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A Bad Boss, Little Donald and Husband Troubles
QuestionFive of us once worked for an abusive boss. Complaints didn't work. We all eventually resigned or changed departments -- that finally forced higher-ups to send him for counseling. They then pronounced him cured. None of us ever heard an apology. Now, two years later, three people currently working under him say he's back to his old behavior. What can I do to stop him?
-- Fed Up
Dear Fed Up,
You do nothing but advise the three to do as you and your co-workers did -- take it up the line. After all, management did finally take action. Now they need to know that the cure didn't take and the guy is a repeat offender. Bullies can't be stopped unless the authorities know what's going on.
Question
My neighbor's six-year-old son comes by weekly to sell stuff. You name it, one cheap piece of junk after another. His dad brags that he's a little entrepreneur. I'm a businessman myself, and I like the kid. We give him gifts for Christmas and his birthday, but I don't think we should have to put him through college. How can we say no to the useless doodads?
-- Suckers Next Door
Dear Suckers,
Next time your little friend comes by with his pitch, offer him another way to earn cash: by mowing the grass, doing the dishes or performing some other chore. Repeat this each time he shows up, and see if the mini Trump is ready to be a real apprentice.
Question
After 35 years, we're empty nesters. I got a job I love and am involved in lots of activities. My husband has a dead-end job and no interests except TV. I feel like I'm wasting my life. Should I move in with my daughters?
-- Frustrated
Dear Frustrated,
Leave your daughters out of it. A good mom does not burden her kids with her unhappiness. You and the potato are in a rut. Get out! Plan a trip. Tell Hubby there's TV at the motel. Sit on a beach sipping fruity drinks with him, paddle a canoe or hike the trails -- rekindle at least one interest the two of you once shared. Say “Honey, we gotta lotta life ahead. Let's really live it together.”
Question of the Month
Mike&Megan -- That's the way we thought of them. Then Mike moved on. Megan was heartbroken. When the gang goes out, we still invite everyone and Mike brings his new girl. By the end of the evening, Megan is in tears. We don't want to break up the old gang. What can we do?
-- Broken Circle
Dear Broken,
There's a reason they call old gangs old. It's time to help Megan heal by separating her from Mike&Other. Your friends are going to have to make choices. Maybe you don't all have to be together all the time. Why don't you personally reach out to Megan? The truth is, the circle has been broken and you need to forge new links.
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