Tough Talk

Dear Tough Talk,

I just learned that my “friend” Toby decided to blow me off and have nothing to do with me once she got her new job. I know this for a fact Tough Talk. I now believe that she was using me for a reference as we worked together years ago, but remained on good terms and got together regularly for drinks and gossip. However, her job isn’t working out as her supervisor is a nasty piece of work. Now all of a sudden she wants to hang out and go to dinner “to catch up,” like we’re the best of buddies after months and months of not hearing from her and ignoring my calls. This rubs me the wrong way although I did enjoy going out for drinks and dinner. What should I do TT? Should I let this slide?

(Sidewoods, Delaware)

Sidewoods,

Absolutely not! You should tell her to eat s*#! and go to hell. How dare she treat you like this and announce her decision to dump you as a friend to all your other friends. It sounds like she deserves what she’s getting. My advice is to accept her invitation and blow her off with no explanation or phone calls. When she does finally get a hold of you, tell her that you had cancel because someone really backstabbed you – hopefully she not stupid and will take the hint, and then hang up.

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Tough Talk,

My husband is a decent guy whose wife passed away a few years ago. Out of the goodness of his heart, he has allowed her brother to stay with us in the side room that we built with our own hands while ago. It was only temporary until he got on his feet, but he just mooches off us, watches tv all hours of the day, is loud and inconsiderate and I’ve noticed small, but sentimental and valuable items missing. When I ask if he’s seen something, he pauses, smirks and says no laughing like he did take it, but it’s a big joke. My husband refuses to address these issues claiming he’s depressed (which is just a copout for his rude behavior). What should I do?

(Chapman’s Bluff, IN)

CB,

It is clear that both your husband and his former brother-in-law are gutless, spineless toads.   I would wait for a clear sunny day when you are at home all day and he is out gallivanting around. First lock him out of this room and move his belongings to the curb or garage. You must show who is boss and refuse to tolerate this nonsense anymore and throw his ass out. Also, if for some reason you can’t do this, find other people to start hanging out in his space, maybe homeless people if possible, and he will get the message.

Send requests for advice to toughtalk1122@gmail.com

Tough Talk,

After many years of being single, I have met a man who has asked me to marry him. I said yes, but I’m concerned about his sister’s best friend who helps him with his two little children. She is really wonderful with the kids and they really like her too. She is selfless, decent and kind . . . until she sees me. Then she treats me like a pile of crap. Turns out, she tried to date my fiancé, but he wasn’t interested. I don’t want to interfere with the kids and her helping out. But when we’re married, I don’t want her behaving the way she does. What advice do you have TT? (Jewettsville, CO)

Jewettsville,

You need to do a couple things, one, tell your fiancé that she has to go. She can still see the kids, but she’s not be coming over the way she used to. Two, you got to tell her in no uncertain terms that you are going to marry him and not her and to give it up. Imply that she is still carrying the torch for him, whether it’s true or not. Finally, you tell her to watch her mouth and attitude or she is gong regret it. Say it as scary as possible, like a thug or something. If that doesn’t work, consider vandalizing her property.

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TT,

I was named a Robin [or insert Francis, Jody, Tracey, Beverly, Hillary, Dana] which I was told was a boy’s name but it was also a girl’s name and I was mocked out for it since I was a little kid. Sometimes I could hold my own and punch some kids in the face, but I also was laughed at. I’ve just learned that my nephew wants to name his first born after me. I am of course flattered that he would honor me as such, but I am also worried that his little dude will go through any crap. Should I tell them that it is a bad move and risk their rejection? What should I do TT? (Toogers, TN)

Toogers,

You should be flattered that they want to show you their kindness and respect by naming their child after you as ridiculous as it might sound. You may be surprised to know that I have never received such an accolade. Don’t be a dope and tell them the truth and that is a boy that has a girl’s name will go through grief (or any kid who has some weird name). They can do what they like, but it’s true and their child may grow to despise them.

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Tough Talk,

My father and I have never been close, but as he is getting older I have tried to get closer to him. He was cold and aloof, but his most recent wife, Toby-Ann has done her best to bridge the gap and I was really grateful to her. However, the Christmas card I sent this year forgot to include her. Toby-Ann called me and really chewed me out for the oversight. I know I made a mistake, but was rushing through them. She didn’t need to treat me so awfully. Should I apologize for my Christmas card? What should I do? (Reuther, New Hampshire)

Reuther,

Your father and his newest trophy wife have treated you awfully. You should wash your hands of them and tell them to take a long walk off a short peer. Your reaction should be pure rage and anger. And if you do have to talk to them, tell them in no uncertain terms how disgusted with them you are and that they are scum.   Don’t cop out.

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Send requests for advice to toughtalk1122@gmail.com

Tough Talk,

My best friend’s daughter has been up to no good.   She had an affair with her best friend’s husband and they kept it secret for almost a year. After getting discovered and a nasty divorce, she married this man and acts like she is some queen or something. Her husband is handsome and wealthy and it’s gone to her head. She has also been trying to get his father to change the will, but Dad isn’t going for it. (Can’t say how I found that out.) What should I do TT, I’ve got to see her at all these parties and family gatherings? (Rompey, Maryland)

Rompey,

You tell that young hussy in no uncertain terms that she may be impressed with her vile and odious behavior but you are not. You of course can only speak for yourself, but explain how immoral she is. You may also want to tell her new husband that she is nothing but a gold digger and that he’ll be sorry for having married this young trollop.

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Tough Talk,

I’ve been working at a company where I have given my best and always worked hard. If someone had to come in on the weekends or work late, I always did. I was finally promoted, but my supervisor has been icy since then. I believe she sees me as a threat, which is ridiculous because she owns part of the company and has a solid client base. Now, her niece has started working here and it seems that they’re trying to take away all my clients and undercut me. They also act like they’re hiding something from me and I’ve caught them whispering and I’m sure it’s about me. The niece makes snide remarks too that also seem to put my work down. What should I do TT? (Bayport, TX)

Bayport,

You must take immediate action and wait until the next time they pull something. Right after, put out a company wide email message or memo entitled BACKSTAB ALERT. Say exactly what you just said to me and make sure everyone knows what’s going on. Also, don’t send it to your supervisor and niece to see how long it takes them to find out. If they approach you, hold your ground. You worked very hard and shouldn’t take any nonsense.

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Tough Talk,

My husband died after succumbing to an unexpected illness. We worked at a company that is a leader in our industry and my husband was well-liked and respected. After he passed, the outpouring of sympathy and was overwhelming and inspired awe in me. It took me weeks to write to everyone who had expressed their feelings of loss. However, there was one friend that didn’t say anything. My husband helped his career enormously and after receiving years of training and grooming, he went to work for a competitor. It happens but we tried to stay in touch as we really liked him. But he never returned our calls. I am surprised and hurt that he did not reach out to me and our family as I know he found out. Should I tell him my feelings or just forget it? I will see him at trade shows or other events. (Grampus, Michigan)

Grampus,

You should realize that this so-called friend and colleague was nothing more than a backstabbing piece of manure. Take it in stride that there are people who don’t give a damn about anything other than themselves. However, if you feel so compelled to take action and express your feelings, the next time you see him say hi and when you say goodbye pretend, as an afterthought, that your husband left a large envelope with a lot of important papers addressed to him and marked Privileged & Confidential and you think it might be related to a huge deal he was working on. I was going to throw them away, but wanted to know if he wants it. If he takes the bait, jerk him around as long as you can. (You misplaced the envelope, too busy, etc.) And then you finally send him a package of newspapers with a large note, “F&*!! YOU **&$%#@.”

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Tough Talk,

My youngest brother recently passed away. He was a good man and always helped me when I needed it. He had been staying with his granddaughter and her boyfriend. He was not happy, but it was tolerable. He had many photos and papers like letters from our parents which have only sentimental value. I asked his granddaughter for these belongings and even offered to make copies if she wanted them for herself. When I called her she was really rude and even hung up on me. Tough Talk, she has stuff from our childhood. What should I do?   (Higgins Port Iowa)

HP,

I would march over to her home and loudly bang on the front door. Tell her to give her your brother’s stuff or you will raise a s!*t storm the likes of which she has never seen. Also, if you have some people who can be intimidating, bring them along as well. You may also want to report the belongings as stolen property. Be creative, but you can’t walk away from this.

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Send requests for advice to toughtalk1122@gmail.com

Tough Talk,

My wife has a hearing problem and is deafer than a door nail. I finally convinced her to get some hearing aides and they work well. The problem is, she just doesn’t want to wear them and we just don’t communicate as even when she’s looking right at you, she just doesn’t know what I’m saying. What should I do to get her to wear the hearing aides? (Lord’s Corner, MO)

LC,

Are you sure your wife has a hearing problem? It sounds like it might be all an act to ignore you because she doesn’t like what’s coming out of your mouth. You must consider the possibility. If that is the case, you may just want to keep your mouth shut.

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Send requests for advice to toughtalk1122@gmail.com