Tough Talk,
My husband and I recently retired and it has been simply delightful. We feel great and are having the best times of our lives. We’re lucky to have family and friends and friendly neighbors. It becomes overwhelming sometimes as people are always calling and texting about the most mundane of things, even going to the bathroom and how the toilet roll is placed. I’ve worked hard for several years and want to enjoy my time as long or as short as it may be. I love these people, but need some distance and don’t want to hurt their feelings. What should I do TT? (Tooger’s Bluff, SC)
This is very simple Tooger’s, but you have to be tough on your friends and family. One at time, you tell them you don’t give a damn about their stupid and boring problem and you have better things to do with your time. You must underline your response with a firm, “You may only contact me once a day other than emergency circumstances.” One by one, there will be an immediate and noticeable drop-off in calls and texts. Also, anyone who actually cares about how the toilet paper is placed is a dope and putz of the highest order. Don’t cop out. This is your only solution.
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Tough Talk 