life of you? Lydia (20, Waterloo, ON) Dear Lydia, One time I walked into a TV store […]
Nobody likes small talk
In the past I was a part of a leadership team for my church’s young adults group. As leaders, part of our role was to welcome newcomers. We greeted them at the door and got them connected. I loved the opportunity, but often times I’d leave in an anxious whirlwind, not sure of who I […]