Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

Tough Talk, I have a friend from work who recently took another job out of the area, but she still has friends and family here and likes to visit them almost every weekend.  When she left, I told her she could stay with me and she is now taking advantage, helping herself to my refrigerator,Continue reading “Tough Talk: June 20, 2024”

Tough Talk, My best friend’s son is like a nephew to me.  He has met a wonderful young lady and they are both foodies and proudly so.  They have moved in with each other and are likely to be married.  His girlfriend looks great as she regularly exercises and eats and drinks in moderation.  ButContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 18, 2024”

Tough Talk, I love my wife and we regularly like to go out for some fine dining.  However, I was raised with manners and understand that there is a social function to all these sittings.  My wife, not so much, as she regularly forgets to place her napkin on her lap and to use theContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 17, 2024”

Tough Talk, I love my Dad, but I was just offered a job which I would really like, but requires travel and time away from the area.  My sister refuses to offer any assistance living close by.  I want to take it, but Dad says he’ll go to hell and degenerate into a pool ofContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 14, 2024”

Tough talk, My sister has two adorable children.  However, she spoils them in unhealthy ways, like feeding them ice cream whenever they ask for it and letting them fall asleep wherever they are and not sending them to bed. I’ve tried to talk to her about it, but she changes the subject. What do youContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 13, 2024”

Tough Talk, My daughter is having a wedding and I am in the thick of things handling all these issues for her.  I thought it would be a great idea to do some games for the guests like family trivia pursuit, charades or whatever.  Nobody seems to be interested, but I think it would beContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 12, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have niece who puts out cute little videos of her country-line dancing.  We helped her through college and getting her on her feet.  All our friends want to know how she is doing so we send out the little clips that she sends us.  Now, she is very angry and upset whenContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 11, 2024”

Tough Talk, One of my best friends from childhood is someone I care about a lot.  However, whenever she discusses me with her friends and family, she exaggerates and embellishes things I have said or have done which seems to be a way for her to make fun of me and act superior.  I’ve triedContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 10, 2024”

Tough Talk, My brother is younger than I am, and after years of being apart, we have started to meet and talk regularly.  He has a husband and often wants to bring him along.  I have nothing against gay people, but it is a new experience.  The problem is, I just don’t like the guy. Continue reading “Tough Talk: June 7, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have two brother and four sisters.  I moved from the northeast to the southwest with my husband for his work almost ten years ago.  We have visited my family several times and have four of my siblings visit several times.  However, a sister and a brother refuse to visit as if weContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 6, 2024”