Tough Talk

Tough Talk,

I have a younger sister who has developmental disabilities and needs care givers.  My wife and I are successful, but with both of us retiring, we can’t offer the support that he had.  What do you think we should do TT?  (Hershey, Minnesota)

Candy Bar,

Unfortunately in America, you’ll have to end up dropping her off in a state institution.  It’s ugly, it’s bleak, but what other choice do you have?  It’s no different than Iranian nomads leaving their parents to die by the river when they are too old to travel.  Make no mistake, we are moving back to medieval times.  We all should have seen this coming.  I know I did.

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Tough Talk,

I really like my dentist and his staff.  They are really a wonderful bunch of folks.  Do you have any ideas as to how I can show my appreciation? (Presidio, Alabama)

PDiddy,

I suggest you give them all little toiletries and dental products especially in travel size and in little cutsie-poo bags.

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Tough Talk,

My sister-in-law and I are very close.  We both have children and she has asked if it would a problem if she named her son Marcus.  My first response was that it was okay, but my son is named Mark and people may confuse them.  I asked her to not name him this, but it’s the only one she and my brother agree on.  What do you think I should do? (Quantico, Wyoming)

Quticle,

You obviously did not grow up in a big Italian or Spanish family.  I think you’re being ridiculous for even worrying about something as stupid as that.  Get a grip and a life.

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Though Talk,

My husband is a motorcycle aficionado and mechanic.  He promised that after he fixed up his current six or seven bikes, he would stop repairing them because I really want the space for my doll collection.  And just when he had gotten rid of the last one, he brings home four more with two to follow.  He totally lied to me TT.  What should I do? (Bragg, Florida)

Bragg,

This sounds like a tough one, but you of course have to take action.  You can’t let this slide.  If you have the ability, you need to continually sabotage his repairs.  You might try donating them to a local charity when he is not home.  And of course, readers of TT will know the love for racing stripes on things using cans of spray paint and other creative ideas.  Always an improvement just when he finishes a project.  Be creative.

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Tough Talk,

My girlfriend and I are close and we spend a lot of time together.  I was recently at a party and realized how much I miss hanging out with my friends and mocking out various authority figures.  I had a blast and everyone wants to do it again.  However, I know my girlfriend is going to dump water on the fire so to speak.  What should I do?  (Willowbend, Indiana)

WillowB,

Tell your girlfriend if she doesn’t like it to go outside and stand on her head  against a tree for support.  Talk about being a buzz, killjoy or stick in the mud. I would never tolerate anyone interfering with my social life and that goes for probation officers, judges, loan sharks and other common criminals.  Get some back bone buddy.

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Tough Talk,

At a recent family reunion,  my uncle’s favorite bandanna was given to me instead of his daughter.  I’m not sure why, but he wanted me to have it instead of her.  She was furious and came up and grabbed it out of my hands.  I could have played tug of war and probably would have won, but didn’t want to make a scene.  Was this a good idea TT? (Knox, Minnesota) 

Knox,

No it was not.  When we were kids and this happened, I would let go at the proper time allowing the other person, usually my younger brother, to fall back and hopefully hit the ground with a minor injury. That’s what you should have done. But so what, the question is what do you do now?  The Irish have a saying, “Don’t get mad, get even,” and that’s what you’re going to have to do.  Otherwise, you are a complete coward and squid.  Let me know what you come up with. 

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Tough Talk,

I am a God fearing and decent person with two adult children.  I have a rule and that is I do not allow my adult children to have their girlfriends stay overnight, even if one will sleep in the attic or garage.  Do you think this is too harsh or consistent with my values?  (Austin, Maine)

Austy,

How the hell would I know?  The fact is if they want to knock boots, they’ll figure out a way to do it.  Rule or no rule.  Why even bother with such errant nonsense?

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Tough Talk,

My oldest daughter just started grammar school and one of her friend’s mother is just the snottiest piece of crap you would ever not want to deal with.  Arrogant, condescending and of course stupid as a post with the easy insult or hostile remark.  And it looks like I’ll be dealing with her for the next several years at least.  What do you think I should do TT? (Albright, North Carolina)

Albright,

You need to put this woman in her place and need to do this immediately.  Start thinking of come back lines and your own burns and put-downs like, “At least so and so doesn’t act like a pig,” or “at least no one hates the “guy/woman like some people around here.”  Don’t be afraid to tell her off even if it’s in front of the kids.  It will be a good learning experience for them.

Tough Talk,

My daughter has two young daughters.  She and her husband have both really worked hard to become successful.  However, her husband is no longer friendly and outgoing and has become a different person, being cold and distant with my daughter and grandkids.  He recently bought a boat for almost $100K and acted like it was no big deal and never told anyone.  It’s now in the driveway taking up space.  My daughter and I think it’s a selfish action, but aren’t sure what to do.  What do you think TT?  (Dale, Nevada)

Dale,

I would immediately confront the husband for making such a ridiculous purchase without your daughter’s approval.  Who does he think he is?  If he does not return the boat for a complete refund, get a couple cans of spray paint and put some really cool racing stripes on his toy.  He sounds like a spoiled brat and you need to take the bull by the horns on this one. Don’t be a gutless toad and cop out.

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Tough Talk,

My boyfriend and I have been invited to a surprise birthday party for a good friend of ours.  There are rumors that her boyfriend will pop the question.  We’ve been asked not to say anything so as not to ruin the surprise.  The thing is, she really doesn’t like the guy.  He smells, is rude to people and just gets off on bragging about himself.  What do you think I should do TT? (Raintree, Colorado)

Raintree,

As I see it, you have two options: (1) Blow the surprise and tell her what is going to happen or (2) Sit back, play along and hope your friend rejects him at this “party”.  That will be a delightful outcome to this guy’s plans.  Personally, I’d tell her everything.  What type of friend are you if you don’t?

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