Dear Carolyn • I lost my job last year in a field I loved. Now I am applying for positions I've never done before but hope I have something to contribute. The problem is, I'm terrified to the point I think I will fail and I'm being a fraud for even going down this path. I'm middle-aged and p…
Dear Carolyn • A close family member needs to quit smoking for serious health reasons and is finally ready to do so. Except I've already busted them cheating. I know it's really freaking hard to quit. I've never smoked and my "encouragement" too often comes across as guilting to this person,…
Dear Carolyn • My senior-year daughter has the best kids' bedroom and it is much better than the other rooms. This is not disputable or disputed. Senior will be going away to college next fall. Ninth-grade daughter is making the case that she should get Best Room when Senior goes. The girls …
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Dear Carolyn • My husband and I are in a game-night group that meets once a week. There are six couples. There is no standing day; each week we basically take a vote, and whichever day works best for the greatest number of people becomes the day. Everyone has jobs and kids, so scheduling is …
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Dear Carolyn • I have a lovely mother-in-law. She is an amazing grandmother, and we can rely on her to do what she says she will do.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Dear Carolyn • Recently I was walking through the park on a warm summer night, and I came to the long overdue realization that I judge other people in my own head.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Dear Carolyn • My friend “Kathy” is like a sister to me and would do anything for me. Her only problem is that she is really impulsive and has a bad temper.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Hi, Carolyn • My husband is insanely attached to his parents. They’ve been married 66 years and have four kids. He’s the only one who actually takes care of them; if we’re on vacation, he has to make arrangements for one or two of his siblings to come look after them. My husband is then cons…
Adapted from a recent online discussion.
Dear Carolyn • My husband is a chronic complainer. It’s his thing, and I’ve learned to ignore it over the years. About 90% of the time, his complaints eventually resolve themselves; i.e., the person quits, the weather changes, a flight gets rebooked, etc. Maybe not when he wants, but eventually.