Short Answers

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

 

FINAL GOTCHA

Dear Short Answers:
My sister and I have always had a friendly rivalry about which one of us our mother liked the best. When mom passed away a few months ago she gave all her money to the local library. Do you think she did this because she didn’t like either of us?
#1 Sister

Dear #1:
Yes. There are probably other explanations but we are going with yours.

 

SUSPEND DISBELIEF

Dear Short Answers:
My husband and I recently decided that we should start having a family.  But given the horrible state of the world today we are having second thoughts.  Do you think it is selfish of us to have a child when the world is in such turmoil?
Mom2B

Dear Mom2B:
Just exactly when do you imagine that the world was NOT in a state of turmoil?  Parenthood has always been, and will always be, an act of great courage and hopefulness.

 

TRUTH WILL OUT

Dear Short Answers:
There is an employee at work who has been taking many, many “sick” days recently. I just found out that she hasn’t really been sick. Friends have actually seen her out and having a good time when she claims to have been sick in bed. Normally, I would say this is none of my business. But when she is out sick, her work falls on the rest of us and we have to work double shifts (I work in a restaurant) and overtime. In this job, you can’t say “no” or you might get fired. Under these circumstances, do I have the right to tell my boss what has been going on?
Working Hard

Dear WH:
If you know, chances are the boss does too. Bosses know these things. He is probably looking for her replacement as we speak.

 

THE LADY OR THE TIGER OR A NAP?

Dear Short Answers:
After 20 years of marriage, how do I tell my spouse that I’d like to have sex with other women? It has nothing to do with her but as I get older, I feel like I haven’t explored enough sexually and time is running out. Should I do this secretly or do you think I need to tell her first?
Curious

Dear Curious:
We hear you fella, but maybe you should just sleep this one off.

 

MODERN LOVE RITUALS

Dear Short Answers:
Do I have to buy a present and go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day? I hate having the calendar tell me when I’m supposed express affection. I feel like a lemming – with roses in my teeth.
Reluctant Sweetheart

Dear RS:
We hear you. And the same goes for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, but ignore them at your own risk. Maybe you would feel better about it if, instead of the expected dinner and something with hearts, you figure out a more personal way to say you care. A friend of ours is preparing a music mix that says he cares, another is planning a picnic — in her living room!

 

NOT SEASONAL

Dear Short Answers:
My dog is getting fat. Maybe it’s winter weight?
Ron

Dear Ron:
The answer is less food, more exercise. Just like for the rest of us.

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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