Short Answers / HIGHER MATHEMATICS

By Jeff Johnson and Paula Forman

 

Dear Short Answers:
My wife and I both work and make just about the same amount of money.  We both like our jobs but aren’t in love with them and we’d both like to retire by the time we are 60.  Since I’ve been doing mine longer, I think I should get to retire first.  She didn’t start working until our 3 kids were in their teens.  On the other hand, she thinks that she should get to retire first because she gave up seniority in her career in order to stay at home and raise kids.  We have calculated that I can retire at 62 (2 years past my ideal date) as long as she continues to work until she’s 65.  That seems fair to me but not to her.  What is a suitable compromise?
Ready

Dear Ready:
Perhaps you have forgotten that being at home and raising kids is work!  We think it would be nice to retire on the same day.  Do the math — both financial and emotional.

A LITTLE HELP, NOT A LOT

Dear Short Answers:
If you know two people at work who really seem to like each other but can’t get up the nerve to say anything to the other person (even though they’ve both confided in me), should you try to help them out and get things started? Or just let nature take it’s course? I think they would be perfect for each other!
Cupid

Dear Cupid:
Sure, why not give them a little push. Just don’t get too invested in the outcome.

DEMANDING FULL ATTENTION

Dear Short Answers:
Ever since my boyfriend got a job, he doesn’t seem to love me anymore. What should I do?
Peggy

Dear Peggy:
The one thing you shouldn’t do is act jealous of his job. Working is good. Having other interests is good. Maybe you should try it.

WE LOVE BOTH!

Dear Short Answers:
My husband and I have always loved to take adventurous vacations.  But now that we’re in our 60s, he’s not quite as adventurous as he used to be.  I still like to hike and cycle and kayak.  He would rather sit and watch the people go by.  Would it be wrong to start taking separate vacations?  I’m sure I could find a friend to go with me although my husband might just decide to stay home and watch TV!
Margie

Dear Margie:
We think separate vacations can be a great solution to this kind of issue, but maybe not all the time. If you can manage two a year — how about one solo adventure for you and another kind of journey together?

GAME OF HEARTS

Dear Short Answers:
Valentine’s Day is coming up and I don’t have a girl friend or a date. What do you suggest I go on that dreaded night all alone and by myself?
Lonely Heart

Dear Lonely:
We always thought that Valentine’s Day, like New Year’s Eve was for amateurs — however, if you are determined to go out, hold your head high, you may meet someone.

CULTURAL MISFORTUNE

Dear Short Answers:
Why is money so important?
$$

Dear $$:
Because people make it so.

 

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