14-year-old Maths Genius

I have ever read an article about a 14 year old boy who is trying to apply for several universities in Britain, one including Cambridge, but either got rejected or no response. His love for mathematics began from an early age and he dreams of becoming a math professor. In 2008, he had a taste of the English teaching method from a two-week mathematic course scholarship he’d won. Although rejected by Cambridge last year, he is determined to re-apply again.

After reading the article, I asked myself, what's the rush? He is only 14 years old, and unlike typical families with gifted children, it is fortunate that he enjoys mathematics and is not given pressure by his family.

Many educators believe that skipping grades causes more problems than it solves. It may also cause social problems and lead to academic failures. If I was fortunate to be gifted in a certain subject, to me it would mean extra play time and one less subject to study.

In a Relationship

Although my attitudes are very conventional, I think that age is not such a big issue when people come into a relationship. Do men have to be older than the girl? Why is it okay when a man dates an older woman but socially unacceptable when a woman dates younger man? Isn't it the same thing?

Living in society often places its demands on us, trying to make us conform to accepted norms of behavior. At least, age is not just a number. In most people's point of view, men are generally less mature than women, so women prefer to date men who are a few years older than themselves. Some also believe that it boosts men's ego when they date older women as they see that they are able to attract someone older and more mature. Women on the other hand are also content to find themselves being able to attract younger men.

The two individuals involved should have chemistry and should click on a fundamental level. There are always advantages and disadvantages in all types of relationships. When two individuals decide to make it work and are committed to the relationship, nothing should be able to get in the way.

Chinese New Year vs. Valentine's Day

What to do? Is celebrating Chinese New Year more important or Valentine 's Day?Apparently, this is the first clash of the two days since 1900 and the next one will be in 2030. Is this overlap of the two days a good thing or a bad thing? Debatable.

You can take advantage of both holidays falling on the same day to express love to family and friends or deepen love with spouses or partners. It's also a good chance to take your boyfriend or girlfriend to meet 'the family'. Even if you are not Chinese, the day can be full of fun and love. In addition, a good chance to learn about the Chinese culture. In another view, for couples who were looking forward to spending their first Valentine's Day together can feel somewhat disappointed.

What to do? Possibly family gathering in the morning and celebrate Valentine's Day in the evening.

Why do women cut their hair after a break up?

It is well-observed that women cut their hair after a break up. Is it actually a good idea or a bad one? A few good points I can think of after a nasty break up.

The first point is that a drastic change would mean it’s time to move on with boost of confidence. But is it too impulsive? Are you rational enough to know what you want?

The second point is to tell the world that you’re newly single. But is that a good thing? It does show guys around you that you’re available, but on the other hand, guys may perceive that you’re emotionally unstable.

Anyway, it’s matter of individual preference. As long as it makes one feel well, why bother not doing that!

Over-protective Dads

Some female students ever shared with me that when they got a boyfriend, their father often react irrationally to dislike that relationship.

I guess it's not difficult to comprehend. In the fathers' point of view, just a few years ago their daughters used to do everything with them. It could be very heartbreaking for them to watch their daughters grow up and drift away towards adulthood. Fathers don't want them to go and even share with another guy. They think no guy will ever be good enough for their little girl.

Another reason fathers are so protective is that they were also once hormone-driven teens. All guys were. His friends were all hormone-driven teens as well. They know better than anyone what guys are thinking and what they will do to get lucky from her daughter.

At the end of the day, dads have their daughters' best interests in mind. All the daughters need to do is to convince their dads that they can be trusted and are making the right choices.

Increase in drivers' texting

Although many countries have banned speaking on mobile phones whilst driving, has the usage of them actually decreased? No! It only changes the way to use.

The Christchurch Strategic Traffic Unit in New Zealand had the following experience: After the law changed last year, the use of mobile phones to talk has dropped drastically. However, lately it has been noticed that there is a gradual increase in phone texting whilst driving. Drivers are trying to text covertly, which consequently leads them to take their eyes off the road to look down to text.

It has been shown in multiple studies that it isn't holding the phone that is the problem but talking during driving. It's because some of your attention is dedicated to speaking on the phone, taking away your attention on the road. Now, drivers turn to concentrating more on texting. Is this turning the matter worse than before?

Is online dating a good idea?

Approximately 40 million people around the globe have turned to the internet for love. Even some of my friends have met their partners through the Internet. A cousin of mine actually met her husband through the Internet. What does actually draw people to online dating in such a vast number?

In fact, there is limitless supply of people online, from everywhere around the globe, who also have a common goal. They're obviously on a dating site to find a partner so there's no guess whether the other person is available for a relationship or not. Then there're speed and convenience, where it is designed towards fast and efficient contact whenever and wherever you want. Also, information, you know to a certain extent (given that the person you meet online is being honest) of your prospective date's physical appearance and background.

Of course, you cannot be oblivious to the fact that there may be people out there who don't necessarily have the same purpose as you. Even in real life, there are people who aren't as honest as you think they are. I personally enjoy meeting people in person rather than through the Internet. Meeting in person just seems more realistic and more exciting. I like to observe people's body language, facial expressions and their mannerism.