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Asking Eric: Is it unreasonable to expect husband’s family to support me in my grief?
I have not mentioned this to my husband as he and his cousin are close. She and her husband are retired and seem to do a lot ...
Asking Eric: For the first time in five decades of marriage, husband says, ‘I don’t want to talk about it’
DEAR ERIC: My husband of almost 57 years said to me for the very first time “I don’t want to talk about it.” He is 77 and I ...
Asking Eric: I was asked to speak at funeral of former colleague I didn’t even like. Must I accept?
The kindest thing – for both of you – is to tell her that you’re grateful to be asked but you don’t feel comfortable ...
Asking Eric: Niece’s wife is an ‘emotional hostage taker’ and I need to do something
Dear Better: There may be more to it, but it sounds like many of the events when your patience is tested are family social outings. So, you might take a book from your niece’s wife and start to think ...
Asking Eric: I’m engaged to a wonderful man, but won’t move in until his ‘lump’ daughters go
In their 20s, they do not work or contribute to the household at all. They stay up all night and play games and sleep all day ...
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Asking Eric: In-law’s demands test family patience
I would like to get along better with my niece's wife, and I'm hoping you might offer some strategies. The wife's a nice ...
Asking Eric: What do I say to friend who’s clearly avoiding dealing with a medical issue?
When a mentally competent adult refuses medical care, sometimes the only option is to listen and validate their feelings.
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Asking Eric: Professor asked to eulogize difficult former colleague
I am retired after 40 years of teaching at the same institution. Recently, a former colleague of mine died. I was never close ...
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Asking Eric: My pushy in-laws assumed we would host, then they took over the family gathering
They have always been a little “pushy,” but I have either made light of it or ignored it. For some reason this has really ...
Asking Eric: I’m happy to help a friend, but not for free
In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who isn't sure how to ask a friend to reimburse them for ...
Asking Eric: I’m starting to suspect my husband lied about his first wife
Dear Eric: I have been in a second marriage for 15 years. For the past few years, I have been concerned that my second ...
Asking Eric: I don’t want to speak at a funeral service
In today's Asking Eric column, R. Eric Thomas responds to someone who was asked to speak at a funeral they didn't even plan ...