Things Your Mama Taught You

Dear Short Answers: Someone at work who I know well but I absolutely despise has become ill. I will NOT rush to his side but feel I should acknowledge his misfortune. What should I do? Not A Hypocrite! Dear Not: The line between hypocritical  and insensitive is challenging but not untraveled.  It may be that [...]

Rolling Back the Clock

Dear Short Answers: I find it incredibly irritating when my boy friend comments on my clothes. It is never something simple like “that looks great” or “I prefer the yellow sweater.” It is always something like “that belt breaks the line of the dress” or “that scarf is too bright when you still have winter [...]

Reproductions

Dear Short Answers: I am expecting a baby in June. If it’s a boy, my husband wants to call him John, after himself. What do you think of the practice of naming children after a living and present parent? Expectant Mom Dear Mom: Although this is a common custom in many cultures, we remain dubious.  [...]

A Room of One’s Own

Dear Short Answers: Man Caves seem to have become all the rage around here — since when does a man get his own room? Still Sharing Dear SS: Historically,  in families that could afford large homes, everyone had their own space.  The man of the family had an “office” or a study or even a [...]

Time for a Change

Dear Short Answers: How do you know when it’s time to retire? Tired and Grumpy Dear T&G: It is time to do something else when the work you do takes more than it gives.  Maybe you need to find another career, or maybe you need to rethink your priorities.  Either  one can be energizing. 1 [...]

A Matter of Taste

Dear Short Answers: What is the best vodka to use for Bloody Mary’s? Jan Dear Jan: Probably not necessary to use a top shelf brand for a heavily flavored mixed drink.  We go for mid-priced on this one. Like Unlike

Don’t Try This on Your Own

Dear Short Answers: I think everyone who has a gun should carry it unconcealed on some designated day. Let’s see what’s really out there. Bill Dear Bill: We get the sentiment. Contact your local police if you want to make this happen.  It would be an eye-opener — it’s really scary out there. Like Unlike

The Sadness of Knowing

Dear Short Answers: I always think I know the answer to other peoples problems. I know when they are dating the wrong fellow, I know when it’s time for them to change jobs, I know what they should do about bratty kids and I know when they should go on a diet. I also know [...]

Nice Try

Dear Short Answers: I have a member of my team who stutters pretty badly. He’s good at his job but when he presents his work to clients, it’s pretty uncomfortable for everyone in the room.  To date, I’ve allowed him to present because I want to show him the respect he deserves and I want [...]

‘Tis the Season

Dear Short Answers: I have received THREE fundraising requests from the same person in the last two weeks. Admittedly all for different causes, but I think three is excessive. What do you think? Why Me? Dear Me: Them that has, gets asked. But you are not required to answer all prayers. Like Unlike

keep looking »