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 [...]

National News

Dear Short Answers: Is there a way to help a friend with chronic obesity? It’s killing her. A Friend Dear Friend: Never has this problem been so much a part of the dialogue.  The information is out there. You can’t help unless she asks. Like Unlike

Open a Door, But Wait to be Invited In

Dear Short Answers: I think a friend is ill, but as far as I know, she isn’t seeking medical attention. Should I say something? What should I say? Worried Dear Worried: Ask her if she is feeling okay. You might even say that she doesn’t seem like herself … is there anything you can do?  [...]

How About a Flu Shot?

Dear Short Answers: The people at work are dropping like flies — because of this horrible flu. Of course, they all come to work and hack and cough and sneeze and then go home to bed. Would it be wrong for me to call in sick — so that I can work from home and [...]

Caveat Emptor

Dear Short Answers: My husband will be having minor surgery next week, although it does require total anesthesia. I was planning a short holiday with friends. Should I cancel? He says no, that he can get a neighbor to get him home. Looking Forward to Florida Dear LF: Are you kidding? If you go, you’ve [...]

Organ Recital

Dear Short Answers: My mom is quite old and has become quite a hypochondriac. She recites her so called “symptoms” every day. I want to say “duh, you’re old!” Can you think of a more compassionate response? I’m No Saint Dear No Saint: Maybe she is just trying to tell you what it’s like to [...]

Thank You for Not Smoking

Dear Short Answers: My boyfriend is a smoker but I am not. I have hinted that he should quit but he tells me that he doesn’t want to. I know that people change. What are the chances that I can get him to quit if we get really, really serious? Betty Dear Betty: The ENTIRE [...]

Opportunities abound

Dear Short Answers: How does fungi typically enter the body? Worried Dear Worried: Anyway possible…. Like Unlike

Thinness Is a Drug

Dear Short Answers: I lost 5 pounds last week and I am happier than I’ve been in a year.  Is this crazy? So Thin, So Beautiful Dear T&B: We’ve been there and understand the high. But know this: 5 pounds in one week is probably not sustainable.  Enjoy it while you can, try to keep [...]

New Rules

Dear Short Answers: Help!!! I sit in an open office space and one of my colleagues, who’s very sweet, sniffles loudly all day long. She seems to have allergies, so it never stops. I find it really distracting and have tried giving her tissues but she doesn’t get the hint. I can’t understand how she [...]

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