Ask Maxy

 

 

Dear Maxy ,

I  met a guy at a social event  who cornered  me and told me  the saddest sob story  about his life .

 

I wanted to be nice to him , but it was the wrong setting  to have that type of discussion . Plus , I'm not a therapist . He was so persistant that he got  my card . I don't want to conutine  the conversation , though . I cannot help him  . He needs help .

When he calls , which I am sure he will , what should I say to him ?

Cornered

 

Dear Cornered ,

When this man calls  , tell him that  you think he deserves  to have a professional  help to support  him through this time in his life  . Admit  that  you do not  have the skills  to help him  . In the future  , if someone corners  you at an event  , you can end the conversation  . Say goodbye and walk away . If asked to get together privately  , just say you can't .

Maxy

 

Dear Maxy ,

In our small social group, the wives  insist on attending  a local social event  in which the husbands  have zero interest . When I suggest  politely  that the wives  go without us , they become irritated  and veto this plan .

 

I know a husband  who drags  his wife  to sporting events  where she wears earplugs  and reads a novel . Why do people insist  that their  spouses  attend  events whether  they want to or not ? Is it power  and control ? A test of one's loyalty ? Please urge your readers  to attend  these   things  with those that enjoy  them and allow  the rest of us  to bow out .

Resents Going

 

Dear Resents Going , There are myriad reasons that people do this  , although  some  simply want their spouses  to enjoy  what they do  and keep them company . I agree  that if it's the  same event  repeatedly , you shouldn't have to keep going  ... provided  your spouse  has someone  else  with whom  to attend .

Maxy

 

Dear Maxy ,

What do you think  of parents  who invite everyone  they know  to their birthday parties  for their  children  who are under 5 ? It's like Christmas in January , May and September , and  then it's Christmas .

Disgusted

 

Dear Disgusted ,

I find nothing unusual  here . These parents  are celebrating  their young children's birthdays and hoping  their friends and relatives  want to celebrate , too .

If you feel the gift giving  is too much , it's perfectly   okay to send regrets .

Maxy