Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, I’ve finally met a young lady and after a number of heartbreaking relationships, I think she’s the one.  She says she’s serious about me too.  Her mother is a nice, but I notice that she can be very negative if not surly and makes very mean and snide remarks.  My girlfriend is veryContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 31, 2025”

Tough Talk, I have a friend who I regularly help with his business whenever he is short-staffed and he says he needs my help.  But when I arrive at the work site, he acts like I’m scunging off him or taking advantage of him.  He also can be really snotty to me in front ofContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 30, 2025”

Tough Talk, I work at a great office with a lot of interesting characters.  We also regularly have parties for holidays and other special events.  However, one of my co-workers really likes having games and activities. She gets into it too.   I don’t want to be unsocial, but I really hate these types of things. Continue reading “Tough Talk: January 29, 2025”

Tough Talk, I have a friend who is in her upper 30s and has never been married or had kids.  She has met someone who is nice, but neither of them want children thinking they’re too old.  What can I do to convince them that children are precious and they shouldn’t just give up onContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 28, 2025”

Tough Talk, My father has been in and out of my life since I can remember.  He shows up with gifts and all the things we’re going to do, but then disappears until the next holiday or birthday – leaving me sad and lonely.  Now he is ill and wants us to help and takeContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 27, 2025”

Tough Talk, I’ve had a good friend since high school and are very close.  We became friends as we were both ostracized for being overweight.  Mind you TT, it wasn’t severe, but kids mock you out if you weren’t pencil thin (at least at our school).  We’ve stayed close, but she has recently lost aContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 24, 2025”

Tough Talk, I have an old friend of our family who has wonderful dinner parties that are the talk of our small little town.  Normally I am not invited, but I recently received an invitation for coffee only – not the entire dinner of course.  I know I should be excited and grateful, but inContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 23, 2025”

Tough Talk, I have a good friend who is going to have her 50th birthday.  She tells everyone that she doesn’t want any mention of this anywhere and will refuse to accept presents or cards or anything about it.  We will respect her wishes, but everyone wants to celebrate her, especially at this time.  I’mContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 22, 2025”

Tough Talk, I’m friends with a 2nd grade teacher who had all three of my children in grammar school.  I now regularly see her in social settings and other church functions.  Now whenever we’re in a group, she always brings up how spoiled and below-average my kids were.  I think she’s wrong, but people areContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 21, 2025”