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Questions about pets, parents, partners or office politics? E-mail Jeanne Marie Laskas at advice@rd.com Sending gives us permission to edit and publish.
Question
I always read stuff about how awful and uncommunicative men are. Well, how about all those women who won't shut up? I work in
an office. The men come in, sit down at their desks and go to work. The women go to the water cooler and yak. Morning, lunch and every break. Then they're on the phone with their families and friends for hours. What do you have to say about that? Lots, I bet.
-- Silent Type
Dear Silent,
Personally, I like the strong, silent type of man -- but I definitely enjoy the communicative ones like you! As for those yaks at the water hole, if they get their work done and aren't gossiping about you, what's your beef?
Question
My sister, an alcoholic, wasn't taking good care of my mother, who's 87. We brought Mom to live with us. Now she doesn't remember how my sister took advantage of
her and her money. I want Mom's remaining years to be happy, but she's worried about my sister and talks about moving back to be with her, and accuses me of being jealous. How can I tell her no without running down my sister?
-- Good Girl
Dear Good,
If your mother can make reasoned decisions, she's entitled to do what she wants, whether you agree or not. If she can't, you can hire an attorney to have your mother
declared incompetent and you appointed her guardian. But that's a drastic step that could irreparably damage relationships. My advice is to proceed with caution and engage your family clergy and a doctor to guide you over this rough terrain.
Question
I worked 30 years in a job where I was required to wear
a uniform. Now that I'm retired,
I like to dress up and keep in style.
I enjoy looking nice when I go to lunch with the girls. But it hurts
me when some of them say I'm showing off. How can I respond without being rude?
-- Classy
Dear Classy
Enjoy your new wardrobe, girlfriend! You should be celebrated, not scorned. A true pal would be applauding. Sounds to me like a few of these so-called friends should go the way of the uniform: in the hamper.
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