Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, My husband and I have been successful in love and in life.  We are of means both financially and with family and loved ones.  We have been friends with a couple for years and they are the salt of the earth.  They have been hit with some real set-backs.  They have repeatedly refusedContinue reading “Tough Talk: March 27, 2025”

Tough Talk, Are christening invitees required to attend the ceremony in far-off destinations?  I ask because my sister-in-law is giving everyone grief about going to another county.  It’s only forty miles away, but I think they’re trying to blow off a gift.  What do you think TT? (Dingens, Delaware) Dingles, I think you’re right andContinue reading “Tough Talk: March 25, 2025”

Tough Talk, I have a good friend who whenever we meet, says hello by gently touching the left side of my face.  At first I thought it was a sign of affection, but now I think it’s a strange way of showing me who’s boss.  Regardless, I don’t like it, but don’t want to hurtContinue reading “Tough Talk: March 24, 2025”

Tough Talk, I’m embarrassed to say, but I was in an abusive relationship with my girlfriend.  She treated me awfully and I just took it.  It took me ten years to wake up and get away from her.  During this time, she isolated me by causing problems with my friends and family.  Looking back, itContinue reading “Tough Talk: February 24, 2025”

Let’s take a moment of silence for Pete. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him. ###

Tough Talk, There is a neighbor who walks his dog which regularly craps on our lawn.  We’ve asked him to clean it up or have him go somewhere else, but something is wrong with him, like he’s lost in space or this deep fog.  How should I tactfully address this issue with him? (Brighton, NewContinue reading “Tough Talk: February 11, 2025”

Tough Talk, My father recently passed away after a long battle with cancer.  There’s this woman at the grocery store that I regularly run into and trade information on produce and sales and whatnot.  Once I told her why I hadn’t been shopping lately, she started asking very personal questions about my Dad and thenContinue reading “Tough Talk: February 7, 2025”

Tough Talk, I’m in a long distance relationship for almost three years.  I really love this guy, but we are tied to our jobs and don’t want to leave what we spent years working for.  However, for me, I no longer like this situation.  What should I do TT? (Payne, Tennessee) Paine, This is aContinue reading “Tough Talk: Februrary 6, 2025”

Tough Talk, My husband’s aunt’s sister’s cousin’s little brother’s girlfriend’s great aunt and Grandmother is really a character.  She’s s a peach TT. Everyone loves her except at the dinner table.  She takes all the food when passed around, forks food off of others’ plates and makes these delightful noises really meant for a barnyardContinue reading “Tough Talk: February 5, 2025”

Tough Talk, I am the youngest sister with three older brothers.  My oldest brother is a good and decent man, but he has mean streak and is nasty to his younger brothers.  I’m sick of his power trips, stuck-up attitude and snot nose looks.  What should I do TT? (Koester, Maine) Koaster, Normally I’d sayContinue reading “Tough Talk: February 4, 2025”