Dear Readers: On March 16, I shared a letter from “Mother of Three,” who lost her daughter five years ago and felt unsure about how to respond when people ask, “how many children do you have?” A number of readers wrote in with thoughtful and empathetic suggestions. I’d like to share four with you today.
Dear Eric: I am hurt and bewildered since they were at our home only a few months ago and they speak to my husband weekly.
Dear Eric: In two months, there will be a memorial service for this woman. Her daughter has written to me, asking if I could be one of the eulogizers. To be honest, I truly had no intention of even attending the event.
Dear Eric: I am a 62-year-old woman engaged to a 59-year-old man. He is my best friend. The problem? His 25- and 29-year-old daughters do not work or contribute to the household at all. They stay up all night and play games and sleep all day. Thankfully, I have my own home. I refuse to marry him until these “lumps” move out.
Dear Eric: I have been in a second marriage for 15 years. For the past few years, I have been concerned that my second husband’s story about his first wife may be untrue.
Dear Carpooling: At the risk of overanalyzing, I wonder if there’s a part of you that thinks it’s uncharitable to ask for reimbursement from a friend.
Dear Eric: How should I let the owner know his soggy fries are running me off?
Dear Eric: I opened up the door to the boys’ room and was shocked and horrified. My younger boy was bound with his hands behind him and duct tape over his mouth.
Dear Eric: I love my job but there is another employee there who likes to confide their life stories with me. It makes me upset and uncomfortable. I am a very compassionate person, but these stories are sad and depressing, which upsets my workday.
Dear Eric: Recently, it was “assumed” by my husband’s family that we would host a gathering for some out-of-town relatives. We have a better house for entertaining.