Are my neighbours in the dark about light?

My neighbours never fail to irk me whenever they switch on their super bright and glaring gigantic bulb which hangs in their front porch. It is blinding and brightens the whole estate instantly. Not to mention that it is always switched on at dawn (when the maid goes about her chores) and at night (when it is supposed to be dark and cosy). It gets worse whenever they hold barbecue sessions as the glaring light is left on way past midnight. What gives?

Miffed

Sylvia Toh: Simply organise a bunch of friends with a ball, and then start playing 7-a-side football in their porch, explaining that that's what you thought the well-lit premises are for.

Or buy a dog that barks at bright lights.

Then quietly complain to the neighbourhood authorities that some people have never heard of energy-saving practices.

S M Ong: One word: curtains.

Why should I help with muddy balls?

The boys in our condo play football daily on a plot of land just outside our swimming pool, separated by a low wall. Problem is, their muddy ball would almost always end up in our swimming pool. Whenever that happens, the boys would perch themselves on the low wall and start to call for help from anyone who happens to be swimming to throw the ball over the wall to them. I always feign ignorance when they call for help as 1) I don't like the idea of the muddy ball in the pool, 2) I'm not a strong swimmer and I can't tread water.

Paige

Sylvia Toh: You are a scary citizen, the not-my-problem-so-better-don't-interfere type.

Got fire how? You won't stop to help?

I see only two solutions here, 1) Build a higher wall 2) You learn how to swim.

S M Ong: Wait, are the muddy balls still in the pool now?

Parents won't let me dress skimpily

I'm a 14-year-old girl who likes wearing miniskirts and tops with spaghetti straps. My parents think they are indecent and they want me to cover up. But my friends are all wearing them. How can I persuade my parents to let me wear what I want?

Britney

Sylvia Toh: No 14-year-old should try to convince parents about anything.

Grown-ups are sooo stoopid.

Move in with your friends, since their parents are so heck-care about how their teenage daughters dress.

S M Ong: Use the weather as an excuse. It's not the heat - it's the humidity.

Got boyfriend problems? Your parents just don't understand you? Or is your sister driving you up the wall? Our humorists, Sylvia Toh and SM Ong, tell you how to laugh your woes away. Send your letters to tnpshow@sph.com.sg

 Back to Columnists