Short Answers

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

WHAT?

Dear Short Answers:
I have several friends who are hard of hearing. They have hearing aids but, of course, those things don’t always work. Consequently, they have a tendency to get very close to you so that they can hear what you are saying. Right now, that behavior makes me very nervous. Even when I speak loudly, they lean in to hear what I am saying. I think that people with hearing difficulties feel pretty isolated on a regular day so I don’t want to avoid them or walk away. But how do I keep us all safe and STILL be polite and understanding?
Six Feet of Distance

Dear Distance:
Ask them to turn up the volume.

SHELTERING IN PLACE: THE COST

Dear Short Answers:
Even before the virus, my boyfriend and I were planning to split up. And now our relationship is even worse. The problem is that now is not a good time to be looking for a new place to live especially since I don’t have a job and can’t really afford much of anything. The lease is in my BFs name and he pays all the rent. It’s a one-bedroom apt and we still sleep together so he still expects sex. When I complain he just tells me to move out which I can’t do. How do I convince him we should live together without having sex until I can afford to get the hell out?
Suffering in Place
Dear Suffering:
No one should have to submit to non-consensual sex. But it’s his apartment and his rules. If you don’t like them, get out. Hint: Get a job.

LEARNING HOW TO LEARN

Dear Short Answers:
I am debating about going back to school at age 44. I can do my studies in two years online or in 4 years in a classroom. I am dreading chemistry and I am frightened of computers. What should I do?
Stuck

Dear Stuck:
Your fear and loathing is your biggest obstacle — not the content. Pick the option that you think will help you with your anxiety, and get on with it.

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

Dear Short Answers:
I am actually enjoying the restrictions that the pandemic has required but no one wants to hear about it. Should I pretend I’m miserable like everyone else?
Loving It

Dear Loving It:
Goody goody for you. You don’t have to pretend, but you could turn down your jubilation

NOT FEELING THE LOVE

Dear Short Answers:
How do I know if a person that lives with me loves me like I do them and wants to progress in a relationship?
Roommate

Dear Roomie:
If you live with a person and don’t know how they feel about you this sounds like a problem. Perhaps you need to have a talk about your feelings, your need for how feelings are expressed, and your hopes for the future.

KEEPING IT ZIPPED

Dear Short Answers:
I love my girlfriend but I always have the temptation to cheat on her. What do I do?
Confused!

Dear Confused!
Just because you think about it, doesn’t mean you should do it.

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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