The Price Of Things

 

By Jeff Johnson And Paula Forman

 

Dear Short Answers:
I’m at an age (let’s just say over 60) where I just don’t feel like being nice to people I don’t like. Or going to a party with a bunch of boring geezers. My husband says that I’m turning into a cranky old lady. I think I’m just being honest and true to myself. What do you think?

No Sweetie

 

 

Dear Sweetie:
No doubt you are both right– you are being “honest and true to your self” and perhaps you are getting cranky. The question is, are you OK with being “honest” but alone.

NOT ALL QUESTIONS REQUIRE AN ANSWER

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
I recently had some minor cosmetic surgery and all my friends have told me how great I look and ask me, “What’s your secret?” Should I tell them the truth or make something up? I hate to lie, but I don’t think it’s any of their business.

I Feel Pretty

 

 

Dear Pretty:
Ain’t nobody’s business but your own. Say whatever … a good night’s sleep … or just smile.

LUCKY BOY

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
What do you think about taking a gap year between high school and college? My son wants to spend a year in Europe which we can afford. But I’m afraid that he won’t eventually go to college if he stops going to school and enjoys himself too much. How do I give him this bit of freedom but make it miserable enough so that he goes back to school?

Nervous

 

 

Dear Nervous:
For most kids, a gap year is a great growing up thing.  And most parents share your fears.  Our advice is to tell your son you have every confidence in him and that you respect his choices but you will provide modest living expenses for 12 months only.  Then stick to both parts — modest and 12 months. Hopefully, his college choice is squared away BEFORE his year abroad.  So hard to assemble applications and so easy to miss deadlines while “traveling.”

MEAN OR SPIRITED?

 
Dear Short Answers:
I recently got married for the second time and one of the gifts I received from a close friend was a very expensive silver frame with a photo of me and my evil ex-husband. I’m not sure what to make of it. Should I just write a thank-you note for the frame and ignore the photo? Was it a mean-spirited joke? Or just mean-spirited? I can’t stop thinking about why a person would do such a thing. Don’t tell me to ignore it because I can’t. I want an explanation!
Angry

 
Dear Angry:
If you want an explanation, you must ask for it! We encourage you to tell your friend that you were hurt and confused and would like to know the intent of the gift.

IT’S CALLED “ENGLISH”

 
Dear Short Answers:
Do you think it’s possible for a man to dress in women’s clothing but still be heterosexual?
Tempted

 
Dear Tempted:
In a word, yes.

 

 

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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