In every issue of FAZE MAGAZINE, our readers bare their souls to Ed The Sock & Red, Canada’s high priest and priestess of morality, etiquette and, especially, common sense. Here are Ed & Red’s unfettered and heartfelt replies.
Send in your own questions and hopefully Ed & Red will be able to answer you in an upcoming issue of FAZE.
ISSUE #15 Q & A
Faze Reader:
There’s this guy I really, really like, but I’m not sure if he’s interested in me. I’ve given him strong signals like notes, bumping into him — a lot, I’ve even had my friend give him my number, and he still hasn’t asked me out. Do you think he’s just shy, and should I ask him out?
ED REPLIES:
Bumping into him is a strong signal? He may just think you have coordination problems. Speaking as a guy, if a girl’s friend gives me her number, I toss it out. You gotta represent, girlfriend. If you want to give him a real signal, talk to him. Most people, guys and girls, are turned off by games — and that’s what you’re playing. It’s cute if you’re in grade three, beyond that it becomes increasingly annoying.
Faze Reader:
My friend just got a tattoo and wants me to get one, too. She says I should stop being a “mama’s girl” and just do it. I kinda want one, but I know my parents would kill me. What should I do?
ED REPLIES:
I guess your friend wants you to demonstrate your individuality by doing exactly what she’s done. Better a “mama’s girl” than a mindless follower; your mother no doubt has greater wisdom than your friend. And speaking of ‘mama’, do you really want to have a tattoo hanging off your skin when you’re 30? 40? Forget it, stick to piercings, they’re reversible at least.
Faze Reader:
How do I tell my mom to grow up? She dresses like me, listens to the same music and wants to hang out with me and my friends when we’re at home. Shouldn’t she be knitting or something? She’s 38!
ED REPLIES:
Well, people are rarely sitting in rocking chairs at 38. Liking the same music isn’t so bad, but dressing like you is cringe-inducing. And wanting to hang out with you and your friends? Creepy. She probably just wants to be involved in your life. Let her know she’s creeping you out (but don’t use those words). Or start dressing like your friends’ moms, and see if yours gets the picture.
Faze Reader:
My girl’s fave hangout is the mall. Not a big deal, but she wants me there with her. Also not a big deal, but then we get into stuff like, “Do these jeans make me look fat?” How do I get out of this?
ED REPLIES:
Well, I don’t recommend saying, “It’s not the jeans.” She’s just looking for positive reinforcement, so give it to her. Women have to put up with tons of images in the media that make them feel unattractive, so the least you can do is say something nice. And young man, get used to it — it never ends.
Faze Reader:
I think my friend is unattractive. I’m not trying to be mean or anything but she is. The problem is, she thinks she’s hot and is always saying guys are checking her out, when I don’t think they are. How should I deal with this?
ED REPLIES:
Well, first of all, what is or isn’t attractive is subjective. What both sexes seem to find attractive is confidence, which can usually make you overlook other traits that are less than your ideal. However, there’s nothing less attractive than insecurity masquerading as confidence, which usually manifests itself as empty boasting or, in the case of men, sports cars with blaring stereos. Sounds like your friend is insecure and is trying to mask it. You should make a point of telling her what her good qualities are. If she gets it from you, she won’t have to make crap up and say it out loud just to hear encouraging words.
Faze Reader:
My friend just broke up with her boyfriend. I have always had a crush on him. What is a good period of time to wait before I ask him out? My other friend says he’s off limits no matter how long, but the way I see it, if my friend doesn’t want him, and I do — what’s the problem?
ED REPLIES:
I’m not touching this one, and likely, neither should you. Every situation is different; there is no right or wrong answer or statute of limitations on exes. All I can suggest is that you wait for the situation to cool down then ask your friend if it’s okay. But be ready for a “no.”
Faze Reader:
I got an amazing new smartphone a few months ago and my friends are constantly asking me to borrow it for a ‘quick call’. I got my bill the other day and their calls really add up! I don’t want to sound cheap or anything but I don’t want to pay for their chattiness either. What can I say to them?
ED REPLIES:
Well, “no” sounds good. Just tell them your mother read you the riot act over the bills – they’ll be able to relate. Of course, they may not care, in which case, find yourself better friends.
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