"Ask Aunty"--Advice from Students

Two weeks ago, I had students read several "Ask Aunty" passages from RD. On the back of the paper were three sticky situations and students were invited to offer advice. A week later, I gave them the advice from the RD so that they could make a comparison. Here is one of the thorny problems, followed by five students' advice and the response from the RD. 

ASK AUNTY 

Sep. 2009, RD 

Dear Aunty, 

I have a good friend who’s a foodaholic. When the front door opens, he heads for my fridge and eats whatever is in sight. He weighs over 130 kilograms. I never raid his kitchen. I have told him his behavior bothers me, but he laughs it off. What can I do to keep from getting angry each time?

                                                                                                     Buffet Buddy

 Dear Buddy,

If you can’t change him, then change yourself. Just let him eat. And put only vegetables and fruits in your fridge. It will be healthier. So next time he pays you a visit, have a “light diet” with him.

(31103) 

Dear Buffet Buddy,

Tell him that this behavior really offends you. If he still cast your warning to the winds, next time he comes to your home, put nothing but a toy pig in your refrigerator. When he opens it, you say, “I’m sorry. All my food has been eaten by this pig so I have nothing to feed you.” He will feel very embarrassed and won’t even dare to open your refrigerator any amore.

(31117) 

Dear Buffet Buddy,

This is really annoying. Here is a suggestion for you. Stop buying food for a month and then see what would happen. Maybe he will realize that his behavior really makes you mad. IF this doesn’t work, I think you should move to a new place. (31115)

Dear Buffet Buddy,

You can try and clean the food out of your fridge every time before he steps into your house. IF you think this way too troublesome, then you can put a scale in front of the fridge. Ask him to stand on it before he opens the fridge; meanwhile, threaten him telling him he is unlikely to get a girlfriend if he keeps eating.

(31133) 

Dear Buffet Buddy,

Calm down! There is no need for you to get angry about this. Getting angry can’t solve the problem. First, you can avoid bringing him to your home. Second, if he insists on going to your home and eats up all the food, then you should put as little food as possible in your fridge and tell him again that his behavior “really” bothers you. Last, since he is your good friend, why not help him get rid of this bad habit? Take him to the gym on weekends. I’m sure he’ll get healthier and won’t raid your kitchen anymore.

(31120) 

The advice from the RD: 

Dear Buddy,

Imagine if your friend was an alcoholic instead. Would you keep the booze where he could so readily get to it when he comes to visit? Slip your friend an article about the effects of obesity on heart disease and diabetes and then post a “Family Members Only” sign on the door of the fridge.