Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, My mother-in-law, God bless her, years ago gave us this clock which has animal noises and other cute features.  As much as I love it, it really looks old and like a piece of crap.  I hate to get rid of it, but we’re downsizing and don’t need it anymore.  I’m thinking toContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 10, 2023”

Tough Talk My wife has a big family and the only person I liked was her father who passed away.  He was a really nice guy unlike all the two dozen other relatives who are rude and condescending.  Now that he is gone, I dread these family reunions.  I want to be there for myContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 9, 2023”

Tough Talk, I have a group of friends and over the years they have all found the right person, but I still remain single.  We would normally meet every other week and on other occasions.  Now I am no longer allowed to go to these outings and all these friends are avoiding me.  They say,Continue reading “Today’s Column: August 8, 2023”

Tough Talk, I recently was married and became friends with another young couple who have two children.  As much as I like kids, I have come to thoroughly despise and detest these spoiled brats.  I was hoping to have this couple over for dinner, but can’t stand the thought of them bringing these two rugrats. Continue reading “Today’s Column: August 7, 2023”

Tough Talk, I live in a great neighborhood with lots of nice local businesses.  In one shop there is a really nice guy who I think is transitioning into a woman.  I would feel awful if I should be calling him (or her) by another name.  Do you think I should ask if he isContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 4, 2023”

Tough Talk, My brother and I have some really good friends and we often go out to dinner.  One of these guys has this really annoying habit of taste-testing other people’s food and using his fork to help himself to someone’s plate.  We’ve told him about it, but he thinks it’s funny and good forContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 3, 2023”

Tough Talk, I have the most adorable five year old daughter.  She’s smart, funny and wise beyond her years.  She is also a very pretty girl and will one day grow into a beautiful woman.  Every where I take her, someone is always saying how pretty girl she is and some people I think areContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 2, 2023”

Tough Talk, My husband and I have no kids so we spoil our niece and always get her what we thought were nice (and pricey) gifts for all her birthdays and holidays.  However, she told us that her parents either keep the gift and pass it off as their own present or give them awayContinue reading “Today’s Column: August 1, 2023”

Tough Talk, My husband and I recently had a graduation party for my niece.  She is a wholesome young lady and we are all so proud of her.  She is bubbly and perky.  Several guests came from out of town on my husband’s side of the family.   These guests showed up with more guests withoutContinue reading “Today’s Column: July 31, 2023”

Tough Talk, I have a part-time job and have met a delightful middle-aged woman like myself and thought we were good friends.  We have a lot in common, like saving weekly coupon flyers and toilet paper rolls in case they ever come in handy.  One day, she brought in some old and worn T-shirts thatContinue reading “Today’s Column: July 28, 2023”