From a vigilant citizen: I found a very expensive watch on the subway two days ago, and I’m not sure what I should do. There’s an inscription – To CK Love SD, but that’s all I have to go on. Should I put up posters? Take out a lost and found ad? LISTEN: If you […]
Silver solemnity: My best friend’s mother recently passed away, and in many ways she was like a second mother to me. As part of her will, she left me the family silver. Neither my best friend or his sister wanted it, so they told her to give it to me. I’m truly grateful for this, […]
A terrible human being asks an incredibly stupid question: Yesterday I had plans with a friend, and I inadvertently made plans with another. As soon as I remembered, I called the second friend back, and now she’s really mad at me! I don’t know why, because it’s not like this is the first time I’ve […]
A dreadful duty, detailed: I have to put my dog to sleep, and I don’t know if I can handle it. Is it OK to ask a friend to drive me? I know I’m going to be a mess. LISTEN: Yes.
A political personage pontificates: I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat – I can’t stand the way people are saying “Oh, what’s Pat Robertson gonna say when the hurricane hits the RNC in Tampa,” or “We prayed to God to make the hurricane turn away, and now it has,” or anything like that. I […]
A mercantile exploration from an intrepid online shopper: I recently purchased a piece of furniture on craigslist. I got the cash, drove to the location (the parking lot of a big box store) at the appointed time and waited. And waited. And they never showed up. And from the purveyor of fine goods: What do […]
A conflicted question: Today I found out an old friend of mine died. We’d fallen out with each other more than ten years ago, but back then we were really close. I know his brother, but not well. I feel like I should say something, but what? LISTEN: Oh, it’s terribly difficult. Try this: Dear […]
An old-age question: What is the proper etiquette surrounding pet funerals? Do we bring cakes and pies? Do we sit Shiva? Do different kinds of pets require greater reverence – Dog vs. Guinea Pig? Is it ok to say that you think that they do? LISTEN: Do you generally bring a cake to a funeral? The proper etiquette at […]
An Oedipenpal asks: When is it polite to shut your mother down when she is talking non-stop the way her mother does and the way you eventually will? Should you allow her to ramble on, or nip it at the beginning of the conversation cycle? LISTEN: The easy answer? Never. The practical answer? As soon as possible. […]
A question of life or death: My little dog keeps killing birds. What should I tell her? LISTEN: You need to quit.