Dear Eric: One of my best friends is a woman I introduced to my boyfriend’s brother. They married last October after knowing each other for about six months. My friend often confides in me about what’s happening in the marriage. She is sensitive about her husband’s relationship with his ex-wife and told him that he should only communicate with the ex-wife about their daughter.
Dear Eric: I have a strong desire to travel and visit new places. Is a nomad lifestyle a feasible option at my age, and what should I consider before embarking on such an adventure?
Dear Eric: I’m a woman in my late 40s, juggling a multitude of responsibilities that have left me feeling drained and overwhelmed. At work, I manage several teams and am constantly making high-pressure decisions. At home, I’m a dedicated mother to a tweenager; her father (my ex-husband) is rather uninvolved, placing a significant burden on me for our daughter’s needs. My current husband, while supportive, is embroiled in a contentious custody battle, turning to me for emotional grounding. My elderly parents, while healthy, depend on daily check-ins, which can be emotionally taxing. Even our pets seem to rely on me for comfort.
Dear Eric: I play in a community orchestra and sit next to a woman who sometimes comes to rehearsal smelling strongly of alcohol.
Dear Eric: My brother-in-law (never married, age 63) has been financially irresponsible as long as I’ve been married to his brother. He has accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in debts. He currently has no addictions, no mental health issues, but lives with his mother who is aging but continues to pay for his necessities. He gives his money away and people take advantage of him. His parents have always bailed him out and feel like he’s a victim. He has had steady jobs over his lifetime and gone to college – many reasons why he should have savings for retirement.
Dear Eric: The easy solution is to just not come back and not say anything. However, I believe I owe her more respect and appreciation than just ghosting her.
Dear Eric: Any ideas on how to approach a bossy elder sibling? This isn’t the first time she has co-opted an event, and we’re tired of the drama.
Dear Eric: I have a friend of about 10 years. We see each other three to four times a month. Frequently this is for a dog walk in a park or hiking trail. Also, we go to events, museums and dinner. My issue with my friend is that she frequently cancels at the last minute or is late. I am not that person. One could say I am a little OCD about timeliness and keeping my commitments.
Dear Eric: I told my husband I was done in our marriage during a marriage-counseling session close to nine months ago. This was our second round of marriage counseling. I have also done some therapy on my own. I have not taken any actions to indicate I’m done other than to occasionally remind my husband that I’m the one that wants out when he thinks things are harmonious.
Dear Eric: I have been married to my husband for 16 years and we have a wonderful, blended family. Our kids are now grown (ages 26-35). My husband’s first wife died of a drug overdose/swimming accident 23 years ago. They were in the process of a divorce at the time.