@thebottomsupblog

Same here. I’m fine if my kids’ friends call me “aunty,” but i feel awkward when someone older than me calls me that 🤭 Once at the wet market, I saw a guy (probably mid-30s) queuing in front of me who got upset when the elderly stall auntie called him “uncle.” He even told her not to call him that. When it was my turn, the stall auntie almost called me “auntie” too, then quickly switched to “xiao mei” I guess she didn’t want to risk upsetting another customer!

@thebottomsupblog Yes,shared vulnerability can shape closeness quite quickly. When people go through a challenging season together — like you have mentioned at a workplace. The sense of openness and mutual support can happen within a relatively short period of time.

@sharonkhoo I agree. On second thought, “close” can be quite one-sided at times. Feeling close enough to offer help doesn’t always mean the closeness is mutual.

@thebottomsupblog

I asked myself how should we define a “close friend”? Is it someone we meet often, or someone we turn to when we truly need help?

I do maintain contact with my primary school friends from P1 and we have a group chat. We don’t meet very often — usually during CNY or when a classmate returns from the US for a short stay. However, I realise that over the years, while I’ve kept in touch, I’ve never actually approached them for help when I was struggling. Because of that, I sometimes wonder whether this would still be considered a “close” friendship, even though I’ve witnessed support being extended within the group when others needed it.

In contrast, during my challenging periods of my life after having children, the people I sought help from were those I had gotten to know in more recent years. That experience made me reflect on how closeness can also be shaped by trust, timing, and shared vulnerability — not just history.

At this stage of life, my most connected group of friends are fellow mums from my children’s primary school, and I also have a few other close friends where we make the effort to meet for each other’s birthdays and pray for one another when someone is troubled.

So for me, “close friendship” seems to take different forms at different stages of life.

@thebottomsupblog

Below are the current tuition expenses for my girls:
Maths - 2 hours a week, $220 x 2 for 4 lessons
Chinese - 2 hours a week, $325 x 2 for 5 lessons

Total costs $1,090 for my two girls.

@thebottomsupblog
Yes yes, I am going to find out which other secondary schools have 4+1 time table 🤭

@thebottomsupblog
Wow, this is my first time hearing of a 4+1 timetable! Does that mean students don’t have lessons on Fridays and only go to school for CCA?

@chick81
You are a very understanding mummy Despite your own disappointment, you remained calm and encouraging, putting your son’s emotions first ️ That speaks volumes. In the end, what matters most is that our children enjoy the learning journey and grow in confidence and character.

@thebottomsupblog

Hi, my nephew with a score of 14 for 2025 PSLE got into Christ Church as well. I’m really glad to hear your positive comments about this school especially that your son has grown in confidence and found caring friends. That’s very encouraging to hear.

@thebottomsupblog

Below are the current tuition expenses for my girls:
Maths - 2 hours a week, $220 x 2 for 4 lessons
Chinese - 2 hours a week, $325 x 2 for 5 lessons

Total costs $1,090 for my two girls.