Dear Eric: Nearly eight months ago, my 81-year-old brother lashed out saying hateful and hurtful things about our youngest sister. At the time, I suspected he was drunk and probably frustrated from the repeated episodes of our sister’s illnesses and problems, some of which have been caused by her own serious eating disorder, depression and occasional binge drinking.
Dear Eric: I’m close friends with one of my sisters-in-law but not the other, Betty. Betty and I used to be close until jealousy came between us. She was jealous that her brother and I were the first to get married, have kids and reach other milestones. She is also very sensitive, so I’ve felt like I need to walk on eggshells, especially after she confided to my husband that she thinks I complain too much. In short, I don’t feel like I can share my joys or my struggles with her.
Dear Eric: I am a 55-year-old single female. I often get asked out on dates with men that I am not interested in. I recently met a man, and we have been going on great dates. I really enjoyed hanging out with him until his sister-in-law came to me and said things like, “don’t like him; don’t catch feelings for him. Just have fun with him and get what you can from him.”
Dear Eric: My daughter got married a year ago and decided to have a wedding with immediate family members only due to the huge family on the groom’s side (the wedding was still about 100 people). It was planned on the West Coast (we are on the East Coast).
Dear Eric: One of my two daughters is getting married in a very small ceremony in August. It so happens to be on Labor Day weekend. Her sister and her fiancé’s sister are planning a brunch the following day to celebrate this union.
Dear Eric: The president of my religious institution is, in my view, a fine leader and a rotten speaker.
Dear Eric: I’m a happily married woman who talks to a gay guy that frequently walks in my neighborhood. We have so much in common. I recently gave him some plants from my garden, and we’ve texted a bit. Simply put, I enjoy his company. He seems receptive to starting a friendship with me. He said I could stop by his house sometime to chat. I sense that he’s nervous that I don’t know he has his partner living with him (I know he lives there). The last thing I want to do is make him or his partner feel uncomfortable in any way. Should I really stop by and introduce myself?
Dear Eric: My hubby and I are in our late 60s. Starting in our 30s, we had a large group of friends, with whom we spent many fun weekends together. It was so much fun, and we all treasure those days. All wonderful people, or so we thought.
Dear Eric: I am a woman in my 60s with six siblings. Our parents are in their early 90s and have raised us to be thoughtful and respectful. Many of my siblings are female and have always gotten along famously, traveling together on girls’ trips and seeing each other for holidays and family celebrations.
Dear Eric: I am in my 70s so I should know better. Almost two years ago I had to put my 13-year-old Yorkshire Terrier named Shorty to sleep. This broke my heart.