The Way It Is

Dear Short Answers: What is to be done about ungrateful children? Disappointed Dear Dis: Give less. Like Unlike

The Joy of Giving

Dear Short Answers: It’s that time of year, any ideas for a high school graduation present? Auntie Dear Auntie: We pondered this all week. We dislike obligatory gifting because it is rarely appreciated — yet there are occasions that seem to require something. In principle, if you know someone well, you will know what they [...]

Diplomacy Can Avoid War

Dear Short Answers: My husband has started to take this whole environmental consciousness thing too far. He refused to use plastic wrap. He saves every scrap of aluminum foil and reuses it dozens of times (until I throw it out because it’s gotten go gross). He flushes the toilet ONCE A DAY (it’s disgusting). He [...]

Real Life with Real Wife

Dear Short Answers: Do you foresee a problem getting married to a woman I love but whose family I can’t stand? Groom-to-Be Dear Groom: If people married their in-laws … most wouldn’t. It is an issue, potentially a big one, that married people need to manage. Talk to your bride about her feelings and her [...]

All Romance Is Complicated

Dear Short Answers: My mother claims to have fallen in love with an elderly gentleman (they are both in the 70s) who she met socially at a party. Both of them lost their spouses within the last year and both seem genuinely happy to be together. Even though they’ve only known each other for about [...]

Speak Softly and Carry a Big Intention

Dear Short Answers: How do I get my children (6 and 4 year old girls) to listen to me? Mama Dear Mama: Be firm, keep smiling, say what you mean and mean what you say. Like Unlike

Clearing the Air

Dear Short Answers: My sister-in-law made up and gifted a small photo album to each family member. She included photos of all nephews/nieces except for my child. I can’t imagine why this oversight occurred because she had plenty of photos to work with of everyone. This feels quite odd and a bit hurtful. I heard [...]

Age of Enlightenment

Dear Short Answers: Will I ever get to the age when I don’t truly care what my parents think about me? Sonny Dear Sonny: This is not a function of age, it is becoming your own true self. You will always care, but maybe not so much. Good luck. 1 person likes this post. Unlike

One Day at a Time

Dear Short Answers: My brother recently confided in me that he has a very serious and potentially fatal illness. Of course, I am devastated and I want to do whatever I can to help. He also doesn’t want anyone else in our family to know, especially our parents. They are both in their late 80s [...]

The Gift of Independence

Dear Short Answers: My son was just laid off at his job after only 6 months and he has hinted strongly that he would like to come back to live at home. But I don’t know if this is a good idea. There are few good jobs in the small town where we live and [...]

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