Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, My son is a talented athlete and is always competing in some sport.  I have always gone to his sport metes and games ever since he was little and we are so proud of him.  But now as a teenager, he is now telling me and my husband that we don’t need toContinue reading “Today’s Column: November 15, 2022”

Tough Talk, I’ve been invited to my niece’s wedding.  She is a wonderful young lady, bubbly and perky.  When she was in grammar school, I would babysit her when her mom was getting on her feet after a bad relationship.  We were always close, but have grown apart these past few years.  There are severalContinue reading “Today’s Column: November 14, 2022”

Dear Tough Talk, I’m getting married soon and I sent out several invitations that were returned as no-shows.  I later heard that these friends and relatives aren’t attending because we have decided to get a condominium in the city instead of a white house and picket fence in the suburbs.  I’m not sure why thatContinue reading “Today’s Column: November 10, 2022”

Tough Talk, I have a little sister who I have always loved and adored.  She’s had a tough life, but was always there for me when I needed her most.  After years of struggling, I did well and decided to thank her by starting a college fund for her only child.  He unfortunately never caredContinue reading “November 9, 2022”

Tough Talk, I’m 11 years old and play in the school orchestra.  My instrument is really popular and tons of kids play guitar.  There’s one kid who is always watching how I play and keeps asking me to hang out and practice.  I think he’s a loser and I want to tell him to dropContinue reading “Today’s Column: November 8, 2022”

Tough Talk, My best friend’s sister experienced a tragic loss when her husband was killed in a car crash.  We all feel bad, but when it was all said and done, he was a piece of crap who enjoyed starting problems and pointing out people’s faults.  He had a real nasty streak and most peopleContinue reading “Today’s Column: November 7, 2022”

Tough Talk, My wife’s brother is a good person, but his wife is a nasty piece of work and comes from a nasty bunch of folks.  I’ve done my best to be kind, decent and magnanimous. Unfortunately they are arrogant, stupid and downright mean people.  There is some wedding anniversary coming up and they areContinue reading “Today’s Column: October 18, 2022”

Tough Talk, I just had a milestone anniversary of my rise to my current position.  My children and grandchildren threw the most delightful party I have had in ages.  Unfortunately, I forgot a couple people from the invite list and they missed it.  I feel bad and I know they are upset.  I can justContinue reading “Today’s Column: October 17, 2022”

Tough Talk, My great aunt’s second husband recently passed away.  He was a fine and decent man which is a euphemism for saying he had a lot of money.  “Aunt Sophie” has started seeing a man only three months after the funeral.  They are traveling together and there are rumors that they may elope.  IContinue reading “Today’s Column: September 30, 2022”

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 goingContinue reading “Today’s Column: September 29, 2022”