Dear Dr. Sadie,
There's a girl I like a lot, and I just don't have the nerve to ask her out. I think she's great, and I'd really like to be with her. But I just don't know if I can take it if I put myself out there and she says "no." What should I do?
- Unloved?
You should ask her out. You should say "could I hold your hand?" That's a very good idea. You should go out for pizza at the pizza store.
If she says "no" then you should find someone else to hold your hand. Maybe you can ask my friend, Acorny. He's my friend in the whole wide world. He lives in a trash can. He lives in Florida. He's a French man.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Bad Decisions
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I have had the same best friend for 45 years, since we were in the same kindergarten. We've had our highs and lows, but "Lola" seems to manufacture drama wherever she goes.
Lola is very flighty, and she makes terrible decisions. She gets involved with unstable men. She can't seem to hold a job. She is bad with money. Whenever something good does happen in her life, she sabotages it.
As a result, as we approach our 50th birthdays, she's alone with mountains of debt and a dead-end, hourly job, and I'm married with three kids who are in college or graduated, a great job, and no debt. I've patiently listened to her complain for years, and I've been very supportive. Lately, she's been resentful of my lifestyle. She's said many hurtful things.
I want to come back with comments about her current situation being a result of her choices, but it seems cruel. Should I let her have it? Should I cut off all ties? Should I remain her friend and let the barrage continue?
- Door Mat
You should get a different friend. Lola should apologize to you. She's not a very good friend.
You could look for a new friend. Babies come from bellies. You could look in a belly for a new baby to be your friend.
I have had the same best friend for 45 years, since we were in the same kindergarten. We've had our highs and lows, but "Lola" seems to manufacture drama wherever she goes.
Lola is very flighty, and she makes terrible decisions. She gets involved with unstable men. She can't seem to hold a job. She is bad with money. Whenever something good does happen in her life, she sabotages it.
As a result, as we approach our 50th birthdays, she's alone with mountains of debt and a dead-end, hourly job, and I'm married with three kids who are in college or graduated, a great job, and no debt. I've patiently listened to her complain for years, and I've been very supportive. Lately, she's been resentful of my lifestyle. She's said many hurtful things.
I want to come back with comments about her current situation being a result of her choices, but it seems cruel. Should I let her have it? Should I cut off all ties? Should I remain her friend and let the barrage continue?
- Door Mat
You should get a different friend. Lola should apologize to you. She's not a very good friend.
You could look for a new friend. Babies come from bellies. You could look in a belly for a new baby to be your friend.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Forget-me-not
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I have a little problem. My neighbor is a very nice man, but he is getting older and showing signs of dementia. He often confuses me with a previous neighbor, even though I moved into the house over 20 years ago. Still, he's a wonderful neighbor and a good person.
My problem stems from an incident this summer. His lawnmower broke, right in the middle of his mowing the lawn. He asked if he could borrow my mower to finish his lawn. I happily obliged. When he finished, he put my mower in his garage and didn't return it. I'm certain that he just forgot that it was mine, but I'd like to get it back.
This weekend, his family came around, and are discussing moving him into assisted living. I'm loath to bring up such a petty topic at a difficult time, but my grass is now knee high. What should I do?
- I See Tumbleweeds
You can get another lawnmower at the store. It will cost ten dollars.
You can go over to his house and say, "give me that lawnmower back." I can go over with my Daddy, and we'll ask too.
I have a little problem. My neighbor is a very nice man, but he is getting older and showing signs of dementia. He often confuses me with a previous neighbor, even though I moved into the house over 20 years ago. Still, he's a wonderful neighbor and a good person.
My problem stems from an incident this summer. His lawnmower broke, right in the middle of his mowing the lawn. He asked if he could borrow my mower to finish his lawn. I happily obliged. When he finished, he put my mower in his garage and didn't return it. I'm certain that he just forgot that it was mine, but I'd like to get it back.
This weekend, his family came around, and are discussing moving him into assisted living. I'm loath to bring up such a petty topic at a difficult time, but my grass is now knee high. What should I do?
- I See Tumbleweeds
You can get another lawnmower at the store. It will cost ten dollars.
You can go over to his house and say, "give me that lawnmower back." I can go over with my Daddy, and we'll ask too.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Trains that drool?
Note: Today's question comes from Ask Dr. Sadie's colleague, Dr. Jesse (her 5 year old cousin):
I have two questions. First, do you like trains? Second, I have a little sister who drools, what should I do?
- Dr. Jesse
Yes, I do like trains. I like Lego trains. I like moving trains.
Second, oh no! You should say "I'm sorry" to her. You should go to school with her and dance.
I have two questions. First, do you like trains? Second, I have a little sister who drools, what should I do?
- Dr. Jesse
Yes, I do like trains. I like Lego trains. I like moving trains.
Second, oh no! You should say "I'm sorry" to her. You should go to school with her and dance.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
How dare he?
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I'm 16, and a junior in high school. I get good grades, am responsible and never disobey my parents. It's my lifelong goal to get into an Ivy League college and become a doctor.
Recently, my father quit his high-paying job to become an artist and "find himself." He spends all day in his "studio," painting mediocre landscapes and "getting in touch with his muse."
We've had to seriously adjust our family lifestyle to accommodate him. I don't mind for the most part, but I am starting to doubt whether or not I'll make it to the Ivy League.
What should I do?
- The Crimson is Calling
Should you save a hundred dollars of money? Maybe you could try going to a different college - one that doesn't cost as much.
When you go to college, you can study lots of things. You can learn to take turns and share and sing songs and dance.
I'm 16, and a junior in high school. I get good grades, am responsible and never disobey my parents. It's my lifelong goal to get into an Ivy League college and become a doctor.
Recently, my father quit his high-paying job to become an artist and "find himself." He spends all day in his "studio," painting mediocre landscapes and "getting in touch with his muse."
We've had to seriously adjust our family lifestyle to accommodate him. I don't mind for the most part, but I am starting to doubt whether or not I'll make it to the Ivy League.
What should I do?
- The Crimson is Calling
Should you save a hundred dollars of money? Maybe you could try going to a different college - one that doesn't cost as much.
When you go to college, you can study lots of things. You can learn to take turns and share and sing songs and dance.
Monday, October 10, 2011
An Apple a Day?
Dear Dr Sadie,
I am 54 years old, and my husband is 57. We've been married over 30 years. It's been a good life. We raised our kids, who are now independent, and we are now living in our paid-off home. We're nearing retirement and looking forward to our golden years together.
Over the last six months, my husband has developed symptoms of some health problems. He's becoming more forgetful, and he's tired all the time. I think he may be showing signs of a real problem, but he insists that he's just getting older and there's nothing to worry about. He won't go to the doctor, no matter what I do.
I am worried that he's jeopardizing our hard-earned future together in the name of his pride. What can I do?
-Worried in Walla Walla
You should get a helper to bring him to the doctor. Maybe my friend Stella can help you to the doctor. She lives down the road. Maybe your Mama could help. Mama makes everything better. Maybe your son could help. Where does he live?
Was your husband an itty bitty baby once? Then you held him in your hand and you could take him to the doctor. Can you take him now?
I like going to the doctor. My doctor is very nice. Maybe your husband could go to my doctor.
(Singing): I like going to the doctor. I like going to the doctor. I like going to the doctor. Because I have a broken heart.
I am 54 years old, and my husband is 57. We've been married over 30 years. It's been a good life. We raised our kids, who are now independent, and we are now living in our paid-off home. We're nearing retirement and looking forward to our golden years together.
Over the last six months, my husband has developed symptoms of some health problems. He's becoming more forgetful, and he's tired all the time. I think he may be showing signs of a real problem, but he insists that he's just getting older and there's nothing to worry about. He won't go to the doctor, no matter what I do.
I am worried that he's jeopardizing our hard-earned future together in the name of his pride. What can I do?
-Worried in Walla Walla
You should get a helper to bring him to the doctor. Maybe my friend Stella can help you to the doctor. She lives down the road. Maybe your Mama could help. Mama makes everything better. Maybe your son could help. Where does he live?
Was your husband an itty bitty baby once? Then you held him in your hand and you could take him to the doctor. Can you take him now?
I like going to the doctor. My doctor is very nice. Maybe your husband could go to my doctor.
(Singing): I like going to the doctor. I like going to the doctor. I like going to the doctor. Because I have a broken heart.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Noisy vs Nosy
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I live in a lovely neighborhood. The streets are lined with elms and the houses are old Victorians with historical value. Most of my neighbors are lovely people.
Recently, a young, childless couple moved in. They immediately started "updating" the house with an outdoor hot tub, outdoor entertainment center, pool, lights and decking. They are in the process of painting the house purple. They are constantly throwing parties that are loud and last until all hours of the night.
Many of us in the neighborhood are sick of these people. They are ruining our neighborhood. What can we do?
The Historical Elm Street Neighborhood Association (est 1997)
You could make another neighborhood, somewhere else. It would look like a different neighborhood. You have more friends. What are their names? My friends are named Mata, Rata, Fata, Chalk and Eegah. I like Eegah the best.
You should not talk to the people in the new house. They are lousy. If you do talk to them, say anything carefully. They are lousy people.
I live in a lovely neighborhood. The streets are lined with elms and the houses are old Victorians with historical value. Most of my neighbors are lovely people.
Recently, a young, childless couple moved in. They immediately started "updating" the house with an outdoor hot tub, outdoor entertainment center, pool, lights and decking. They are in the process of painting the house purple. They are constantly throwing parties that are loud and last until all hours of the night.
Many of us in the neighborhood are sick of these people. They are ruining our neighborhood. What can we do?
The Historical Elm Street Neighborhood Association (est 1997)
You could make another neighborhood, somewhere else. It would look like a different neighborhood. You have more friends. What are their names? My friends are named Mata, Rata, Fata, Chalk and Eegah. I like Eegah the best.
You should not talk to the people in the new house. They are lousy. If you do talk to them, say anything carefully. They are lousy people.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Picky eaters
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I'm not sure if your expertise lies in child psychology or not, but I could use your help. My son (he's 2) will eat nothing but mac and cheese. We try to get him to eat healthy foods, but all he wants is mac and cheese. We're worried that he's not going to grow up into a healthy child. What can we do?
Worried Mama
You should go to the store and get some mushrooms. Mushrooms are tasty. I want to know if you have a cat or a dog.
Maybe another person could help you with him. Maybe they could help you feed him better foods. Stella could help you. She's my friend who lives down the street. Stella likes to eat pasta and jam, not just mac and cheese.
Your son should climb the monkey bars. You should help him. When you get home, he will be very hungry, and he will eat lots of foods. What do you think he would like to eat? He could eat butter and toast or some water.
I'm not sure if your expertise lies in child psychology or not, but I could use your help. My son (he's 2) will eat nothing but mac and cheese. We try to get him to eat healthy foods, but all he wants is mac and cheese. We're worried that he's not going to grow up into a healthy child. What can we do?
Worried Mama
You should go to the store and get some mushrooms. Mushrooms are tasty. I want to know if you have a cat or a dog.
Maybe another person could help you with him. Maybe they could help you feed him better foods. Stella could help you. She's my friend who lives down the street. Stella likes to eat pasta and jam, not just mac and cheese.
Your son should climb the monkey bars. You should help him. When you get home, he will be very hungry, and he will eat lots of foods. What do you think he would like to eat? He could eat butter and toast or some water.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
A Rose is a Rose
Dear Dr. Sadie,
I am very excited. My daughter-in-law is 8 1/2 months pregnant with my very first grandchild. She and my son are lovely people and will be great parents. The problem is the name.
My daughter-in-law wants to name the baby "Peace Hope Flower Moonchild." She's not even planning on giving it our last name. I know this kid will be the target of teasing for years to come, and it won't be carrying on our family legacy.
What should I do?
- Doting Grandma to be
I don't like that name. I think that baby should be named "Figgy," too. I have a cousin named "Figgy." With a name like that, she can be a famous dance classer like me, and she can dance all over the world.
I am very excited. My daughter-in-law is 8 1/2 months pregnant with my very first grandchild. She and my son are lovely people and will be great parents. The problem is the name.
My daughter-in-law wants to name the baby "Peace Hope Flower Moonchild." She's not even planning on giving it our last name. I know this kid will be the target of teasing for years to come, and it won't be carrying on our family legacy.
What should I do?
- Doting Grandma to be
I don't like that name. I think that baby should be named "Figgy," too. I have a cousin named "Figgy." With a name like that, she can be a famous dance classer like me, and she can dance all over the world.
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