Nxg

Our non-qualified, non-professional in-house pseudo psychologist addresses your worst anxieties…

(Relationships, office politics, peer pressure, teacher trouble… mail your questions to nxg.nextgen@gmail.com Mark “Good Grief” in the subject line)

I’ve just started Std X in a new school. I’ve always been a bit of an introvert, so I’m really as to how the first few days are going to unfold. At my last school, I never quite fit in despite making a few attempts at showing my talkative side. Any tips on how to become more confident about making new friends? - SHY GUY

Dear SG, This one’s a toughie. People simply do not get introverts. They are likely to think you’re snobbish or, worse, a recluse. If you have trouble with groups, try meeting people one by one. And then you’ll be introduced to their friends. And so on. As the cliché goes, be yourself. And for heavens sake, don’t go about brandishing your copy of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

 I am a II year student who has been made the class rep this year against my wishes. Whenever my class gets into trouble I am the one facing the music. By nature I am very short tempered and I can’t yell at my mates, as they think I’m throwing my weight around. How do I be a successful Representative without any hard feelings? - CONFUSED GAL

Dear CG, Let’s lay out the choices. It’s either make your mates angry and do what the teachers want, or do what your mates want and disappoint your teachers. Do you prefer frying pans or fires? Do you want to be liked or do you want to do well in a job entrusted to you? This is a conundrum you’ll face in the world outside, so this is good training. Take the middle path. Explain your position to your friends. If they don’t listen, they’re not your friends. And you should have no problem yelling at them.

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