My voice is soft
Salam Guru,
I’m a 17-year-old first-year pre-medical student, and I really appreciate how you solve the problems of readers. My problem is that I speak very softly, and most people mistake me for a girl when they talk to me on the phone. Some of my classmates don’t like me and are rude to me because of this. I am so afraid of them that I try not to speak in their presence. Guru, I need your guidance on how to talk in a proper way and not speak with a soft voice like girls.
Soft-spoken Guy
Dear Soft-spoken Guy,
Being mistaken for a girl on the phone and dealing with rude peers can be frustrating, but with a little effort, you can address this. Consider practicing speaking in a deeper tone. You can achieve this by using your diaphragm to support your voice, rather than just speaking from your throat. Record yourself and listen to your voice to become more aware of how it sounds. There are online tutorials and videos that can guide you through exercises to help deepen your voice.
Confidence plays a significant role in how your voice is perceived. Practice speaking with confidence and clarity, which can help you sound more assertive. Work on your overall communication skills by making eye contact, using appropriate gestures, and maintaining good posture. These non-verbal cues can enhance your verbal communication and make you appear more confident. Understand that some people may be rude or dismissive due to their own insecurities, so try not to let their negativity affect your self-esteem. Focus on the positive relationships in your life. If this issue continues to bother you, consider talking to a speech therapist who can provide professional guidance and help you develop a stronger voice.
Remember, everyone has unique qualities, and it’s important to embrace who you are. Improving your voice can be a useful skill, but it’s equally important to be kind to yourself and not let others’ opinions bring you down.
Good luck
My parents fight a lot,
I am a 14-year-old girl, and I have many problems in life. My parents fight a lot, and I want to find a way to get my parents to stop fighting. I have other problems too, like my parents giving more attention to my siblings. They ask me if I’m fine with it, and I’m not, but I can’t tell them that, so I just say yes. Another major issue is that I think I might be schizophrenic since I have all the symptoms. I see hallucinations, hear voices, believe things easily, and often get negative thoughts, but I’m afraid to tell my parents because they will get too worried. Plus, I don’t act like a schizophrenic person, so I’m confused. I am also introverted and don’t know how to comfort a friend who is feeling down, so I’m afraid they might think I’m a fake friend when I’m just unsure. I have a friend exactly like me, whom I’ll call S. S has schizophrenia and insomnia, and her parents know. She has family issues like mine and is introverted and confused like me, so we joke with each other about our problems, which makes us feel better. I want advice on what to do to fix my family problems as I’m too young to understand what to do. Please help.
Sad and Confused Child
Dear Sad and Confused Child,
I’m really sorry to hear about what you’re going through. It’s important to address each of these issues carefully. First, try to find a safe and calm moment to talk to your parents about their arguments. Express how it makes you feel and suggest seeking family counseling. It’s crucial for your well-being to communicate openly about your feelings. Regarding your concern about possibly having schizophrenia, it’s important to talk to a professional who can help you. If you have a counselor at your school, get their help. Professional evaluation and support are essential for dealing with mental health issues. As for your difficulty comforting friends, remember that just being there for them, listening, and showing that you care can be enough. It’s okay to be yourself and learn how to offer support in your own way. Your friend S seems to be a great support system, so continue to lean on each other. For now, try to focus on small steps to improve your situation, such as finding moments to connect with your parents and gradually opening up to them about your feelings and concerns.
Good luck
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