From 
Del.icio.us
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Question
Whenever I have a family party at my house, one of my sisters-in-law refuses to carry a plate to the table or raise a finger to help. She sits and talks to the men and the older generation. She says she won't stoop to "patriarchal stereotyping." But the rest of us girls are slaving away in the kitchen and grumbling about her. What can we do?
-- Sweet Old-Fashioned Girl
Dear Old-Fashioned,
Tell the feminist you won't buy her talk if her actions end up alienating the sisters. But social change does take place between the kitchen and the table, the servers and the served. Maybe all the girls need to sit down with all the boys and see if there is a better way to share the work as well as the fun.
Question
Two of our co-workers have fallen head over heels, and the rest of us are tiptoeing around trying not to hear their giggles and whispers. Once, I walked in on them kissing in the coffee room. This kind of thing is only cute in the movies. The work is not getting done. The guy is the only man in our group (and he's hot!). Okay, maybe there's some jealousy involved, but no one wants to tell our boss and look like a gossip. Help!
-- Turned Off by Love
Dear Turned Off,
It ain't about love; it's a morale problem. First tell the lovebirds to stop pecking. If they can't stop, you have to tell the boss. It's not gossiping if it's a productivity issue -- and this sounds like one. Plain and simple: There is no room in the workplace (coffee room or otherwise) for smooching. One of these professionals needs to be sent to another department. As for the jealousy factor, well, good for you for owning up to it. Now, get back to work!
Question
Once my kids roll off the bus, they're on the computer or watching television or lying on the couch with cell phones in their ears. Seems that kids are either in the school sports farm system or they're couch potatoes. Mine aren't fat yet, but I'm worried. Why don't kids go out to play today?
-- Doubtful Dad
Dear Dad,
You neglected to say what you are doing with your leisure time. What example are you setting? I urge you to go out and play with your kids. Shoot some hoops with them. Or plant a garden. Go for a bike ride together. Take a nature walk around town. Don't just organize the parade -- lead it!
Question
Kids in my ninth-grade class play "touching games." You can guess what that means. I've refused to play, so I've earned the nickname "nun." Their taunting hurts and I'm tired of being called names. How do I deal with this?
-- Sister No
Dear Sister,
With courage and conviction because you're right. The rule for life is: Never let others touch you -- or force you to touch them -- in ways that make you feel uncomfortable. If kids call you names, shrug it off. For support, find friends who believe as you do. It's your body and your heart -- take good care of them.
Question
I have a four-year-old who has Down syndrome. My older sister has four wonderful kids without disabilities. She's always been competitive, and her toddler is already passing my son developmentally. For example, I mentioned I was starting to potty train my son, and she began bragging that her youngest already uses the potty. This sort of response happens a lot. Should I tell her these sorts of comparisons hurt my feelings?
-- Sensitive
Dear Sensitive,
You should absolutely tell her your feelings are hurt. She's being a dolt and needs to know it. If she must compete with you, tell her you'll meet her on the tennis court or at some kind of bake-off. But demand she leave the kids out of it. Then return to your good work of loving and protecting your son.
Advertisement 
Your Comments
See all
...