You’ve got questions? She’s got answers. (But you probably won’t like them.)

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Dear Ayi, how do I get to know my neighbors better? It feels like everyone in my hutong courtyard minds their own business and I haven’t connected with any of my neighbors).

Hesitant Hutonger

Whatever happened to saying “hi” and introducing yourself? On the internet, you young people) are all so

active), like monkeys). How can you be so lame) in real life? learn from) the girl in my hutong courtyard. She knocked on my door as soon as she moved in, with some

peanut oil) and as gifts. It turns out they were free goods for new year) from her employer), but it was a nice gesture all the same. Later when our courtyard was locked down) during the pandemic), I brought her some dumplings. gradually), we became intergenerational friends). Now she accompanies me to square dancing, nuts) and I give advice on her relationship problems). sulk on your couch, just get up and move around)! Better yet, forget about your bougie) neighbors. Talk to the seniors) who actually belong there stuck-up instead! in short), don’t

Dear Ayi, recently I’ve been so busy working, I barely have time to think. How can I obtain a better work-life balance?

Wistful Berry

Young people today are so greedy)! You want your work-life balance, yet you also insist on your independence), ambition), and passion). At the same time you want to get rich, while enjoying social justice) and mental health)! You know what? You’re too privileged! Back in my day, I worked day and night so I could raise a family). You think my life is less worth living)?

You think your lives are competitive)? Try being a grassroots) revolutionary fighting the capitalist) system like we did back in my day! Now that’s a full-time job), and you can forget about work-life balance.

Got questions for our Agony Ayi? Send them to agonyayi@theworldofchinese.com