Dear Laidback Lola, i’m in an external writing project outside of NUS and am finalising my written story. However, I am caught in a dilemma. My mentor, who is an established and successful writer, hates a part of the script I love. On the other hand, my peers, who have published and won awards love those parts too. I’m not sure who to listen to or how to handle this situation. Any advice?

Firstly, I commend you on taking part in this project. Isn’t writing one of the most delightful things ever? :)

This is a quote I live by: Hear everyone out but only listen to yourself.

Perhaps you can find a day to sit down with your mentor and ask why he/she doesn’t take a liking towards that part of your script. Ask him/her to give you advice on what you can do to improve it. Make sure to figure out whether his reasons for disapproving come from viewing your script from a technical point of view, or whether it is based on personal reasons for objecting. Carry out the same process with your friends too.

Then, ask yourself why you want to keep it, or why you added it in at all. If it is a really important part that sits right with you, I think you should leave it as it is. Perhaps only brushing up on technicalities to cater to a wider range of tastes? If you feel like the essence of the story still holds even without that part and you would like to remove it, by all means.

Don’t dismiss your mentor’s nor your friends’ views. In fact, take them seriously into consideration. But ultimately I feel that you should use the views simply to assist you in making your decision, instead of agreeing fully with either one. Good luck :)

How do you know when someone is interested in you?

You can’t always know. 

It depends on the person involved actually. Some people are awfully good at keeping their affections in check. Some just cannot keep their hands off the person they like. 

Most of the time, however, I believe subtle signs can be picked up. Most feel self-conscious around people they like, especially in the early stages of a relationship or friendship. You might be able to pick this up by careful observation of their actions and the general atmosphere or mood when they’re around. For example, if they are usually chatty around you, they might be more reserved now, or vice versa. 

Of course, there is no one exact way that will work for everyone, but I believe beauty lies in the uncertainty. Try to feel your way around, learn to read them better, maintain an open mind. Not everything is black and white, and sometimes the grey is just as good, if not better.

Not a question, but I love your red locks!

Thank you dear :)

Are small espresso places becoming just a teensy bit annoying?

I do agree with you slightly. It is the traits that these places embody that are becoming increasingly commonplace. Of garden variety, if you will. Indie, quirky, whimsical, kitsch. Before you know it, the entire Singapore will be one large scale mashup of Ann Siang Hill meets Tiong Bahru meets Haji Lane. However, although mildly annoying, it is probably not a trend that will die down anytime soon. The coffee culture is slowly but surely gaining strength here. You must admit these places are perfect spots for catch up with friends or alone time too. Apt for an otherwise busy city.

My advice is for you to enjoy it while it lasts. Nothing bad ever comes from espresso. Except perhaps insomnia.

Laidback Lola wants to clear up false impressions. She is not a scam, just a dreamy whimsical girl. The FAQ section on the right is dedicated to the basic questions you might have. Check it.

Any more questions can be directed to laidbacklola@gmail.com or the Ask box. Lola looks forward to discussing Life, Love and the like. 

Laidback Lola, what’s up with celebrity baby names?

Their parents aced Pretentious Parenting 101. Personally though, I find a Shontella Avian Maria-Thomson better than the likes of Adeline Hosehbo.

Laidback Lola, how did you get your hair so pink? (I’d have said “crimson” but that would make me sound pretentious)

I am actually a Metamorphmagus.

Lola,

I am personally a huge fan of physical coercion. You can take the first step by staging an apocalypse. Get some huge fans to help you conjure up an indoor sandstorm and proceed to trap as many people as possible inside that hell you just created. It is quite possible that a large number of them, if not all, will emerge tree huggers and vegetarians. 

What happens when you hit someone’s groin by accident and his pride gets wounded?

Firstly, thank you for being the first to submit a question.

I would like to be frivolous and tell you that the best way to turn the situation around would be to give it a serious rub. On a serious note, perhaps you would like to get him insurance as a sincere gesture to assure him that such an event will not happen again? 

Laidback Lola is tidying up loose ends. She cannot wait to hear your stories. In the meantime, drop her an email at laidbacklola@gmail.com should you wish to talk. All identities are kept confidential.