Thursday, November 29, 2012
An economically disadvantaged discussion: I have a friend who recently came into a great deal of money. It wasn’t the lottery, but years of hard work that paid off dramatically. Now he can afford much nicer things, and I find myself insecure about returning any kind of hospitality. He’s never said anything one way or […]
A concerned commentary: I thought this stupid blog was supposed to be about etiquette. What’s with the voting crap? LISTEN: The real issue, my dearest friend, is that ultimately it is my blog, so if I wander around a bit, tough tits. But since you mentioned it, let me just say this: I don’t care who […]
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A delightful question: What is the right thing to buy for a housewarming present when the people have everything they need already? LISTEN: Most people would default to a scented (stinking) candle, so I appreciate your asking. The traditional gifts are bread and salt, though symbolic gifts could include coins, knives and wine. Think about […]
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A wronged reader writes: When is it appropriate to end a friendship? There is someone in my life who has gotten so mean-spirited and ridiculous…I just don’t know if it’s ever OK to say you don’t want to be friends with someone. LISTEN: Of course it is. I mean, think of the alternate scenario…would you […]
A one less friend person states: I think it’s extremely offensive to be de-friended on facebook without being told why. Someone de-friended me, blocked me from seeing they’re on there (I know they are, because we have a mutual friend and they told me), and didn’t say a word about it. LISTEN: Your friend sounds […]
An inconsolable reader writes: I’m at the age now where fully half my friends are divorced. Some of them are remarried already. Some of them are single, and acting like it. That’s great and all, but I don’t have any desire to relive my single life. I’m happily married, and I feel like I’m starting […]
A heartbroken letter writer writes: My girlfriend broke up with me two weeks ago and I can’t get her out of my mind. She won’t return my calls or texts or emails. How can I win her back? LISTEN: You probably can’t, but that won’t stop you trying. Look, I don’t know what broke the […]
A pertinent question: How do you tell someone, in the most polite way possible, that you don’t like anything about their personality and don’t ever want to see or hear them again? LISTEN: By saying nothing. Nothing really. There is no polite way to tell someone – anyone – that you don’t like anything about their personality […]