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 [...]

Math Joke?

Dear Short Answers: What’s the difference between the quadratic parent function and the linear parent function? Dan Dear Dan: A quadratic parent function is defined by the intense and often contradictory energy given off by two parents and two step-parents. A linear parent function is one opinionated mama sounding off. Like Unlike

Do It Well or Don’t Do It

Dear Short Answers: My sister is going on vacation and I am stuck with our elderly mom. I don’t want to be pissed off but I am so angry I can hardly be civil. Peggy Dear Peggy: Un-civil is unacceptable.  Find another option. 1 person likes this post. Unlike

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

Dear Short Answers: I hate the way my girlfriend wears her hair. It always looks dirty and messy. My mother complains to me about it all the time. What should I do? Just the Boyfriend Dear Boy: Your mother’s view is of no concern to us and should not be to you. And your view [...]

He’s There, You’re Not

Dear Short Answers: My brother is visiting my parents. My Dad has Alzheimer’s and my Mom is working very hard to take care of him. She is 84, he is 89. My Mom called me and she was sad and hurt because she had offered to put some of his clothes in the washing machine [...]

Inevitable Outcomes

Dear Short Answers: My dad decided to leave his second marriage at 75 after failing to convince his second wife (to join him) in a three-some. The new woman is homosexual and 25 years younger then him. It seems a little precarious and I am not sure how to handle it. Please help. Concerned for [...]

Money, Mom and Management

Dear Short Answers: I have owned a business with my life partner for the last 8 years. During that time we have had numerous employees. One of those employees happens to be my elderly mother (70′s) who did our bookkeeping.  She moved (400 miles) away from her home town to help us out.  My partner [...]

Decoration or Danger?

Dear Short Answers: At what age do you think it’s acceptable for a child to get a tattoo? There is a single mother in our neighborhood who has gotten tattoos (and piercings) for her two small children who I think are about age 2 and 4. I think this is totally inappropriate. I don’t really [...]

Family Secrets

Dear Short Answers: In my adulthood, I have come to realize that there are things about my childhood and family that I don’t understand.   And I think I have come to resent my mother (who I love more than anything) in the process. I’d like to talk to her about it and put some [...]

No Dog in This Fight

Dear Short Answers: My parents are very unsophisticated people who are quite uncomfortable in “high class” places. They don’t have the right clothes and never seem to know the right things to say. The problem is that my sister (who has done very well for herself) insists on inviting them to fancy dinners and taking [...]

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