~Tasukete!~

This issue the Ongiri will be focusing on issues of love and relationships!
Of course, we all know that problems with relationships of any form don't just matter this month. That's why the Onigiri Agony Aunt is here for you every issue! If you have a problem that you would like help with then just email submissions@theonigiri.com with 'Taskete' as the title. Your problem might be answered in the next issue! If you don't want your username posted then just say in the email and your secret will be save ^-^.
Anyway, on to this issue's features:

-001 What NOT to do (OR GIVE) - Moose17
-002 Submitted Question: How do I stop being shy? - q_h
-003 How to know a girl's interested in you [through the Internet] - Luciel







001
By: Moose17

February 14th. The dreaded day for most, and a subtle excuse to do things for some. As Valentine's Day approaches us, the flower shops and candy companies are about to make big bucks. But what if you're not into that kind of thing? What if the colors pink and red aren't for you or your sweetie? If you're wondering what to give then maybe you should listen to these wonderfully knowledgeable people:

"Never give a girlfriend or boyfriend diet pills, a pet or an exercise video," Melissa Neigebauer, freshman psychology major said. "And also no lingerie - that's just saying 'I want sex.'"

Neigebauer continued, "If you haven't been together very long and you [a guy] take her to a hotel, that's bad. A motel is even worse."

"Don't give screw drivers or tools to girls," Alanna Casey, freshman history major said. "And don't give a birthday card to a girl for Valentine's Day and cross out the birthday part."

Another bad idea is giving a mix CD that you gave an ex, or that an ex gave you. That is a good way to get another ex!

Do not even think about taking your special someone to a fast food place for a Valentine's dinner. McDonald's and Taco Bell are not romantic places. The only time you should go there for Valentine's Day is if they suggest it.

If you cannot cook to save your life, do not attempt to make a romantic dinner for the two of you. Also, make sure you know whether he/she is allergic to anything. You would not want to send him/her to the emergency room because of your lack of knowledge.

"Personal hygiene products are bad Valentine's Day gifts," Rachael Smerz, freshmen early childhood/special education major said. "Toothbrush, toothpaste, a shower sponge, acne products, deodorant - it's all very insulting."


Credit goes to Hallie Sinkovitz for quotes.









002
How do I stop being shy? I am so shy with relatives and new people. Whenever I am with them, it just feels awkward even though sometimes I do want to talk to them, ask them questions, etc. Can you give me tips to break the ice, please?

It happens, doesn't it? I feel shy with certain people too. Often, people feel shy because they think too much about what the other people would think of them; they don't feel confident enough. I'll share a few tips then.

I believe that you don't feel shy with your parents, siblings, and friends. Think about how it feels when you're with these people, can you create a similar atmosphere with the people you feel shy with? A more concrete example: if you have a question in mind, but are shy to break the ice, try forcing yourself to start saying the question aloud, when the person has noticed you speaking, wouldn't you have to finish the question then? It might sound slightly awkward, but isn't the conversation kicked off? By then, try to establish an enjoyable conversation. ^^

It's important to be confident. You are just you and no one else can be you. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, it's no big deal. Don't worry about people not liking you or making a fool of yourself in front of people. As long as you're being true to yourself, you'll find true buddies. Whatever makes you confident, try it!
~ q_h

Editors note:
''You have to love yourself before others can.''
Boost your confidence by writing down any compliments you recieve- you'll find you get more than you realise! Get out there and do things which scare you (no jumping off cliffs or trying to fly solo to the moon though =P)! So what if you look stupid? You won't know until you try and you won't learn until you practice!










003
~Luciel

So you've been living your life under a rock, or avoided the female population for reasons undisclosed, and want to know the single most important question you can have with the opposite gender: is she interested? There is only one sure, 100%, way to get this answer. Blatantly ask her. But then again no means yes and yes means no, or so what most guys tell each other. And the ultimate "I like you...but as a friend" clause. What the hell does that mean? The question can be daunting for many, even for well experienced players, because it's a well known fact that girls came from another planet, and almost nothing they say makes sense. Either way, here are some hints, clues, cheats, and cues to understanding a tiny bit of the other life form on the other side of the computer screen.

1. Initial contact. If she initiated contact, she's interested in getting to know you. And no, just adding you to her friends list doesn't count.
2. Your jokes actually work on her. It's amazing, I know.
3. She gives you compliments. From nice, simple comments to those derogatory cat-calls you wish you could return but too afraid of the double standards.
4. Consistent contact. If she's making excuses, or replies back weeks later, that is not consistent contact. That's called avoidance.
5. Sharing personal information. General sign of trust. Go figure.

If most of these criteria have been met, then more or less she likes you. Likewise, not every girl will fit the cookie cutter signs, so make sure you know who you're dealing with, and have that interesting conversation with that significant-other-to-be.


Editors Note
These articles are to be applied to internet communication such as email or instant chats. Under no circumstances do we encourage online relationships over forums with people you have never personally met. A little fun this valentines day is no problem but remember to stay safe. If you have any concerns then talk to your parents or PM any moderator on here. If it's not to do with this site then you're still welcome to PM s_j_b.
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