Never Mix, Never Worry

Dear Short Answers: What is the etiquette for inviting a divorced couple (along with their new significant others) to a dinner party?  I like them both and would love to meet their new partners but I’m not sure how to handle this.  I don’t want to ruin a good party if they start arguing or [...]

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

Not Seasonal

Dear Short Answers: My dog is getting fat. Maybe it’s winter weight? Ron Dear Ron: The answer is less food, more exercise.  Just like for the rest of us. Like Unlike

We’re with Your Wife on this One

Dear Short Answers: I used to ski a lot until my knees gave out and then I had to stop. A friend recently suggested that I try snowboarding instead. My wife can’t stop laughing. She says that I will look ridiculous on the slopes with all the “boarder” kids (I am well past 50). At [...]

High or Mighty?

Dear Short Answers: I huff and puff and breathe very hard when I mountain bike with my wife at 9,000 feet and she is in the lead. Is it just the altitude or is it my wife? Signed, Anonymous and out of breath Dear Anon: Sounds like you think it’s a bit of both.  Are [...]

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 [...]

Boomerang Blues

Dear Short Answers:Our son just moved back home after living on his own for several years in another city. He is an adult now and we try not to make too many rules but he and his girlfriend were having a VERY good time this weekend and the sounds were “uncomfortable” for us and kept [...]

A Weighty Issue

Dear Short Answers: A new family recently moved into our neighborhood and they seem like very nice people. The problem is that both parents are very heavy and they are raising 2 children (ages 8 and 10) who are on the same path to obesity. Is there anything that I can do to help? Yes, [...]

Try Going to the Movies

Dear Short Answers: For a whole week, everybody irritates me. I exercise but I can’t get out of the rut. Grrrrrrh Dear G: These things happen. These weeks happen. Try not to do yourself damage. It will pass. Exercise is great, but not always the answer, darling.  (You know, people ARE really irritating) Like Unlike

Reach Out and Touch Someone

Dear Short Answers: Hello.  I just turned 50 and am a complete loser.  My father was a preacher and threw me out when I was 15. He never taught me to stick with anything I started, didn’t teach me how to manage money & did not encourage me to get a higher education so I [...]

keep looking »