Ask Michelly: New date night ideas

 

You asked: "What are some different date ideas that I can recommend to my boyfriend? I am so tired of going on the same dinner and movie cliché date!"

 

Michelly answered: "If you can afford it, think about taking a little day trip somewhere. Maybe to the mountains if you live close by them or to a favorite park or maybe find a ranch and pay to go horseback riding for the afternoon.  You could even propose to him that you guys get tickets to a sporting event (basketball, baseball, football or even hockey) that way he gets his way of doing something he'd like to do and you don't have to order the same butternuts quash ravioli at a restaurant where they know you by name!"

 

 

Do you have any unique date ideas? Share them in the comments below!

 

 

- Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor) 

Ask Michelly: Long Distance Love

 

 

You asked: "When you're in a long distance relationship what is the best way to keep things from falling apart? How do you stay committed to each other without letting jealousy or suspicions run rapid?"

 

 

Michelly answered: "A long distance relationship definitely has its up and downs so there is no way of getting around that. It takes work. Communication is definitely important to any strong relationship, and even though it may be hard when you two aren't in the same city, it's something you have to keep in mind whenever you feel angry or jealous. If there comes a time where you feel like you're losing interest in the relationship or that maybe he/she is, talk to him when you are both free of distractions. You may find that he misses you as much as you miss him and you may able to find a solution to your jealousy or suspicions. However, if you can never find a time that is convenient for both of you to talk and work things out, it would be best to end the relationship before things completely spiral out of control and you get hurt even more. Skype is also a great resource for long distance relationships. A good way to stay connected and committed to each other while you're apart is to schedule cute little interactive dates via Skype and during this date there cannot be any distractions. No cell phones on it the background or TV's. Just the two of you being able to reconnect and reassure each other of the commitments that you have made. But do remember that as much as it is important that you keep your relationship intact and healthy, it's also important that you live your own life as well. Don't dwell on the days that you can't talk or have Skype dates. Instead join an exercise group or whatever hobby you like, so you will be able to kill some of the time in-between."

 

- Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor)  

 

 

The M&M Report: Accepting a Job

You asked: "If an employer offers the job to you right after you finish your interview in his/her office, should you accept the job just as fast or does it seem too desperate?"

 

 

Michelly answered: "If it is a job that you are really interested in and it feels right to you, just go for it! They probably won't see it as desperation - more like that you are eager to start learning and working for such a great company. I wouldn't worry too much about looking desperate. They offered you the job so why wait if its something you want. However, if you are having doubts then I would recommend thanking them for the offer but you will need some time to consider the position. Once you've had time to digest the information your received from your interview, if you decide that you want to accept the job call them back ASAP."

 

 

Maddy answered: "While I agree with you a little bit Michelly, I do have to disagree with accepting a job right on the spot. If it is a professional/corporate job offer I would suggest you telling them that you want to take the remainder of the day to think about your options and that you will get back to them before their closing time. To me this showcases that you have other options on the table and that you are a very marketable person and are a hard worker. Sometimes letting future employers think that you are wanted elsewhere will give them an extra push to "up the stakes" and offer you something more if you so choose to work for them. Ex: they may offer you a higher wage/salary, or other offers that will help you excel). However, if you are a part time student looking to work in a retail chain I would say that it is alright to accept the job on the spot. You'll get some work experience under your belt, make your bank account grow while you're looking for the next best thing."

 

 

Have you ever been hesitant about taking a job on the spot? Share your experience in the comments below!

 

 

-Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor)

-Maddy (Ruby Red Contributor) 

The M&M Report: Choosing the Right Career Path

 

You asked: "How do you know which career is right for you?"

 

 

Michelly answered: "That's a wonderful question! I would suggest trying out a couple jobs, really get some work experience under your belt and find out what your passions, interests are and what are your strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day career choice is based on which career would make you the happiest long-term. A great resource is OCCinfo (http://alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/Content/RequestAction.asp?format=html&aspAction=GetHomePage&Page=Home) which hosts a bunch of job descriptions, education requirements and even salary!"

 

 

Maddy answered: "I agree with Michelly tenfold. If there was anything I would change about high school is that I think work experience classes should be mandatory. It's never fun leaving school and being thrown into the unexpected. You'll know when you're ready for college and working to save a little more dough never hurt anyone! That being said, when you're looking at colleges and different degree options make sure you sit down with an academic advisor! It may take up some of your time but it will be worth it. The last thing you want to do is enroll in something and not finish it because you hate it (trust me I've been there). Tip: When you go for academic advising, make sure they go through the course material with you for each degree option - not just the program requirements and transfer features. Going through the course material helps because then you will know what you're in for during the next four years of your studies."

 

 

Have you found the career of your dreams? Tell us your experience to achieve your career in the comments below!

 

 

- Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor)

-Maddy (Ruby Red Contributor)



Ask Michelly: Interview Attire

You asked: "How should I dress for a professional interview?"

 

 

Michelly answered: "I would say that you can never go wrong with dress pants and a nice shirt. Remember the golden rules of interview attire: No jeans, no leggings, no logo t-shirts, not hats and no running shoes. If you want to accessorize a rather dull outfit, make sure that your jewelry is tasteful (ex: delicate bracelets, small pendant necklaces, simple rings). If you want a more feminine approach to an interview outfit a dress skirt (pencil and a little passed the knee).  Overall, you want to dress for the part of the job. If you're applying at an office, iron your clothing and make sure you look professional. Most importantly, let your wardrobe show your personality."

 

 

 

- Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor) 

The M&M Report: How to Deal with Workplace Woes

You asked: "How do I excel at a job where my employer isn't very approachable?"

 

 

 Michelly answered: "Just keep doing what you are doing. Show up to work on time, complete the tasks required to fulfill a workday and don't be afraid to put in a little extra effort when working around the store/office. Hopefully they will recognize your efforts sooner rather than later and good things will begin to snowball from there. Don't forget to participate in small talk every now and then to create a bond with your employer as well, from there you might become more comfortable with her and vice versa."

 

 

Maddy answered: "I agree with Michelly, and it's hard to add anything else really. I would like to expand on how to bond with your employer though. If you work in a small retail store or office, on everyone's down time (ex: lunch break) try to strike up a positive conversation with everyone in the office/store. By putting yourself out there you are marketing yourself to your boss. He/she gets to see the impression you make on others and learn a lot about your personality (what you like, don't like, your long and short-term goals).  By doing so, maybe the next time a new position opens up in the company your employer will consider the positive influence you bring to the company, and BOOM - hello promotion."


Have you overcome obstacles at work that at the time seemed impossible? Share your experience in the comments below!


-Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor)
- Maddy (Ruby Red Contributor) 

Ask Michelly: Should I Date Someone With Kids?

 You asked: "Is it ever okay to date someone with children and how long should I be dating someone before you actually "meet the kids?"

 

 

 

Michelly answered: "This is a hit or miss question because it depends on who your comfortable dating and if you're okay with being secondary in a relationship. I say secondary because you must know that his children will always come first. You have to get used to the idea that while you have a romantic date organized for the both of you, these plans could change at the drop of the hat. If you're comfortable with supporting your man and helping him be a great father, then I think it's okay for you to date someone with children. As far as when you should meet his children, I think you shouldn't meet them for awhile, for about a year when your relationship seems more long-term than just a quick fling. Remember you don't want to confuse his kid(s) if one day you're hanging out with them and a week later you are nowhere to be found."

 

 

Have you ever dated someone with kids? Offer your advice in the comments below!


-Michelly (Ruby Red Contributor)