Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, I love my father, but I have to admit, I’ve really grown to hate the guy.  He’s always talking badly about someone, making snide remarks in their presence and is just an all-out arrogant jerk.  The worst is, he’s stupid, coarse and a fall-down drunk with nothing to show for his life.  I’mContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 16, 2025”

Tough Talk, I was at my sister-in-law’s fiftieth birthday party and it was a hoot.  I never had so much fun except one incident kind of rankles me.  At dinner, we had some leftover diner and asked a waiter for some containers to take it home with us.  Another couple who didn’t say anything allContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 15, 2025”

Tough Talk, I haven’t been lucky in love and after several years of being alone, I met this really pretty and wonderful woman.  She had recently gotten over a bitter divorce with a husband who was abusive and down-right nasty.  After a cautious courtship, it seemed that we were made for each other and startedContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 14, 2025”

Tough Talk, I was really upset about some trivial problem and was telling my stepdaughter that her husband was a stupid, incompetent moron who couldn’t find his ass from a hole in the ground (which is true).  Now all of sudden I’m the bad guy and he’s upset and saying I’m no longer welcome atContinue reading “Tough Talk: January 13, 2025”

Tough Talk, I just started dating a wonderful man and I am hoping he’s the one.  Even though he’s a bit clingy, he really is someone very special to me.  Once a year, my friends from school take a long weekend and just hang-out enjoying our company and reminiscing about old times.  I’ve made itContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 19, 2024”

Tough Talk, We just had a wonderful dinner party with several couples.  Shortly thereafter, we received a very nice gift, but the address label was torn off.  I’m not sure how to thank everyone and not offend the couples who didn’t send anything – not even a thank you note.  How should I handle thisContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 18, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a friend I met at a job years ago and we have remained in touch since then.  We never were that close, but would meet for dinner occasionally.  She moved away, but recently came back to visit and I let her stay with me.  It was a terrible idea as sheContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 6, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a “friend” I have known since we were little.  She is really popular and pretty but can be mean, nasty and very condescending.  She acts like she does me a favor by just hanging out with her, but often treats me like a second class citizen.  Now there is a boyContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 5, 2024”

Tough Talk, I’ve been friends with a woman and her children for years, often visiting for holidays and birthdays.  I considered them very close.  Her oldest daughter has met a wonderful and delightful young man and they are getting married soon.  I’m really surprised that I wasn’t invited to the wedding and my friend nowContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 4, 2024”

Tough Talk, I recently met a woman who is kind, funny and a lot of fun to talk to.  We have the most incredible discussions.  I like her very much, but I am several years older and am against older men hitting on younger women.  She told me she really likes me too and doesn’tContinue reading “Tough Talk: November 1, 2024”