Qualifications
Dear Aunt Cynthia,
To say that you claim no expertise in anything and that you are "not a psychologist or psychiatrist" and "have never submitted a doctrine" or "written a thesis" does not seem to qualify you as an advice columnist. You may well be qualified, but, since you never explain why you are qualified, the implication is that you are not. Why not let your readers know your qualifications?
Thanks
‘I have been lover, best friend, mistress, prostitute, and wife to a man, at one time or the other in my life.’ That’s a quote from a book called ‘Back to Basic’s for Men’. I wrote the book and my name is Cynthia. You can read the rest of the book at storiesbyemail.com it’s in the archives of my work. If you want the whole boring story of who Aunt Cynthia is you can read more of the details there. I would however like to include, I have been a Mother, a sister, a daughter, a best friend, and yes even a lover, (once) to a woman. Which was why I also wrote ‘Back to Basic’s for Women”.
I have traveled most of my adult life, coast to coast in Canada, every two weeks. I have often gone as far south as Texas but that’s a far south as I have been, yet. My Mom always said I was the only child, in a brood of seven children that was born with wanderlust. I love to travel and I love to meet new people. While I’m traveling and meeting new people I like to think I’m paying attention. I believe we have a very short time to experience life, it’s important we learn all we can while we’re here. And I believe it’s up to each of us, in our own way, to pass on the knowledge we have picked up. And I believe everyday is precious. It isn’t a religious belief. It isn’t a popular belief but it is what I believe.
Why do I think I can write an advice column? Not because it’s easy that’s for sure. When you’re writing advice columns you’re leaving yourself fairly open to criticism. When I’m working on a story there isn’t any input from the people who read it. The closest thing I get to criticism is from my editor and even he goes easy on me. So up to this point I’ve been very spoiled, when it comes to my work. I have in no way grasped all there is to know about this world, but I’ll gladly share what I have learnt along the way, with any one who wants it.
What qualifies me as an advice columnist? Well to tell the truth I don’t know what qualifications apply to being an advice columnist. I know the responsibility I carry to give well thought out and helpful answers to any of my readers who ask for it. I also know the responsibility I carry to be very clear on the fact that I am not always right. My opinions are just an attempt to mediate or simply give a new perspective to a problem .If the problem is a really serious one I don’t think twice in suggesting counseling for the individuals. I will never pretend to be able to handle all of the troubles people face today.
Well that’s about it reader. I hope this answers your question and thanks for the letter.
Aunt Cynthia
A Teen question from a concerned Mom is next.
Dear Aunt Cynthia
I have a thirteen-year-old girl who looks more like twenty. She's a really good kid and shows
a lot of promise in her work at school. (We’re hoping for a scholarship; we don't allow dating yet (she's too young) but we will allow mixed group outings. (Bowling, movies, etc.) She seems to have no problem with our rules. But I am beginning to think something is bothering her. She spends most of her time in her room, and I'm sure she's crying sometimes, but when I ask her she denies it. What should I do? My husband says we should just let her be and time will take care of it. I'm not sure that’s a good idea with a teen.
Thanks so much.
Mom in turmoil!
Dear Mom,
Good for you! You are doing exactly what you should be doing at a time like this in your child’s life. You’re asking questions! I don’t want to push any panic buttons, but we are losing far too many teens to suicide, drugs and alcohol, because someone isn’t asking the questions that need to be asked.
You won’t get the answers from your teen if she isn’t ready or able to talk to you about what is troubling her. And I know the last thing you want to do is drive her
farther away by prying too hard. So here’s my suggestion.
You need to go to someone whom you are comfy with and who is qualified to help you! Find a family councilor, your minister, a doctor or even a teacher in her high school. Go to them and ask your questions and tell them your concerns. Don’t be afraid of being seen as over reacting, I only wish more parents would pay this kind of attention to their children. Don’t just let it be this is far too important to ignore!
I wish you all the best!
Aunt Cynthia
Well ladies and gentlemen, I think that’s about it for this week. I hope this has been of some help. Keep those e-mails coming! I’ll do what I can to help. Remember you can reach me at
askauntcynthia@storiesbyemail.com.
Until then I remain as always your Aunt Cynthia!
©2003 StoriesByEmail.com
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