Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, I love my brother-in-law.  He is kind, decent and a recognized and gifted teacher.  Lately however, he is depressed and mopey because his school is going down the gutter.  With the kids acting out, the arrogance and stupidity of the newest crop of teachers, and the gross and utter incompetence of the administration,Continue reading “Tough Talk: October 31, 2024”

Tough Talk, I started dating this this really great guy and we are taking it slowing after both of us having  just gotten past bad relationships.  My sister is getting married and she more or less decided to go out of her way and invite him to the wedding.  The thing is, I think it’sContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 30, 2024”

Tough Talk, I recently changed my work station and now share an area with some really crazy characters.  We have a water dispenser and we all add to it as we use it.  However, as it is one person’s device, I gave him some money as a sign of appreciation, but just wanted to keepContinue reading “October 29, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a good friend who recently lost her sister.  They were very close and I called her with my support and offers of help.  And I’m embarrassed to say, I never followed up like I said I would and waited several months to get back to her.  Now she won’t return myContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 25, 2024”

Tough Talk, At my job I encounter a lot of travelers who have unique and interesting accents.  I can’t help myself and ask what type it is and most people are happy to tell me, but some people seem to be really offended.  How should I make sure that I don’t offend anyone TT? (Eden,Continue reading “Tough Talk: October 22, 2024”

Tough Talk, One of my aunts was fairly wealthy, but growing up, she barely acknowledged me even though she always doted on my sisters, gave them presents and attended all those milestones and events.  She totally ignored me.  She just kicked the bucket and left my Mom money to distribute.  Mom generously gave me aContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 21, 2024”

Tough Talk, I work really hard in a social services center and we sometimes have very bad days dealing with people who are also upset.  I tell my wife this when I come home, asking her to cut me a little slack, but she really starts ripping into me about trivial and mundane nonsense. It’sContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 17, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have met the man of my dreams and he feels the exact same way.  He’s been offered the job that he’s worked so hard for years, but it’s on the other side of the country.  The problem is, I need to keep a promise I made a long time ago: I checkContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 16, 2024”

Tough Talk, I was over at my sister’s for one of our regular get-togethers.  She told me that a lid’s handle to a pan had been broken.  I bought this X-mas gift for her years ago and she always uses it.  My sister-in-law was there and admitted that she had broken it, (probably in aContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 15, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a unique Irish name which is fairly long.  Some people change it to a nickname I really hate.  Making matters worse is the name that most people shorten it to the same name of a girl I went to high school with who was a bully and a snot  My sisterContinue reading “Tough Talk: October 11, 2024”