Lowyat.NET: Latest topics by nicodemus88

Dinner with friends (girl) - should I go?

nicodemus88 — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 04:56:15 +0800

Hi all, just wanted to ask your advice on this.

I was invited by a friend (girl) at work for dinner at her place together with 2 other friends (from work as while, but I only know them by name & face). I am thinking of declining as I don't want to upset my girlfriend, but I really wanted to go as it will be a gathering of Malaysians.

To put into context, I am currently living in the UK and my girlfriend is from China. We've been together for almost 7 years now, engaged and planning to get married in a year. But sometimes, she can be emotionally insecure and gets jealous easily and whenever we have arguments, she'll end up saying things like "why don't you find a 同乡 (fellow countrymen) to be with" or "why don't you go back to your ex" or "why don't you find someone younger / cuter" etc.

Because of this, I'm very self-aware whenever making friends. Before moving to the UK, I have 2 very close colleagues at work (girl) in which I have no romantic attraction to whatsoever - only gratitude because they helped me out a lot when I first started - but had to make things cordial just because my girlfriend is jealous of them. Here, I try not to be so friendly with girls and only know this one Malaysian girl in the office next door. We're just normal work acquaintances, and because it's a small building after all, she introduced me to the 2 other Malaysians in the building. Oh, and all 3 of them are Malaysian Chinese if that helps.

I think as are typical of Malaysian overseas, we like to have gatherings and cook local food that we miss - which is what this dinner is about. I'm looking forward to eat local food and just talk together as fellow Malaysians, but I'm just afraid to go because I don't want to upset my girlfriend.

What do forumers here think? Should I go? How can guys make close friends with the opposite gender without inciting jealousy from their partner - is it impossible?

Thank you.

ps. Please no flaming comments like "why you chose someone from China" or "you should just break up" or something similar without knowing me nor my circumstance. I genuinely wanted advice on how to navigate this, understand a women's heart and whether it is improper for attached men to have friends from the opposite gender.

Dilemma... Is it love?

nicodemus88 — Sun, 30 Aug 2020 15:08:33 +0800

Would like some advice on what should I do... Here's my story...

I'm an early 30s guy, currently in Japan in my last few months of my PhD... During my 3rd year here, I met a sweet girl from China and we got into a relationship... It has been almost 2 years since then & few days ago, we got into a huge argument, again, and now we're not talking to each other...

The thing is, this is not the 1st time we had such an argument but every time we end up patching things up and try to make things work, because we really love each other...

A brief description about her... She's not from the big cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) but she came from quite a well-to-do family... I guess due to that, she's becoming a bit of a pampered child... We're similar in some ways but in some aspects we're really polar opposites... She don't really like to cook while I love cooking, I'm more of a tidy freak (I like to keep things neat & ordered) while she can be a bit lazy... Despite our differences, we still love each other deeply and I try my best to be the perfect man for her...

The thing is sometimes I don't feel appreciated in our relationship and that it feels like I'm having a daughter rather than a girlfriend... For example, I always have to nag her to shower instead of lazing around playing her phone until late night... Lately, I'm very busy to prepare for my thesis but whenever I can, I always find time to meet her for breakfast, lunch and dinner, then after that spend time at her place around 1-2 hours before leaving... Despite all that, she says I don't care about her and that I just throw her and leave to do my things... I explained so many times and she say she understands me, but she still feel that she's not my top priority...

I feel that we have some sort of mismatch in our love language and how we display our love and affection... To me, I always try to find time in my busy schedule to accompany her, try to do things together and help her around in the house... And I would really appreciate if my SO do the same for me... To her, she likes to tease me (I'm quite sensitive so she likes to tickle me, nibble me, and pinch my cheeks) and she always say that's how she display her affection to people she love... Besides that, she also buys things for me, some pretty expensive ones, as her sign of appreciation despite me telling her many times that I don't need these expensive things... It's not that I don't appreciate it, I do enjoy it, but I can't help feeling unappreciated despite me doing so many things for her when she says I don't care about her...

We haven't been talking and see each other for a week now... I really miss her, but sometimes I also feel that things would be better this way... Perhaps we really are not suitable for each other (our parents did some 'feng shui' matchmaking based on our birth dates and we are really not that compatible)... But I really want to be with her, to support her dream and be her pillar of strength... But the thing is at my times of difficulty, I don't feel appreciated for my efforts and I don't feel the same effort from her to support me...

What should I do? Should I continue? How can I know my feelings for her are true? Are they love (emotional attraction) or are they lust (physical attraction)?

Sony Xperia XZ or XZs

nicodemus88 — Wed, 12 Apr 2017 21:10:42 +0800

Hi there,

I am planning to get a new smartphone to replace my current Galaxy Note II (yes, very old phone). I am interested in Sony's Xperia XZ but I just saw the recent release of XZs and XZP in the near future.

Comparing XZ & XZs --- Spec wise, both seems the same with the exception of camera & RAM; but otherwise I think performance wise should be almost similar. Impressed with XZP but I think it will be quite expensive so it's not within my shortlisted options.

Sony users - do you think I should get the XZs or XZ? Any comments or suggestions?

Claiming Refund from Lazada

nicodemus88 — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 10:43:56 +0800

- topic closed -

Problem still not solved, but don't seem to be able to get any feedback here except idle chat...

Office 365 or Office Home and Student 2013

nicodemus88 — Fri, 17 Jul 2015 11:34:16 +0800

Hi... Intending to purchase Microsoft Office for my new laptop but unsure which version I need... Previously was using Office 2007 on my old laptop...

Was initially planning to get 365 but heard mixed reviews about it, so am contemplating buying a single license in Home and Student 2013...

Commonly used programs are the usual Word, Excel and Powerpoint... And maybe sometimes OneNote for taking notes... Seldom use Publisher, Outlook or Access though... For online storage, Dropbox and Google Drive are my preference...

Attracted by the updates 365 will receive but not really like the online option... Heard from some of my friends, sometimes the program hangs or couldn't use while halfway through their work due to lost Internet connection... Hmmm...

So any feedback from forumers here? How is Office 365 working out for you people?

KL Sentral

Thu, 01 Jan 1970 07:30:00 +0800

KL Sentral

nicodemus88 — Fri, 16 Jan 2015 19:42:36 +0800

Going down to KL next Thursday by train from Butterworth for an interview, so will be arriving at KL Sentral around 6am...

Then will be heading back up north also by train, departure time 10pm from KL Sentral...

Was wondering if KL Sentral have public bathrooms which I can have a quick shower? Or any nearby hotels which offer hourly rates so I can have a quick rest and shower?

Thanks!

Multi purpose Microwave Oven

nicodemus88 — Sun, 11 Jan 2015 16:23:37 +0800

Hi... I am staying alone and planning to get a multi purpose microwave oven which can also bake / roast stuff... Trying to learn more cooking methods... Currently surveying around, but not really sure what type should I get...

I browsed through Samsung's website and came upon 3 types of microwave:

1. Solo type
2. Grill type
3. Convection type

So can I know the difference between among the three? From my understanding...

1. Solo --- only can microwave
2. Grill --- can microwave and bake / roast but no fan
3. Convection --- can microwave and bake / roast with fan

So which one should I get? Any recommended model / brand for a good multi purpose microwave oven which can bake / roast?

Thanks a lot!

Dell Inspiron 13 2-in-1 7000 Series

nicodemus88 — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 23:47:40 +0800

Latest Dell laptop - Inspiron 7000 Series New 13" 2-in-1

Dell Inspiron 7000 Series New 13" 2-in-1

Anyone purchased or have this laptop? Quite interested in it as an alternative option for Lenovo Yoga Pro 2...

Would like some feedback about this model...

MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with Retina

nicodemus88 — Fri, 31 Oct 2014 23:32:26 +0800

Hi forumers... Just need some recommendation from all of you here...

Been thinking of replacing my old Dell laptop (7 years old) and am considering changing to Apple...

Have been doing some researching of my own and am currently considering either one of these 2 model with these specs...

MacBook Air - 1.4GHz i5, 4GB RAM, 128GB SSD --- do you all recommend to upgrade RAM to 8GB with my usage as mentioned below?

MacBook Pro - 2.6GHz i5, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD

Which one would be a better choice?

Mainly I will use the laptop for presentations, studying, some work related stuff (documents etc.), surfing web... Occasional movie, music... Rarely play games though...

There's just one part I do not understand, what does it mean by Turbo Boost under the processor specs?

For MBA - 1.4GHz (turbo boost up to 2.7GHz)
For rMBP - 2.6GHz (turbo boost up to 3.1 GHz)

Does it refer to the speed of the processor and how much can it increase its working capacity under heavy workload? If so, isn't the MBA processor better than rMBP as it can turbo boost up to a higher speed? Need some input on this...

Hope to get some feedback soon... Thanks a lot!!

Diploma in Medical Microbiology, IMR

nicodemus88 — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 15:54:34 +0800

Has anyone here studies before in one of the postgraduate diploma programmes offered by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR)?

I am interested to enrol in their Diploma in Medical Microbiology programme but could not find any useful info or feedback regarding the course apart from what is posted on their webpage.

Anyone with experience studying there before, please kindly offer some feedback on the course. Thanks a lot!

[WTS] Lego Atlantis BrickMaster

nicodemus88 — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 17:39:41 +0800

Item(s): Lego Atlantis BrickMaster

Price: RM 85 inclusive postage

Dealing method: COD (Penang / Sungai Petani) or Postage

Contact method/details: PM me

Age of item: Less than 2 months

Item(s) conditions: Excellent - just opened the packaging for brick count

Reason for sale: Extra item - gift from someone, already have a similar set

[WTS] Comic Books for Sale!

nicodemus88 — Thu, 24 Jul 2014 16:55:12 +0800

Items : Comic books

1) Detective Conan Edisi Khas - Vol 1, 9, 14, 15, 17-22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 30-35
Price: RM 2.50 each; RM 50 if take all including postage
Condition: Book still in good condition, but some of the front covers are a bit crumpled

2) Doraemon Plus - Vol 1-5
Price: RM 2.50 each; RM 15 if take all including postage
Condition: Good condition

3) Pokemon Adventures (English version) - Vol 8-22
Price: RM 9.00 each; RM 150 if take all including postage
Condition: Excellent condition

4) Doraemon dan Rakan-rakan - Vol 1, 8-12
Price: RM 2.50 each; RM 15 if take all including postage
Condition: Good condition

5) Majalah Tora Aman Doraemon - Vol 6, 7, 10, 15, 16, 19, 24, 25, 26, 27, 38
Price: RM 2.50 each
Condition: Good condition

6) Doraemon Cerita Panjang
i. Vol 18 - Penjelajahan Laut Selatan
ii. Vol 20 - Legenda Raja Matahari
iii. Vol 23 - Nobita dan Pesuruh Angin
iv. Vol 24 - Ruang Masa Kucing Anjing
v. Vol 25 - Perang Ikan Duyung dan Laut
Price: RM 2.50 each
Condition: Good condition, but some of the front cover a bit crumpled

Dealing method : COD (Penang/Sungai Petani) or Postage (bear by buyer depending on weight unless stated above)

Contact method : PM me

Price : As above; but negotiable

Reason for sale : Selling off some of my books before moving

Rejected Job Offer; Now Keen for the Position...

nicodemus88 — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 17:08:52 +0800

Hi forumers...

I had an offer from a company a while back in May this year, however I rejected the offer due to some unforeseen circumstances. Had some trouble at that time and discussed with the HR to postpone the offer, but they are not keen and wanted me to start immediately. Thus, I rejected the offer.

However, now I am very keen for the position again. Is there any way I can ask their HR about this? Will they be able to re-offer me the position again, seeing I just had the interview 2 months back and had an offer too?

Or do I have to re-apply for the position and start from scratch again? It would be shameful having to attend an interview again just after rejecting them 2 months back. Moreover, maybe they will have problem with my commitment issues, but I have reiterated to the HR during the discussion when they gave me the offer. They just couldn't wait so long for my decision.

Last I checked this morning, they still have vacancy for the position and are still recruiting people...

Any advice?

Skype Admission Interview

nicodemus88 — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 11:10:01 +0800

Hi...

I will be having an admission interview to a university in Japan this Thursday.

Can anyone suggest me a suitable place for the interview in Penang? I need somewhere which has a stable Internet connection and computer facility with webcam , microphone n speaker..

Having difficulties preparing them at home..

Where to sell used / spoiled computer accessories?

nicodemus88 — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 18:12:57 +0800

Hi forumers.. Posted this here as I am not sure which thread to put this under..

Anyway, I have some computer accessories which I am not using anymore (some are faulty by the way) which include several HDD, external DVD drive, some PC cables...

Anyone know where can I sell these stuff to? Around Penang / Kedah preferably...

I know I can send them to recycling centres, and I thought of that too.. But running low on $ and if I can find someone willing to pay for it, why not?

Thanks!

Aeroline Bus

nicodemus88 — Fri, 30 May 2014 23:30:25 +0800

Hi forumers...

I will be taking the Aeroline bus from KL heading back to Penang next week. I know we have to take d bus at Corus Hotel, KL. Would like to ask if I can reach Corus Hotel via LRT?

If I take LRT to KLCC station, is Corus Hotel walking distance to the LRT station?

(first time in KL, taking Aeroline bus)

Study Loan for Masters in UK

nicodemus88 — Wed, 26 Jun 2013 12:40:35 +0800

I got some offer to do Masters in UK, it's a medical science based Masters, 1-year program... However, I couldn't get any sponsorship to continue my studies there...

Do you guys think its worth it to take up a study loan for a 1 year Masters degree in UK? I would probably need to make a very huge loan amount, approx RM250k...

Opinions anyone?

Print PDF Files

nicodemus88 — Sun, 23 Jun 2013 15:52:18 +0800

I have a 100 page document in PDF format (2 MB); however needing only 20 pages from it and as PDF, so I virtually PDF print it into a new PDF file using Foxit Reader. However, the new file (which have only 20 pages) is 8MB in size. I have no idea how to shrink its size to something smaller.

Isn't it suppose to be smaller since there are lesser pages? Any tips?

University Lecturer

nicodemus88 — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 11:44:54 +0800

I wanted to know what is the difference between a university lecturer with grades DS and DU.

The only difference I know of is DU are for medical lecturers, DS for others... What other benefits does DU lecturers have that DS don't?

Thanks!