Dear Subscriber First Name,

Who do you become with the people you love?

How do you listen and engage, and how do you strive to make them feel? The answer to these questions may change depending on the relationship, but as I ask myself these questions, I return to one word, “tender”.

With my loved ones, I become the most tender version of myself. When we’re together, I want to soak in every detail—their voice, their expressions, the meaning behind what they’re communicating. As much as I want to be seen and heard, I also want to relay the softness and the joy I feel within our relationship. And I want them to know how beautiful they are in my eyes.

Life can be brutal at times, the winds and rain battering us nearly raw. When the break comes and the sun shines through, there they are—hope and love. Partners.

I believe love and hope go hand-in-hand. Why else would those of us who have experienced heartbreak continue to date and be open to starting something again?

In our last issue, I encouraged you to take stock of the love in your life—familial, platonic, romantic. As you reflect, consider how each relationship, each person, makes you hopeful for the good in life, and brings out your tenderness. Really, really cherish it. And know that you are that person for someone, too.

With Love and Tenderness,
Haemee

P.S. - to suggest a theme for an upcoming issue, message us at: newsletter@asianbossgirl.com.

The world is watching as Ukraine is under fire from Russia. If you’re just catching up, this NPR post offers a quick, digestible summary of what’s happening and the global implications.

To help offset stressors in our lives, here’s a list of books that may inspire ideas for positive change.

Ranavat, inspired by the beauty rituals of Indian royalty, becomes the first South Asian-founded Ayurvedic skin-care brand at Sephora.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of ‘Linsanity’. Basketball star Jeremy Lin reflects on the past decade, and advocating for the Asian American community.

Responding to off-color comments in the workplace requires care and intention. For such moments, here’s tips on how to deal with microagressions at work.

Words and how they’re used hold great influence. Though the Olympics are over, let’s take a closer look at the language used to cover the Asian American athletes and their parents, and the implications.

Freelancing is an increasingly common work and lifestyle choice. Becoming your own boss and setting your own hours is liberating, but don’t forget to enrich the experience and your life by finding (and building) a strong community!

Reading: Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang - This story follows a twenty-four-year-old narrator navigating her own becoming, career stalemates and ambition, and interracial relationships, all the while asking, “What does it mean to exist in a society that does not notice or understand you?”

Watching: Don Wong on Netflix - “In her third Netflix stand-up special, Ali Wong reveals her wildest fantasies, the challenges of monogamy and how she really feels about single people.”

Eating: Crispy Salmon Rice Paper Bites (via Omsom) - Call me a total noob, but I’m just learning how versatile rice paper can be! Excited to try this ASMR-rich, delicious, easy-to-eat recipe from Omsom’s team.

*Some of the above links are affiliate links - this means that if you purchase through them, we earn a small % and it does not cost you any extra.

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