Dear Eric: Our home has become so full that we only have paths to go from one room to another. Stacks of boxes and bags and collections surround the paths. Despite this, I attempt to clean and vacuum this house, mostly on my own.
Dear Eric: Several months ago, a friend’s boyfriend broke up with her. She is devastated over this as she loves him very much. Even though he treated her very poorly by saying she is stupid and is an embarrassment, she still loves him.
Dear Eric: I took a job in DC at the behest of my close friend, who also invited me to live with her. She said she was retiring and moving back to her Midwest hometown. She offered to rent her townhouse to me for a really reduced rate while she’s in transition. Well, not only is she not making any attempts to move, but she also comments on my eating choices and constantly gives me unsolicited advice.
Dear Eric: I’ve always had a close relationship with my mom and, for much of my adult life, I didn’t really have a life of my own away from her. In the last few years, I entered into my first serious relationship. We moved in together and had an on-again-off-again thing for a while and are now living separately.
Dear Eric: I took a DNA test with an ex. The child is five. My ex gave me issues about it for years but finally caved in. We remained friends. Now that it’s verified that I’m not the child’s father, what do I do?
Dear Eric: Helena is now in her early 40s. She does not know this, but there are two more letters. Jim asked me to give her one on her wedding day, the other upon the birth of a child. I don’t think either event will happen – my daughter is most determinedly single.
Dear Eric: We have sent the grandkids cards, asked them to various events, and sent weekly texts. Most go unanswered, as if they are entitled.
Dear Eric: I’ve seen email thanks from other employees for gifts and flowers they received from the company for births and minor illnesses, but I feel hurt and unappreciated that I didn’t receive even a sympathy card when my mother died.
Dear Eric: My husband and I live next door to a family that, when having work done at their house, tends to use low-wage, unlicensed workers. We found out they are getting their driveway repaved.
Dear Eric: Do I cut my losses, and just decline the lunch invitation that will come in five months, and be grateful to the universe for giving me this friend for my past? Or should I try to navigate the “I miss you, I’m worried about you, please want better for yourself, and please stop ignoring all your friends” conversation? Help!