Been There, Done That
Dear
Claire,
What
do you do when you bump into someone at the store (or wherever you
might be) that knows your name and about you, and you recognize
their face but nothing else? I hope that by pretending to really
know them, I will get some clues as to who they are. Sometimes this
works, other times it doesn't. If I come right out and ask them who
they are, I am afraid of hurting their feelings. I feel really
stupid when this happens.
What
is the best way to handle this the next time this happens?
Feeling Stupid in Missouri
Dear
Missouri,
Girlfriend, this happens to me all the time.
If I
can’t place the person right away, I’ll just greet them warmly but
not prolong the conversation so as to avoid embarrassment for both
parties. It seems abrupt, but with practice you call pull this off
gracefully. Keep it casual, keep it friendly and keep moving.
Family Values
Dear
Claire,
I am
a Catholic as is all my family. I have been married to a Protestant
for about a year. He does not wish to change to Catholic and does
not believe in its teachings. I respect that. However, he wants to
raise our future children as Protestants.
What
should I do if neither one wants to change? Should I get a divorce
and avoid any future conflicts?
Unsure and married
Dear
Unsure,
Girlfriend, don’t you think divorce is a little extreme? He’s a
Protestant, not a devil worshiper.
If it
is a matter of church attendance, I guess the kids will tag along
with the parent who’s most active in his/her religious group. As
children grow, each parent can explain what he and she believes in,
explain that many people do not agree when it comes to spiritual
matters, and that respect, acceptance and tolerance are essential
for good family and community relationships.
Religion is very personal, and children eventually will make up
their own minds about their spiritual lives anyway. So, instead of
arguing about it, teach them the Christian values that both faiths
have in common and the kids will end up with a solid foundation over
which to base their future decisions.
Cross-Fire in Seventh
Grade
Dear
Claire,
I
have two friends whom I’ll call “Carla” and “Cindy.”
Carla recently wrote me note saying we can’t be friends anymore
because my problems annoy her and are a burden. Recently, she and
Cindy had a fight and Carla now wants me on her side.
What
do I do?
No Friend Anymore in Alabama
Dear
No,
Tell
them that you will NOT be pulled in the middle of their
spoiled-brat, little-girl crud. If they have a problem, they should
talk it over and leave you out of it.
By the
way, there are lot of ways in which a person can bring respect and
attention to herself. Do constructive things and hang out with
positive people and you’ll receive the attention, care and
friendship you deserve.
3050318505
|
