Short Answers

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

THERE BUT FOR FORTUNE

Dear Short Answers: I’m one of the lucky people who still has a good job. Unfortunately, a lot of my friends have been laid off–not once but several times. So when we get together, all I hear is complaining about not being able to find a job or pushing me to help them network – even though I’ve done about all I can. It’s boring and tiresome. How do I tell them to shut up and try to have a good time when we’re together? Because if they don’t, I just won’t see them anymore. Sparkie

Dear Sparkie: Yes, listening to other peoples’ problems can be tiresome – especially when you want to party. But we really hope your winning streak continues, because if it doesn’t, you could be in for a rough and lonely ride.

 

HARD TO SAY

Dear Short Answers: I have a neighbor who is so straight and so married (he has 5 kids) that I never gave it another thought (having sex with him I mean). But all of a sudden, he has started to come over to have a beer or just talk. When I asked him why, he said that he just likes time away from his family but I think he’s flirting with me. Do you think it’s possible that a happily married mad with 5 kids could be gay? Or at least gay curious? Curious, Too

Dear Too: Yes, he could be gay. Or he could be resting from his wife and all those kids … or both.

 

JUST SAY “NO”

Dear Short Answers: There is a person in town that I know very casually who has invited me to her home for dinners and parties and brunches and just about every occasion you can think of.  I don’t really want to get to know her better so I have declined every invitation. I have made up all sorts of excuses but now I’m thinking I should just be honest and tell her to stop inviting me.  Do you think that honesty is the best policy in this situation? Don’t Wanna Go

Dear Don’t: We kicked this one around and came out here: No reason to be so blunt. Keep declining.  Eventually, she will get the message. However, there is the chance you are making a mistake and going once to a group gathering doesn’t seem so risky either.

 

THE CHARM OFFENSIVE

Dear Short Answers: There’s a girl I work with that I’d like to ask out on a date. Every time I suggest that we get together, she tells me that she likes me, but doesn’t want to date anyone she works with. How can I convince her that’s a stupid rule and we should at least go out ONCE and see if we like each other? DAP

Dear DAP: This is not a “convince” — this is a seduction. Be charming, tease, cajole, tell her you agree in principle (who doesn’t) but just this once — for coffee, brunch, whatever you can score. This is step #1 in romance.

 

MATTER OF TASTE

Dear Short Answers: I try to be open-minded, but don’t you think that women SHOULD NOT get tattoos? It just looks slutty to me. Bill

Dear Bill: Disagree  … we think they are sexy.

 

Life is complicated. “Short Answers” isn’t.

 

Send a question about whatever is bothering you to [email protected] or go to www.shortanswers.net and a psychologist and sociologist will answer. A selection of the best questions will be printed every week in KonkLife.

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