#generally I think comparing the games cards is kinda unfair since their best cards go for different things usually

[chisatowo]

After looking through every current bndori and sekai bday card with my sibling I must say. I don't typically like making definitive judgements on one of them being better at smth than the other but the way that even the pretty good but not amazing bndori bday cards are better than literally every sekai bday card by a Landslide boggles the mind

[smellslikemultifandomimagines]

Hi idk if you’ve ever done a nsfw alphabet with brett but if you have could you do one for perish if you write for him idk if you do or not I’m kinda new here so I don’t know much

pairing: jordan parrish x fem!reader

warnings: smut → NSFW alphabet

headcanon 🖤

•:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:• ☾ ☼ ☽ •:•.•:•.•:•:•:•:•:•:•:•

smut night has finished for the week - thanks for participating!

requests are open🖤

request guidelines✨

🌻masterlist🌻

smut night masterlist 💦

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

jordan is literally the softest person in Beacon Hills

so you can expect the aftercare to the most softest, cutest thing ever

he'd so so caring and tender to your body

would run you baths, take your pain away

literally would be so soft

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

your lips!

he loves kissing them every chance he gets

would love feeling them graze over his chest and stomach, and especially his cock

would love how they fall agape as you let out moans

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

i think parrish is someone who doesn't expect you to cum all the time - some people can't and he understands that

though when it happens, it fills him with such pride bc he did that to you

he would try and get you to cum, but wouldn't push it if you can't

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

honestly i think that because his senses are heightened, it would drive him feral when he can smell the arousal on you

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

since he is a bit older, i'd say he's had his fair share of experience with different women

though this makes him a better lover though bc he understands that everyone and their bodies are different, so what might feel good for one partner might not feel good for another

in that respect, he's very quick to learn what you like and don't like

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

both of you sitting of your knees as he fucks you from behind

its just so intimate to him and he and hold you tight against him

also gives him easy access to your breasts and clit lol

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

i think talking is part of his charm

and honestly one of the best types of sex are when you're both giggling and having such a good time together

like it's not much, but it makes such a difference when you compare your own previous partners

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

that man is groomed to the max

i think parrish is a person who really cares about how he looks, especially when it comes to body hair - i mean have you seen his freshly shaven face ahaha

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

super super cute!!

parrish always wears his heart on his sleeve and would take extra precautions when trying a new position, stopping periodically to ask if you're okay

he'd be so cute during your first time together as a couple too!

i mean going all out - rose petals scattered all over the apartment that lead to the bedroom and was all over the bed, candles, soft music in the background

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Parrish would only jack off when he's been away from you for a while and knows he's not going to be able to visit you anytime soon

you'd both be into phone sex which i think keeps the intimacy alive too

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

would 100% have a praise kink for either one of you - would love praising and being praised

fucking in his uniform

a little bit of dry humping too lol

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

the shared bedroom

couch

kitchen

anywhere in the house honestly

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

omg when you're so good to him - like taking care of him when he's had a rough day at work or dealing with hellhound/general supernatural stuff

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

probably anal tbh

no intense kinks for parrish - i think he believes sex is between two people and not with toys lol

parrish isn't into public sex - like i said, he loves the intimacy of just you two so having someone walk in would totally ruin the moment

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Parrish loves going down on you - having you pull his hair, whimper praises and soft curses

he loves treating you like royalty and giving you all that you deserve

but my god he loves when you go down on him too

the way your lips wrap around his cock makes his eyes roll in the utmost pleasure

he'd cum pretty quickly too - you'd simply feel too good

especially when you deep throat him lol

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

i think he's more slow and sensual

like i said before, parrish loves taking his time with you

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

not really actually

parrish likes to take his time with you

i think the only exception would be before work for either one of you lol

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

yes and no

yes in different positions and power balances

but no with toys with any overboard kinks really

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

i think it's about 1-2 rounds, depending on how much you can take

he could go for more, but he doesn't want to hurt you so he keeps it at a reasonable number of rounds lmao

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

probably not tbh

i think sex with parrish is more about the two of you rather than with toys - he likes the one to get you off

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

I think he can be a tease sometimes, especially when it's been awhile since the last time you guys had sex

like i said, he loves taking his time with you and that can mean teasing the hell out of you sometimes

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

You know what, I think Parrish is really vocal

I don't think he'd be quite even from the beginning and it's his way of letting you know that he's enjoying it - especially when you give him head

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Seeing you in lingerie he's just like :o

he wouldn't have a preference as to what type - literally anything you wear would be perfect

but if he had to pick at least one of your lingerie sets, it would definitely have to be a body suit

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

average length but girthy ya know

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Parrish is a busy guy and he's having to pay attention to so many things from his work to the supernatural world

but 😗☝🏻

when you're around, his attention is on you lol

i don't think you'd have sex pretty often so i suppose just average?? idk

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

pretty quickly aahah

i think he'd exhaust his energy and cuddle into you

it wouldn't take long for his eyes to fall heavy and eventually fall into a deep sleep lol

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #369

“so close, no matter how far  /  couldn’t be much more from the heart  /  forever trusting who we are  /  and nothing else matters”

What are three emotions you experience regularly? Sadness, shame, and stress. Is there someone right now whom you really wish would care for you? -___- Does your job allow visible tattoos? I don’t have a job, but quite honestly, I probably wouldn't take a job that didn't. I just love tattoos a lot and plan on having many, and ignorance and old-fashioned bullshit isn't gonna stop me. Do you know anyone that’s transgender? Yes. Do you think dress codes are unfair? In some places, like schools, yes. Are in a relationship? Tell me about it. I'm not. How is your road rage? I don't have road rage. By god does my sister, though. Favorite cosmetic brands? I don't wear makeup nearly enough to have a preference. The beach or the pool? The pool. I hate the feeling of sand, plus the salty wind and heat. Manga or anime? Anime. Favorites for manga? I've never read any. It's tempting to read Deadman Wonderland since it continues off the very short anime, but I just don't want to. Manga isn't my style. Favorites for anime? Fullmetal Alchemist (including Brotherhood), Ginga Densetsu Weed, and Deadman Wonderland. Favorite academic subject? English. A card game that you’re good at? I'm not exceptionally good at any. Do you eat breakfast? Pretty much always. A popular book you haven’t read yet? To Kill A Mockingbird, to name one I feel like everyone had to read in school. Do you like sweaters? I'm an oversized hoodie person, really. I don't like the look of zippers. Do you like sushi? Never tried it, never will. Do you wear prescription glasses? Yes. I badly need a new pair, because I can't see for shit. Generally, are you more likely to blame others or yourself for problems you experience? Myself. What is one thing about your life that you don’t ever see changing, even if you might wish it would? I have a feeling I'll always have some degree of social anxiety. I'm sure there are other things just not coming to me. At what point in your life have you been the most social or had the most friendships? And at which point have you been the least social? I had the most friends in my childhood years, probably. Or high school when I actually had a friend group. I'm sure I was most social as a kid in elementary school, not dealing with my social anxiety. I've been the least social like... now, honestly. I go essentially nowhere and have very few friends. Do you prefer to have a few close friends or a bunch of random acquaintances? Which would describe what you have now? I want close friends. I have like... two or so close friends and a handful of acquaintances. I don't know which I have "more" of when you consider the actual level of friendship/"quality" I guess. Do you journal? Generally, what do you write about? Do you find it helpful to get your thoughts out that way, or do you prefer another form of self-expression? I don't actually journal, but you could consider these surveys my "journal." I guess it's kinda why I do them so frequently? Like it lets me get stuff that's going on out, so I find it kinda therapeutic versus keeping all my thoughts jumbled up in my head. Have you ever been somewhere and REALLY didn't like a food that you were expected to eat? How did you deal with this? Are you someone who is likely to suck it up and be polite or refuse and save your taste buds? To start off, I am VERY bad at sucking it up and eating something I don't like. My gag reflex is very strong, and I'm also extremely sensitive to textures I don't like, so my reactions are just very involuntary. I can try to subdue my expression when I dislike something, buuut that's extremely difficult. But anyway, yes, I've been to places where I definitely disliked the food, especially this one occasion where we went to a local Southern cooking restaurant that literally ASSUMED you want the staple foods and sweet tea, none of which I enjoy. While everyone else was eating, I just very awkwardly sat there doing nothing and pretty much panicking over looking rude. Thank god, Ashley's father-in-law noticed and called over the waiter for me to actually order something, the way it should be. I was very thankful but still felt bad. What is one way in which you compare yourself to others? In this comparison, do you regard yourself as better or worse off than the people to whom you usually do the comparing? I am very bad and comparing successes with others, but only in ways that demeans me. Like I look at others and am just like, "Why aren't I there yet?" It always leads to anger and disgust of myself. What is something you’ve been particularly grateful for lately? I've thought a lot lately about how thankful I am to have my mom. She does so very much for me, and I don't think I could absolutely ever repay her in full. I wish I could. She's a damn superhero. What kind of change or opportunity would be the biggest help in your life right now? I was initially going to say getting a job, but thinking about it, getting to my goal weight might be an even greater help. It would help my leg pain, not having to carry as much around, I'm sure my hyperhidrosis wouldn't be as bad (I hope), and it would MASSIVELY affect my happiness. Like I cannot tell you how negatively my weight has damaged my self-esteem, confidence, and peace with myself. Is there one emotion that you experience more often than any other? Is there an emotion you rarely ever experience? I'd say I experience stress more than anything. I'm always thinking of something that's causing a ruckus in my life. A rare emotion for me is uhhhh jealousy, even though I've dealt with it more lately. What is one illness you are afraid of having? Do you know anyone who has faced this illness? The disease that I think scares me more than any is Alzheimer's/dementia. I just... cannot possibly imagine. How do you tend to behave when you’re sick? What kinds of things do you like people to do for you, if anything, to help you feel better? I'm very mopey and tired, and I can be a bit more irritable. I really, really appreciate help with things like chores when I'm not feeling well. When was the last time you did something you were proud of? Were other people proud of you as well? Does it matter to you whether or not other people care about your accomplishments, or is your own satisfaction enough? It's a very small thing, but I weaned down from having two cans of soda a day to just one. Mom is proud of me for it, which I appreciate a lot. Admittedly, it does kinda matter to me that those who know it's a big deal to me see and care about my accomplishments. I'm bad about needing external validation. What is your least favorite thing about the season you’re currently experiencing? Are you okay with most types of weather, or are you only happy under certain conditions? Ugh, the heat. Spring and summer are miserable to me because I veeery much love the chilly weather and no damn humidity. Have you made any changes to your style or “look” lately? How often do you change your appearance, hairstyle, fashion, etc? Or is it a pretty constant thing? No; my style is pretty constant. What was the last thing you felt hopeful about? Do you think there’s a good chance of whatever-it-is working out in your favor, or not so much? Getting a job at the tattoo parlor. I'm fearful that they won't be open to the position I'd like, so I'm trying to not get my hopes up too high. We'll find out in two days. Have you ever “recovered” from anything? What does “recovery” mean or look like to you? Yes, a traumatic breakup. I'd say recovery is just healing as much as possible from something, be it physical or emotional. What are some ways your childhood differed from those of others around you? Do you think this difference was harmful or advantageous in the long run? My dad was an alcoholic, if that qualifies. That definitely isn't a *normal* thing for someone's childhood. I think it was harmful, honestly, especially because I've had more than a few nightmares about my dad drunk. When was the last time you did something out in nature? Do you notice a dip in your mood when you don’t get enough of the Great Outdoors? Oh jeez... Probably not since Sara and I went catfishing with my dad. I wandered around with her some as she ventured for toads, haha. I don't really notice a dip in my mood, just because I'm so used to being indoors. I do prefer getting some time with nature, it's just hard and uncomfortable with how easy I sweat, and my knees sure do cuss me the fuck out in the form of a billion cracks if I walk much (by my standards...). What did you dream about last night? I had two dreams, but I only remember one, in which a giant green tree python was eating me backwards so I was conscious through it all. No hard feelings, I still want one as a pet, haha. They're GORGEOUS snakes and no, absolutely cannot eat you even if it tried its damnedest. What were your childhood dreams? To be a paleontologist, then a vet. What are your dreams now? If we're talking career-wise, to be a nature and wildlife photographer that gets to travel a lot. What are some Halloween costumes you would like to wear in the future? I've mentioned that #1 on my list is Ms. Oogie Boogie, then uhhhh... wow, I'm surprised I'm blanking, because I know there are lots I've thought of. Were you born with hair on your head? Yes. Would you rather have a home birth or hospital birth? I'm not having kids, but holy mother of fuck I'd have my baby at a hospital with a goddamn epidural. I do NOT know how some people can do it naturally, bigass props to them. Do you currently live in the house you grew up in? No. If not, what do you miss about it?^ It was just in general a nice house, the best one we've lived in. We had a pretty big yard too, so lots of room to play around as kids. What’s your favorite type of yogurt? I'm not a big yogurt person, really. What were your high school’s team colors? Red and white. Who were your best friends in high school? Hannia, Girt, Maria, Megan, Dennis, Dakota... What would be the best surprise you could receive right now? A tarantula. *puppy eyes emoji* Were there any subjects in school that were really easy for you? If so, what? English courses were very easy for me, and I was pretty good with science. Did you ever skip a grade or get held back a grade? Not like, a whole grade, but I surpassed Writing I in my last college endeavor and started out in Writing II instead. What’s your favorite rock band? Oh brother, you can't ask me this. Who’s your favorite country singer? I consistently like Tim McGraw a bit. How many drawers does your dresser have? My dresser is unnecessarily big. There's like five or six. Have you ever taken a picture at the perfect moment? Yes. One of my favorite pictures I've taken was at Ashley's gender reveal for Emerson; even she didn't know. When her husband pulled the fog thing and it was pink, her expression was just priceless. Was your first car used or new? I haven't had my first personal car. How did you discover your favorite band? By going through my mom's CDs when I was getting into rock music. Ozzy was the first truly metal and not rock band that I ventured into. What was the last big decision you made? BIG decision... I don't know. Probably dropping out of college. What is your favorite thing to go shopping for? I love window shopping for pets online, haha. What was the last thing you changed your mind about? A political stance. Who was the last friend you saw, and what did you do together? Oh yikes, it's been more than a while... It may have been Girt? In which case we probably watched TV or played board games together. Who tends to show up in your dreams? Do you ever wonder if you appear in anyone else’s dreams? Jason just loves to show up in my dreams more than anyone else. I don't really wonder that, no. What is something you wish you could say to someone who is no longer in your life, or something you wish they could know? I wish I could tell Bryar (Jason's friend I got in a fight with) I misunderstood something he said to me ("martyr" has two different definitions, and I somehow didn't know the modern one at the time) that made me seem like an absolute, attention-seeking bitch. It's so fucking embarrassing to look back on, because I agreed with him because I thought he meant it as I would die for my beliefs, which is true. What worries you most about your future? Whether or not I'll ever be in the physical shape I want to be in again. Or if I'll have a stable job. What is something you do to feel better when you’re scared? Find distractions, like funny YouTube videos. I also engage in deep breathing and grounding methods. What is the strangest book you have ever read? How did you find out about it? Oh my god, in elementary school, we read a book where everything a boy touched turned to chocolate. Weird book. Do you prefer to watch movies or tv alone or with other people? Is there anything you refuse to watch alone? Other people, definitely. I like having someone to talk to and comment on what we're watching. There's nothing I won't watch alone. What was the subject of the last video you watched? It was a let's play.

[stephicness]

Final Fantasy XV Favorites :: Tag Game

THIS IS ANCIENT AND I THOUGHT I LOST THIS WHEN I WAS WORKING ON IT. BUT I FOUND IT AGAIN, SO LET ME FINISH IT!

I was tagged by @chocobro-hijinks, @julezrulezzz​, and @ffxvwrites​. Thanks for the tag, my friends!

Favorite Chocobro

Maaaaan, you’re asking me such a hard question off the bat? How come you’re doing this to me? Well, I think I can give you a different answer for different reasons.

Gameplay-wise in terms of combat mechanics, Ignis is by far my favorite to have played with. His combat was just so fluid, even in comparison to Noctis’s fluid armiger system he had going for him. And the incorporation with the elemental spelldaggers? That was super dope!

Relation-wise, I find myself being drawn to Noctis compared to the others in our group of protagonists. The idea of duty coming before oneself and the isolation leading to such a personality (and really sad sense of underlaying depression too), he’s a really relatable character because he’s got such realistic feelings behind it all.

Favorite Guest Party Member (including Ravus and Libertus from DLC)

PSSH. If any of you follow my blog, you’d probably know right off that bat that it’d be Ravus Nox Fleuret. Not because of my personal bias and obsession with High Commander Asshole over here, but because out of all of the other fighting styles, he was by-far the most in-sync with Ignis when he was featured in Episode Ignis as the companion. Not to mention his kit for combat is really cool! Lightning damage, high agility, and a devastating AOE attack? Oooh man, what a badass!

And he helps Iggy kick Onion Boy’s butt. c,: I think that’s really sweet of him.

Favorite Minor Character(s)

Why, Ravus again, of course! I feel like out of all of the characters -- sans the main four -- Ravus has by far the most interesting tale. At least, one that was actually got legitimate context on. It’s also really amusing, considering that Ravus, I think, got the most content add-ons compared to any other minor character in the game. He got Verse 2, he got Episode Ignis, he gets a facial model in Comrades. And he faced more crisis points in his story, which ultimately makes him one of the most well-rounded characters in the series. I adore him~

Favorite Villain

Oh, Ardyn for sure. It’s kinda weird to ask that because alot of the others characters in the story, I feel, were not really villains. Okay, maybe Verstael and Glauca were, but Ardyn seems to weed his way into their stories, and I think he’s what ultimately made these characters so evil to begin with. I mean, perhaps you could even argue that Verstael isn’t too bad either. He was once a really well-known and well-respected general and researching, and it wasn’t until Ardyn weaseled in that Verstael was twisted with a need for power. Heck, I think the Wiki even said that Verstael didn’t want to use humans for such a horrible project, but Ardyn convinced him otherwise.

Ardyn’s a monster. But the fact that he did such a good job at being a monster gives him a thumbs up from me in the villain book.

Favorite Kingsglaive Character

Hm... Not gonna lie, but I never really got too heavily invested in Kingsglaive -- it’s why I sometimes stay clear of writing much on it because I never found the characters to be too appealing, as they didn’t get much background or a chance to really grow on screen -- sans for Nyx, since he’s our protagonist.

I did really like Crowe alot though. She deserved better.

Favorite Astral/Divine Being

Probably Ramuh. Every time he appears, I have to shout ‘IT’S GRANDPA!’ He’s the best grandpa. c,:

Though I also really do like Bahamut alot -- even if he is kind of a dick. There was a reason why I threw in that Dragon Daddy Bahamut card to FFXV CAH, after all. ;D

Favorite Character Overall

I really like Ravus. Like, alot. So much that it’s probably unhealthy. Please call for a doctor. 

Favorite Weapon

I’m a warpstriking whore, so I always have the Ragnarok sword equip whenever I play Noctis. Sometimes I forget that I could just attack and I end up warpstriking so much that I fall into Statis and go ‘WHY CAN’T I ATTACK?’ You have other moves, Steph. Use them. >:I

Favorite Location

I really like Lestallum alot for some reason. It’s a humble city, not too big, not too small, busy enough to always have something going down. I find myself in Lestallum more than anywhere else -- sans Altissia, but that’s because I need that x3 Leville there. v.v

Favorite Quest/Questline/Hunt

I really enjoyed that Legendary weapon questline that you get post-game. Forgot the name of it entirely, but those bossfights were super fun to take on! Though the last one was a bit too easy because I got pissed off and one-shot it with the Ring of Lucii. THOSE LASERS WERE JUST SO FRUSTRATING. But then again, it was my fault for trying to kill a level 99 enemy at level 60.

The Dread Behemoth timed hunt was pretty fun to do too! Fought him before the ring was buffed, and so it took me a solid hour or two to wail on him. Ran out of potions, ran out of teammates, but for some reason, Gladio was still standing enough to help keep me alive? Now that’s a good shield!

Favorite Boss

In terms of the story, I thought the Ravus boss battle was the most fun -- especially when I was screaming/crying the entire time. ‘What the fuck, Ravus?!’ ‘Ardyn, what did you do?!’ ‘DON’T GETSUGA TENSHO ME, YOU BASTARD.’ Yup, that was a fun fight. c,:

Favorite Monster/Monster Family/etc

I think my favorite monster... Is probably that Dread Behemoth again. In terms of boss-fights, that is. It’s one of the more challenging ones I’ve had, but it still has a nice little place in my heart~ In terms of design though, I really like the Chadarnook. So pretty, and the rotting wood motifs to highlight that ‘nature is beautiful, woman is beautiful, but so is death’ vibe? Aaaye~ Now that’s an example of a great design!

Favorite Songs

Somnus is probably my favorite track out of the soundtrack. Like, you know how each FF game has that signature sound that really just gets your eyes welling up for one reason or another? For me, Somnus really does that for me whenever I listen to it. Similar to To Zanarkand or Aerith’s Theme, the moment you hear those first notes it just gets you so immersed in the emotion all over again.

Favorite Boss Theme

Hm... I’m really torn... Perhaps in terms of legitimate boss theme, it’s Ravus Aeterna for sure. I mean, the composition of this song just is so chilling and reflects just how horrible the fight is the entire time, the dread and the torture that is to basically suffer and then be forced to put down a twisted and corrupted man who didn’t deserve such a fate. That, and when the song is basically called Eternal Ravus, it just makes you even more sad because RAVUS WAS PULLED BACK TO THIS SHIT. GIVE HIM A BREAK, PLEASE!

Veiled in Black is also a really nice battle song too, though it’s not for bosses really. c:

Favorite Non-Episode DLC/Update/Event

Dude, the Character Swap Update is, like, the sexiest thing they’ve done in the game, not gonna lie. Like, I didn’t think too much of it at first, but then I played as Prompto taking on the Grove dungeon, and I was screaming. It’s so cool and so useful...! Just wish you can legit run around as a different boy instead of just swapping back to Noctis.

Favorite Episode DLC

I feel like it’s almost unfair to compare. Episode Ignis is by far one of the best DLCs in my eyes -- especially when they took so much attention and care into that DLC over the others, I feel. That, and it made the most sense in the story plot, I feel, than the other DLCs.

That and, you know, Ravus.

Other Favorites of Note: 

Everything.

Except for Chapter 9.

Fuck Chapter 9.

[culturegazing]

Interviews | Yu Yen

Yu Yen is a Masters’ student in London who frequently sends me photos of faces she makes with food. The first time we met was at an awkward welcoming party where I gave her a Tim Tam and she gave me Taiwanese cookies. Food just makes people bond.

 CG: Hi! Where were you born and where do you live now?

Y: I was born in Taiwan and live in the UK now. 

CG: Have you ever lived anywhere else?

Y: Yeah Nishinomiya, Japan for about one year.

CG: What are the main differences between these cities? Did you experience any culture shock?

Y: Sorry pal, I think I need some time like 10 minutes to think about this question.

CG: (laughs) Yeah take your time.

Y: Main differences 1. The distance between people (This varies from person to person though) I think in Nishinomiya and New Taipei City (where I was born), people tend to be more hospitable, while in London people may just want you to leave them alone. Besides that, when I came to London, some people reminded me to be more aware when walking on the street, because in some areas theft and robbery have been a problem. However, in Japan or Taiwan, that is not a serious problem, so I feel I can trust others more.

2. Diversity No matter in Japan or back in Taiwan, foreigners, especially those who apparently ‘look different’ from local people, easily draw attention. However, in London, I guess most people are used to meeting people from different countries/cultures, so that situation rarely happens here.

3. Japan is quite collectivist, Taiwan is kind of in the middle, and the UK is more individualist.

4. (I am not sure if this counts or not) At school, people from the Western world are more likely to actively give their opinions or answer questions in class and I think it is because they are encouraged to do so and being different is not deemed as a bad thing in their societies.

5. Culture shock

UK 1. In my hometown or in Japan, the density of convenience stores is quite high, while in London, albeit it is such a metropolis, I have to walk for about 10 minutes to find one, which I think is less convenient. 2. From my observation, I think people do not care about public cleanliness that much in London. For example, compared to Japan and Taiwan, public transportation as a whole here is much dirtier. Moreover, they are less environmentally conscious because they do not really do recycling as much as people in Taiwan or Japan.

Japan 1. No makeup sometimes may be considered inconsiderate in Japanese society. Comparatively speaking, they spend lots of time and efforts on their appearance and think following the fashion is quite important. 2. There is a very strict hierarchical structure in their society. Examples can be seen even at schools where you have to respect the seniors a lot. As for the workplace, you have to use 'keigo' when talking to your boss, which does not exist in Taiwanese or British culture.

I think there's more but these are the things I could come up with so far.

CG: Wow! That is a long list, thanks for sharing! So how did you end up in London and what are you doing there?

Y: This may sound a bit stupid but it’s true haha. I felt so happy being able to learn new things and make friends with people from different countries when I was in Japan. Based on that experience and after talking to some of my friends and family, I decided to go and study abroad again. Since I didn’t want to spend too much time on it, I decided to come here to study MSc International Marketing on a one-year program. Also, I heard that London is a diverse city where I can experience a totally different life. And partly because I’ve never been to this side of the world so I wanted to give it a try when getting the chance to do so.  I feel that’s a bit stupid now because studying a masters degree is not as interesting as studying as an exchange student.

CG: I don’t think it sounds stupid at all. What do you miss most about Taiwan?

Y: I miss my family, friends and dogs the most. I also miss tasty and cheap food. (laughs) I think I miss the sense of belonging and how convenient it is, like cleaner public transportation and the high density of convenience stores. 

CG: What were the best things about exchange in Japan?

Y: 1. Being able to meet people from different countries/backgrounds which could indeed be life-changing (as you said haha) 2. Learning Japanese and travelling around Japan I think learning a language in the country where it is spoken and travelling around allowed me to learn more cultural things (e.g. their dialects and differences within the country) 3. JASSO [a scholarship] because I think it’s quite important to be economically independent to some degree 4. New products in convenience store/supermarkets Haha they launched new package or new products so often and I do appreciate some of their ideas (and liked trying new ice cream flavours hehe) which made me become more interested in marketing 5. The standard of living is high (Like Japan is safe and clean)

CG: Interesting. What do you love to do?

Y: I like watching TV, reading novels, travelling, cooking, making crafts (like handmade cards), listening to the music, and Postcrossing (does this count?)

CG: Cool! Yeah Postcrossing counts! Where have you received postcards from

Y: I’ve received postcards from Australia, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Czech, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the USA, Ukraine, and the UK. Most of them were from Germany, Russia, USA, Netherlands, and Finland.

CG: Oh my gosh, that’s so many! I’ve thought about signing up for a while.

What are some of your favourite TV shows and books?

Y: Usually I like watching dramas and Taiwanese TV shows. Do you want me to tell you the names of them?. And there’s a Japanese TV show called ‘Why Did You Come to Japan?’ that I liked watching (because I haven’t watched for a long time) As for books, Harry Potter (but I’m not sure if I’d wanna read them again now...) Pride and Prejudice, Jimmy Liao’s picture books, and a Chinese novel called ‘The Color of the Deep Ocean’ are my favourites.

CG: Sure I’d like to know the names of the shows you like! 

F: There’s one called WTO Sister Show (the English name is probably a bit weird but basically it’s a talk show and some foreigners living in or moving to Taiwan are the regulars). And I also watch a talk show called 小燕有約 and others like ‘Stylish Man the Chef’ (a cooking show) and Mr. Player (a game show). Sorry they all have strange English names. And one doesn’t have English name. 

CG: Do the shows and books you like share common themes?

I’d say not really. The shows and books I like don’t share common themes and sometimes can be quite different actually.

CG: What has been the best year of your life so far?

Y: Umm I’d say the exchange year in Japan. Though I also experienced something sad in the year, I think it was still the best year of my life because it was the first time I left home (for such a long time) and stepped out of my comfort zone, which made me know myself better (kinda haha) and explore the world more as well. And probably also because I didn’t expect I’d make so many friends during the year so when I met so many amazing and kind people (you’re one of them haha) I felt so lucky and thankful.

CG: What do you think society could do without?

Y: I think my answer sounds too utopian but here it is.  - Discrimination and gender inequality: because it’s quite unfair that one being is treated differently just by things he/she can’t decide, and it is who they really are that is more important, instead of what gender, ethnic, etc they are. (But sometimes I probably also make judgments beforehand...) - Hatred because so many tragedies have resulted from this - Criminals (I don’t know if this is too general or if this sounds like a social justice warrior...): Although this may be related to the social structure and their family backgrounds, I just feel there are probably better ways to solve problems instead of committing a crime. - Weapons: It’s quite important that countries should protect their citizens but if there weren’t weapons, we’d probably try to solve confrontations between countries in a more peaceful way.

CG: Interesting. Where do you see yourself in the future? 

Y: To be honest, I don’t really know how to achieve these goals and also doubt my abilities but anyways... I hope I can: 1. Earn my masters degree first (haha) 2. Get a job related to marketing that allows me to earn enough money to support myself (become economically independent) and simultaneously make people happy in some way (e.g. by satisfying their needs/wants like what Disney/USJ/Sanrio etc do). 3. Take my family travelling and give them anything they want 4. Meet you guys and all the friends I made in Japan again 5. Travel as much as I can 6. Become a better person (may sound a bit cliche but it’s true (laughs)

CG: Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing a small part of your life with me!

Yu Yen’s awesome food faces

Her dogs, 5 & 7