By Nor Akmal (23S03A) and Venkatesan Ranjana (23A01D)

Cover image by Johnathan Lim (23S03M)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/RIAAUU and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month.

I feel like people have become so fake in JC, becoming hyper aware of universities, competitions, scholarships etc, it makes me feel very uncomfortable.

— Frustrated Felix

Dear Frustrated Felix, 

We understand where you’re coming from. We’re nearing the end of the penultimate stage of our education journey and many of us are very worried for the next chapter of our lives. Sometimes, this anxiety manifests as discussions about the future—your peers may be talking non-stop about the prestigious universities they’re interested in, the scholarships that are available for them, and other instances of humble bragging that you may find rather pretentious. In any case, we agree that it can be very uncomfortable to listen to such conversations, but we feel that there is more to this phenomenon than meets the eye.

By Nor Akmal (23S03A, Peer Helper) and Jolene Yee (23S03A)

Cover image by Johnathan Lim (23S03M)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/riadvice and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month. 

How do I stop comparing myself to others, especially when I feel like I come from a different background (not wealthy, not from branded primary school, not sporty)?
– Insecure Ivy

Dear Insecure Ivy,

We know how you feel.

It seems as though everywhere you look, there is someone better than you. Some of our peers’ portfolios are stacked with not only impeccable academic grades, but excellent CCA records and countless VIA hours to boot. Self-doubt starts creeping in and you cannot help but wonder, Have I done enough? Have my efforts thus far been in vain?

By Nor Akmal (23S03A) and Alisha Insyirah (23S03Q, Peer Helper)

Cover Image by Tay Yu Ning (23S06E)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/riadvice and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month. 

I have two friends in my class currently which I know from separate friendship circles, however we are now in one friendship circle and they don’t seem to vibe together. What should I do?

Confused Compadre

Dear Confused Compadre, 

Most, if not all of us, are in more than one friendship circle: it goes without saying that each friendship circle will contain people with differing personalities. Naturally, then, if you were to bring two friends from different circles together, they may have some difficulty “vibing”, as you’ve already experienced. 

By Nor Akmal (23S03A) and Faith Wan (23S02B)

Your resident Aunties and Uncles are back with our Ask Aunt Agony and Uncle Upset column, this time as a collaboration between Raffles Press and Peer Helpers’ Programme (PHP)! Ever wanted to rant about that someone you just can’t stand? Overwhelmed with too many feelings? Submit your confessions to https://tinyurl.com/riadvice and we’ll give them our best shot. This column will be published at the end of every month.

how do i manage my large ego?

Arrogant Anon

Dear Arrogant Anon,

Everyone has an ego. After all, your ego is your self-esteem: you need to believe that you have the potential to keep taking on new challenges so that you don’t stagnate within your comfort zone. A high self-esteem is also crucial for positive mental health and well-being. It enables you to value yourself and maintain a healthy level of confidence.