Good Things Get Better Bad Get Worse

 

By Jeff Johnson And Paula Forman

 

Dear Short Answers:
I’m well past 50 years old, but my mother still has the ability to make me feel like an incompetent fool every time I talk to her. Nothing I do is ever right — or certainly not the way she would have handled something. Would it be wrong of me to simply stop talking to her? No matter how hard I try, our relationship just gets worse and worse every day.
Honey

 

 

Dear Honey:
We get it.  If you can walk away — do so. But given the power she apparently has over you, we doubt that this is a sustainable solution. Seek help.

WE CRY ‘FOUL’

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
I do a lot of traveling and like to take my dog with me. My dog is a little too big to stow under the seat on airplanes so I got a “Service Dog” certificate that lets me keep him at my feet without having to put him in a pet carrier. Technically, I guess I don’t “need” to travel with my dog, but my life is certainly a lot nicer when he’s along. Since the doctor I went to for the certificate was quite willing to give it to me, I don’t think I’m “breaking the law.” But friends tell me that it’s wrong to do this since I’m not really mentally or physically disabled. Are they right?
Love da Baby

 

 

Dear Love:
Perhaps you are not breaking the law (but perhaps your physician is) — it is about abuse of privilege and community. Your dog on board means someone else’s dog (whose owner may really be disabled) won’t be. There are airlines that allow dogs in the cabin for a fee, and those that provide climate controlled accommodations (also for a fee). We are very doggish and prefer traveling with ours as well, but claiming disability and free benefits that belong to others seems piggy, not doggish.

FASHION FORWARD

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
I moved here about five years ago from Atlanta.  I was taught to dress nicely wherever I go. But now that I live here, people tell me that I’m OVERDRESSED for everything. At first, I didn’t care what they said. But a couple of my friends have told me that it embarrasses them to be seen with me when they are wearing jeans and I am wearing a dress and stockings. Do I just ignore it? Find new friends? Or dress down like the rest of the heathens in this town?
Fancy Pants

 

 

Dear Fancy Pants:
How about splitting the difference. The long-term fashion trend has been to dress down. But we don’t think that means being sloppy, getting naked, or uninteresting choices. Try experimenting with a slightly more casual look without letting go of your standards. Might be fun.

WHAT’S CHEATING?

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
Why does my girlfriend lie to me about hanging out with other guys, then sneaks around to hang out with them. Is she cheating?
Confused

 

 

Dear Confused:
We don’t think cheating is only about sex. We think it is about dishonesty. What do you think?

SINCE YOU ASKED

 

 

Dear Short Answers:
What’s the best pick-up line to get a girl’s attention in a bar?
Joe

 

Dear Joe:

 

“Tell me about you…” Then listen! It’s a show stopper.

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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