Author Archives: Tough Talk: An Advice Column

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”

Tough Talk, I love my wife and we have been together more than I care to admit.  During most of this time, she has always had some type of pet.  Whether it’s a hamster, gerbil, rat, mouse, ferret, she just loves these creatures.  She promised that after the current round bit the dust, she wouldContinue reading “Tough Talk: June 5, 2024”

Today is an important day for friends and family. Please take a moment, say a prayer and support the ones closest to us! Life is too short!

Tough Talk, I am of modest means, but have succeeded in my business and am doing quite well. I really enjoy giving friends and family gifts, but don’t seem to get the response I expect.  I want to be generous but don’t want to offend anyone either.  What should I do TT? (Northumberland, South Carolina)Continue reading “Tough Talk: June 3, 2024”

Tough Talk, I love my husband, but now that our youngest is at school I want to return to work and pursue career options.  He is derisive and condescending explaining that it’s an awful idea to make some money and get out of the house.  He is down-right patronizing, but I’m not sure what toContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 24, 2024”

Tough Talk, Recently I had a slight cold which made me sneeze regularly for a couple weeks.  Everyone was sympathetic and pleasant about this except for one coworker who got upset and demanded warnings and other proof for his safety.  It was to say the least, very embarrassing.  What should I have done TT? (NewContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 23, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a group of friends that I met through a power-enhancement approach to our lives.  I love getting together with them, but it always happens that I have to jump through hoops to schedule a night out. Otherwise, no one would show up or do anything.  I feel like I’m being takenContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 22, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a dear friend who regularly is insulting and finds fault with most everything I do.  But what she really harps on is my weight issue.  She has always been skinny as a post and is happy to make snide remarks about me and my husband.  I’m not sure what to doContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 21, 2024”

Tough Talk, I have a good friend whose mother is going into the hospital for some minor surgery.  I feel bad, but don’t want to overdramatize this situation.  What do you think I should say? (Connelly, Minnesota,) Connie, Tell her not to get ripped off, that’s the best thing I can tell you.  The medicalContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 15, 2024”

Tough Talk, My brother is dying of cancer and I have been taking care of them for the past three years.  I don’t mind, but I’m finding that really need some time to myself as I have no friends or family in this area.  I’ve talked to his girlfriend about helping out, but she saysContinue reading “Tough Talk: May 14, 2024”